The Lillian Vernon Center for International Affairs at New York University presents a broad range of events in November including discussions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; United States government career opportunities abroad; continuation of its series of conversations with premier journalists; and screenings of classic political films. The Vernon Centerthe focal point for New York University’s commitment to global discoursebrings together people from the metropolitan area to discuss current events, engage in lively exchanges about critical issues, and consider contemporary global affairs in the context of history.
All events are free and open to the public and, unless otherwise noted, take place at the Lillian Vernon Center for International Affairs at 58 West 10th Street, New York, New York. Reservations are required. Please call the Center at 212 992-9091 for more information.
Wed, Nov 6, 6 pm Reception to Follow Discussion: International Careers: Practical Advice and Real-LifeExperience. Tonight’s discussion focuses on US Government Opportunities Abroad. Guests include Patrick Kennedy, US Ambassador to the United Nations for management and reform; David Mark, US ambassador and 34-year veteran foreign service officer; and Mark Minton, diplomat in residence, Powell Center for Policy Studies, City College. Moderated by Meg Heenehan, NYU adjunct faculty and director of Career Services, Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs. @ Lillian Vernon Center, 58 West 10th Street
Thurs, Nov 7, 6 pm Discussion: Tough Choices, Conversations on Global Politics & Policy Reception to Follow “Contested Territories: Looking Back at East Timor and Namibia, Looking Forward to Palestine” Shepard Forman, director of NYU’s Center on International Cooperation, leads a panel discussion on possible solutions to the still-raging Israeli-Palestinian crisis by drawing upon lessons learned from conflicts in East Timor and Namibia. Panelists include Tuliameni Kalomoh, United Nation’s assistant secretary-general for political affairs; Ian Martin, vice president, International Center for Transitional Justice; Ambassador Nancy Soderberg, vice president, International Crisis Group. @ Lillian Vernon Center, 58 West 10th Street
Tues, Nov 12, 6 pm Conversation: “Worldly Conversation: Perspectives from Globetrotters.” In a candid series that cuts to the heart of world affairs, Michael Kaufman, veteran New York Times journalist, talks with renowned correspondents and writers. This month Kaufman speaks with Serge Schmemann of The New York Times. Mr. Schmemann, a foreign correspondent for the paper since 1977, has covered such historical events as the last days of the Soviet Union, the Chernobyl disaster, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Yitzhak Rabin assassination. His latest book is Echoes of a Native Land: Two Centuries of A Russian Village. @ Lillian Vernon Center, 58 West 10th Street
Wed, Nov 13, 6 pm Film Series: Freedom Fighters or Terrorists? Three Perspectives from Classic Films. November features a screening and discussion of State of Siege, the story of an American diplomat in Uruguay kidnapped by terrorists because they suspect he’s teaching torture techniques to the local dictatorship. With Yves Montand. Directed by Costa Gavras, 1973, 119 minutes, with subtitles. This event is co-hosted by Dan Georgakas of Cineaste magazine. @ Lillian Vernon Center, 58 West 10th Street
Thurs, Nov 21, 1 pm Brown Bag Discussion: Report from the Field: Peace Process in Sudan Andrew Michels, a consultant, discusses whether the “Machakos Declaration” marks the first step toward real peace and end to Sudan’s 20-year civil war in which over two million people have died. @ Lillian Vernon Center, 58 West 10th Street