American Foreign Service Association’s Post

🇨🇦It’s not too late to join Reconnect with Canada: A Five-Week Civics Refresher 🇨🇦 Tonight is Week 3: Governance and the Division of Powers - Special Guest, former MP Gerry Ritz Learn more about the political structure that govern you so you can engage more effectively! Every aspect of our daily lives, from the roads we travel to the freedoms we cherish, is influenced by civic structures and decisions. Engaging with these processes isn’t just a right; it’s a privilege and a responsibility. For more info and to book: https://lnkd.in/g3AZRFG2

Today, the White House celebrates the 25th Annuversary of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI). President Biden and Vice President Harris celebrate the diversity of cultures, breadth of achievement, and remarkable contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities, while also recognizing the systemic barriers to equity, justice, and opportunity that still put the American dream out of reach for far too many AA and NHPI people across the United States. For more than three years, the Biden-Harris Administration has leveraged the full force of the Federal Government to ensure the promise of America for all AA and NHPI communities — including by issuing an Executive Order establishing the President’s Advisory Commission and White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI). https://lnkd.in/ebzN32bN

In the month of May we take time to reflect and celebrate the important contributions that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) have made in our shared history. Learn more @ https://lnkd.in/ekJTAAz #AAPIHeritageMonth

#NorthAmerica stronger when we work together. I attended the meeting of the #NorthAmericanForum in #Ottawa these past two days led by #Canada Co-chair Goldy Hyder, #US Co-chair #ThomasShannon and #Mexico Co-chair #JaimeZabludovsky. Attended by leaders from all three countries, the substantive and frank discussions covering #trade #investment #energy #environment #security #defence and #foreignpolicy made it amply clear that continental cooperation with the #USMCA at its heart is by far the most effective way of enhancing #NorthAmericanCompetitiveness. As one of the founders and Canada Co-chair Emeritus of the Forum, I have witnessed first-hand over the past two decades how relationship-building among Americans, Canadians and Mexicans has contributed to #growth #innovation and #jobcreation. While there have been highly significant political changes recently in the leadership of both Mexico and the United States, and a national election is in the offing in Canada, no one should underestimate the resilience of trilateral cooperation. Admittedly, elements of this cooperation can and should be improved, for example, in addressing trade irritants, protectionism, economic inequality, more inclusive job creation, accelerating innovation and fighting continental crime. As I attest in my recent book #PrivatePowerPublicPurpose, the role of business in advancing the trilateral agenda is seminal. This we must do harnessing the power of our ideas and the massive body of talent residing in our three countries. As former Co-chair of the Forum, I had the privilege of working closely with my U.S. Co-chair and friend Secretary George Shultz, one of America’s greatest statesmen and a powerful advocate of North American cooperation. As he often and wisely reminded us at our Forum meetings, our continental neighbourhood is akin to a garden - it should be top of mind and looked after with great care. #BusinessCouncilofCanada #CanadianChamberofCommerce #CoalitionforaBetterFuture

This month, we celebrate the exceptional achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in our nation's history, while steadfastly pursuing equity for all Americans nationwide. Learn more about how federal agencies are advancing equity: https://ow.ly/vP3b50RtBoO

I believe in Unity and on this auspicious National Commonwealth Day, let us embrace the power of unity and collaboration among nations. It's a day that calls for breaking down barriers, fostering understanding, and leveraging our collective strengths for the betterment of all. As we celebrate the peace we've achieved, let's envision a world where every nation is free to flourish independently, yet interconnected for the greater good. The Commonwealth Day celebration serves as a reminder of our shared values and goals. Established on the principle of mutual cooperation, it encourages member nations to collaborate on various fronts, from economic development to cultural exchange. Today, let's amplify this message of solidarity and encourage the pursuit of common interests that benefit each nation, ensuring a harmonious and prosperous global community.

Today we recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gsMXtKY #InsuranceBroker #CommercialInsurance #BusinessInsurance

Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of First Nation, Metis and Inuit people across the province. We're committed to honouring and respecting the traditions and cultures of the 20 First Nations and two Métis Settlement lands and traditional territories on which we operate. Learn more about our Indigenous engagement here: https://buff.ly/3KZRlK5

Today is Indigenous Peoples Day. We recognize and honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Many cities and states recognize Indigenous Peoples Day as the official holiday. Here are some resources to learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Connecticut. https://lnkd.in/eMYytkfj. https://lnkd.in/dxCgrCUZ https://lnkd.in/eDgpeufK https://lnkd.in/dWrAWe4z

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the culture of the United States. Learn more at asianpacificheritage.gov.