- John A. Gale
Detailed Summary of Foreign Affairs Symposium
Secretary of State John Gale hosted a foreign affairs symposium on Oct. 1, 2007, in Lincoln that focused on strengthening Nebraska’s international ties.
The Secretary of State’s Foreign Affairs Symposium brought together government, education, business, community and foreign representatives to consider and shape Nebraska’s future growth of commercial, educational and cultural ties with foreign nations.
Some 90 people, including 10 foreign representatives, participated in the half-day event.
Gale hosted the symposium in his capacity as chief protocol officer of the state for international relations.
“Although we are a small state in terms of population and located far from our country’s coasts, Nebraska takes global matters seriously and does remarkable things in the international field,” Gale said. “The symposium was a great showcase for these efforts.”
The event started with a luncheon at the Governor’s Mansion that featured Nebraska Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, as the speaker.
Gov. Dave Heineman gave the keynote address at the symposium, which was held in the Warner Chamber at the State Capitol. The governor focused on Nebraska’s efforts to expand foreign exports and attract foreign investment to the state.
The symposium also covered Nebraska’s ties to the world through student exchanges, education partnerships, health care services and community outreach efforts.
“Through a variety of international efforts, Nebraska is creating friends all over the world,” Gale said. “This will open doors to commercial, educational and cultural opportunities for our state.”
Congressman Jeff Fortenberry addresses the symposium luncheon at the Governor's mansion.
The symposium, which was held in the Warner Chamber at State Capitol, focused on strengthening Nebraska's international ties.
Secretary Gale (left) is shown with Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler, who gave welcoming remarks.
Secretary Gale (right) is pictured with Gov. Dave Heineman, who gave the keynote speech.
Pictured (from left) are Secretary Gale and three University of Nebraska faculty members – Tom Gouttierre, Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado and Chuck Braithwaite – who discussed international education partnerships.
Pictured at the symposium's reception (from left) are Prem Paul, vice chancellor for research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Natalie Hahn, president of the Malaika Foundation; and Willem Schiff, consul general of the Netherlands. Paul and Hahn spoke at the symposium.
