HDI’s “U.N. Across America”:
U.N. Diplomats Visit Los Angeles, California, June 22-24

 

June 27, 2008
The Humpty Dumpty Institute brought a delegation (list of participants) of U.N. diplomats on a very special trip to Los Angeles, California June 22-June 24 (view photos). On the Sunday evening of their arrival, the group enjoyed dinner at the beach community of Santa Monica. The following morning, the University of Southern California arranged for a comprehensive program giving the visiting diplomats a superb overview of the University. This was followed with a presentation by the diplomats to an assembled group of nearly 200 USC students. Immediately after the USC events, the delegation departed for an elegant lunch, which was offered by Arent Fox . This leading U.S. law firm has a keen interest in fostering international engagement and dialogue. One of Arent Fox’s partners, Robert O’Brien, is currently serving as Co-Chairman of the U.S. Department of State’s Public-Private Partnership for Justice Reform in Afghanistan and has also served as a U.S. Public Delegate to the United Nations General Assembly. The lunch allowed the New York group to meet and converse with some of the leading legal minds in Los Angeles. This was followed by a private tour of Fox Studios, where the diplomats visited the lot where some of the most popular U.S. television shows and movies are actually filmed. The evening of June 23 was the true highlight of the visit. The U.N. delegation was hosted by prominent L.A. philanthropists Karen and Gary Winnick at their exquisite Belaire home. Leaders of the California business and philanthropic world attended and the foreign diplomats were able to hear how private citizens are using their own resources to support philanthropic initiatives around the world.

Tuesday June 24 was the second hectic but equally rewarding day of the trip. The delegation had the honor of being invited by the U.S. Chief of Protocol Ambassador Nancy Brinker to a breakfast. Ambassador Brinker was leading a group of Washington based ambassadors on an “Experience America Tour” and by coincidence, the days overlapped. Thus, the New York diplomats had the opportunity to meet with their Washington based counterparts. A major presentation and lunch followed at California State University (Cal State). It was hosted by the California African American Political and Economic Institute (CAAPEI) under the Direction of Dr. David Horn. CAAPEI arranged for the group to learn about the multicultural nature of Cal State, as well as the innovative international programs being undertaken at the University. Many of the diplomats expressed a desire to investigate collaboration between their countries and California State University. The next stop was the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) where the U.N. diplomats were given a frank presentation of intellectual piracy and the need for international coordination to combat this worldwide crime. Finally, before departing to New York City, the group was able to tour the magnificent Getty Center and enjoy a gem of U.S. culture.

To learn more about this program and HDI, please contact
alma.manzo@thehdi.org