Secretary Colin L. Powell (March 27, 2001)Commemorating 34th Anniversary of The Secretary's Open Forum -- 1967-2001 "To permit freedom of expression is primarily for the benefit of the majority, because it protects criticism, and criticism leads to progress." -- President Harry S Truman* The Open Forum was established during critical policy debates on America's involvement in the Vietnam War, amid concerns regarding the conduct of U.S. military and diplomatic affairs and the efficacy of official reporting channels. As a way of addressing these issues, Secretary of State Dean Rusk established the Open Forum Panel. The Panel reviewed suggestions and selected those worthy of further consideration and discussion. Subsequently, the Panel's mandate was broadened to include "generating ideas and serving as a channel for junior officers and public groups." The year 2001 marks the 34th anniversary of the Secretary's Open Forum. Its mandate to stimulate creative thinking on issues related to U.S. national interests and diplomacy remains vital. Fostering an organizational culture conducive to creativity and continued openness is among my highest priorities as Secretary of State. The Open Forum plays an important role in promoting candid and uncensored communication among senior policymakers and the professional foreign affairs community at large. Through the Open Forum Speakers' Program, leaders in government, academia, private industry, the media and the NGO community explore perspectives that span the political spectrum and gain insights regarding challenges confronting our nation's diplomats and development experts. Universities, think tanks, and NGOs have cosponsored Open Forum programs. Moreover, through the Open Forum, we are able to leverage significantly resources for public outreach. Supporting freedom of expression advances the interests of each employee and organizational unit of the Department while reaffirming a broader set of principles and ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. In the rush of the communications revolution, as more and more stakeholders attempt to influence international affairs, our diplomats and development experts must make timely and informed decisions, defend the positions of our government, and reexamine underlying assumptions. In this rapidly changing environment, the Open Forum's continued success is important to us all. * President Harry S Truman, September 22, 1950, Message, U.S. House of Representatives [end] |
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