About the Author: Paul Kruchoski serves as the Senior Education Officer in the Bureau of International Organization Affairs at the Department of State.

On May 13-16, I joined Assistant Secretary of Education Brenda Dann-Messier at the Third International Congress on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), hosted by UNESCO and the government of China. Over the course of four days, we heard from participants around the world about how important technical and vocational education is and what it can do to change people’s lives and transform economies.

Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong said that technical and vocational education is a key part of creating green development and supporting emerging and high-tech industries. As new industries emerge, we will need to prepare the global… more »

About the Author: Ambassador David T. Killion serves as U.S. Permanent Representative to UNESCO.

Next week I am going to a meeting in Switzerland for SESAME, which I happen to think is the most exciting and revolutionary scientific undertaking that practically nobody outside of the scientific community has ever heard of.

What is it and why do I think it is so radical and so important?

The first question is easy.

SESAME actually stands for ‘Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East’ and will be the region’s first major multi-country scientific research center. It’s being developed under the auspices of UNESCO and is scheduled to open fully in Jordan in 2015. When it is completed, SESAME will be the Middle East’s only source of so-called “high intensity synchrotron X-rays,” key building blocks for research into biology,… more »

About the Author: Tom Melia serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

On May 3, people worldwide will observe World Press Freedom Day, a UNESCO initiative.  They will gather in cities and towns, through workshops and seminars, to join in celebrating the universal right of free expression first enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights more than six decades ago.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of addressing the importance of free expression and a free press at the National Endowment for Democracy. I emphasized that a free press is the bedrock of a free, healthy and energetic society. It allows citizens to hold informed opinions, make informed decisions and lead informed lives. It keeps public officials accountable, provides outlets for healthy… more »

About the Author: David Killion serves as U.S. Ambassador to UNESCO.

Back in the United States my colleagues at the State Department have long recognizedthe power of jazz as a means of connecting people. More than 50 years ago, the Department launched a landmark jazz diplomacy effort featuring American musical legend Dizzy Gillespie. Ever since then, jazz has been a continuing feature of U.S. cultural engagement programs. (See some great old photos here.)

Well, I am very proud to announce the latest chapter in the State Department’s “jazz diplomacy” program kicks… more »

About the Author: David Killion serves as the U.S. Ambassador to UNESCO in Paris, France.

On my most recent trip to the States, I had the pleasure of speaking to students and faculty on two campuses at Montgomery Community College in celebration of their International Peace Week. Montgomery College, with campuses in Takoma Park, Rockville, and Germantown, Maryland, serves nearly 60,000 students from more than 170 countries. It is certainly one of the most diverse community colleges in the nation —practically a mini-United Nations. I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with students about UNESCO’s role in advancing and promoting peace.

Through UNESCO’s cultural development programs, which strengthen cultural understanding through preservation and development activities, UNESCO is able to help promote pride in cultural heritage and respect of other cultures. The United States is a strong supporter of UNESCO, including these efforts.

The students… more »

About the Author: Dr. Esther Brimmer serves as the Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs

It’s not quite American Idol, but we think we have a pretty good contest heating up here at the State Department.

Every other year, before the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) holds its General Conference, the organization also hosts a youth forum, where delegates from around the world identify common concerns and shared experiences. The delegates, all of whom are under 24 years old, then deliver their suggestions directly to the UNESCO General Conference.

It is a unique opportunity for young people… more »

About the Author: Ambassador David T. Killion serves as U.S. Permanent Representative to UNESCO.

As U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization, I’ve discovered that one of UNESCO’s biggest secrets is the extent to which American companies are keen to collaborate with this 193-member state organization. Since I’ve arrived, I’ve been impressed by the number of U.S. companies who have come knocking on our door, looking for introductions and support to pitch innovative forms of collaboration to UNESCO. This goes beyond good corporate citizenship; many companies see the value in UNESCO’s name recognition and reach, which they believe can help as they seek to enter new markets.

One of those companies was Apple, who came to see us last fall about a proposed collaboration between its widely… more »

About the Author: Luke Forgerson serves as DipNote’s Managing Editor.

Last week, President Barack Obama embarked on a six-day trip to Europe, where he visited Ireland, the United Kingdom, France and Poland to engage our allies in the region and participate in the G-8 Summit. In remarks to the British Parliament, President… more »

Interactive Travel Map | Trip Page

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is accompanying President Barack Obama to London on May 24 for the first part of his state visit to the United Kingdom. This trip is a sign of the strength of the special relationship between our two countries, and of the United States’ enduring commitment to our allies and partners in Europe. Secretary Clinton will also meet with Foreign Secretary Hague while in London.

Secretary Clinton will then travel to Paris, France, to preside over the 50th Anniversary of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Council Meeting, May 25-26. Events will include the OECD’s 50th Anniversary… more »