Secretary Madeleine K. Albright A Message from Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright August 1997 marks the 30th anniversary of the Secretary's Open Forum. Its mandate to stimulate creative thinking on issues of import to world affairs and diplomacy remains vitally important. The Open Forum was established during intense policy discussions about U.S. involvement in the Vietnam conflict. During this period, concerns arose regarding the conduct of U.S. policy and the efficacy of official reporting mechanisms. In August 1967, Secretary of State Dean Rusk inaugurated the Open Forum Panel, a voluntary group of ten junior-and middle-grade officers, which would "review all suggestions submitted and selected those worthy of further consideration." Four months later, the OFP became a permanent unit, and its mandate was broadened. In addition to screening ideas, it was charged with generating new ones and serving as a channel for junior officers and public groups. The practice of electing a Chairperson from U.S. foreign affairs agencies dates back to 1969. The responsibilities of the Chairperson now include coordinating the Open Forum Speakers' Program and monitoring the Dissent Channel. Over the years the Forum has effectively promoted candid and uncensored communication among senior officials and the professional foreign affairs community at large. In recent years, the Forum has presented an average of five programs each month. Universities, think tanks and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have cooperated in arranging many of its seminars and conferences. As America grapples with the complexities of world affairs in the advent of the Information Age, diplomats and policymakers are under enormous pressure to make timely and informed decisions. Ensuring support for programs that promote freedom of expression remains essential. We all have a stake in the continued success of the Open Forum. [end] |
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