On September 28, 2024, FWE successfully hosted a productive panel discussion titled “Education Diplomacy: How International Perspectives Shape the Next Generation” at the Penn Club in New York. The event brought together leaders in government, e education and business from around the globe to explore the critical role of education in shaping future global leaders and its impact on diplomacy. The panel’s theme, crafted by FWE President Dr. Cheng Davis, and consistent with the organization’s mission “to transform education meet the skills and knowledge requirements of current and future global society, its economic growth, societal progress and sustainability”, focused on how international education can address global challenges, promote sustainable development, and pay attention to the voices of the younger generation.
The event opened with a keynote speech by Dr. Natalia Kanem, the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (“UNFPA”). In her video address, Dr. Kanem emphasized the profound impact of education, particularly on women and girls, on global health and development. Highlighting issues such as child marriage and gender inequality, Dr. Kanem drew attention to the need for secondary education to ensure a brighter future for the young people, especially girls in developing countries. Her speech underscored the importance of diplomacy, education, and consensus-building in achieving sustainable global peace and development.
Following the speech, Ethan Jiayi Yu, President of the NYU Stern Class of 2024, moderated the first panel entitled “The Power of Education Diplomacy: Shaping Future Global Leaders through International Education.” The panelists included Andre Sebastian Fraga (an American student with business ties in China), Holley Coulter (a Russian-American fluent in Mandarin), Ahmed Bharoocha (a NYU Stern Breakthrough Scholar and Manager at American Express), and Anchor Ebanks (Founder and CEO of Crates Health).
The panelists shared their educational experiences in different countries, discussing how their multicultural backgrounds influenced their growth and career paths. Their discussions demonstrated the profound impact of international education in shaping leadership, fostering cross-cultural communication skills, and enhancing global perspectives.
Holley Coulter recounted her experience growing up in China and emphasized how international education helped her break cultural stereotypes while deepening her understanding and acceptance of other cultures. Ahmed Bharoocha, drawing from his experience at NYU, discussed the application of a global perspective in business diplomacy. He noted that international education enhanced his ability to handle complex business issues in multicultural environments, strengthening his leadership and decision-making skills. The panelists agreed that international education is essential for cultivating future leaders. It not only broadens students’ cultural awareness and empathy but also equips them with the necessary skills to tackle global challenges. International exposure and cross-cultural exchanges are crucial for future global leaders, helping them develop innovative and inclusive solutions to worldwide issues.
The second panel, moderated by Ani Kharajian, Vice President of FWE and Senior Portfolio Director of Executive Education at Harvard Business School, focused on “The Role of Business in Global Education and Workforce Preparation.” The panelists included Rossana Hu (Founding Partner of Neri&Hu Design and Chair of Architecture at the University of Pennsylvania), Bentley Zhao (CEO of New Empire Group and Steering Committee Member of FWE), Yin Luo (Vice Chairman of Wolfe Research and Steering Committee Member of FWE), Noel Ginsburg (Founder, Chairman & CEO of CareerWise USA), and Dr. Lynette N. Tannis (Lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Education and Youth Justice Education Expert). They discussed the critical role businesses play in shaping the next-generation workforce and examined how to close the gap between academia and industry. The panel also explored future trends in international education and leadership development.
Noel Ginsburg highlighted the apprenticeship models where businesses integrate with education systems, particularly in countries like Switzerland, which provide students with a balanced learning experience that combines theory with practice. He emphasized that access to quality jobs and education is a universal aspiration. Rossana Hu stressed the value of incorporating real-world experiences into education to enhance students’ practical skills. Dr. Lynette N. Tannis underscored the importance of early collaboration between academia and industry to ensure that all children, regardless of their background, receive a world-class education and develop leadership potential. She also emphasized that education is a lifelong process. Yin Luo predicted that future leaders must cultivate interdisciplinary skills, including both technical and interpersonal abilities. He also stressed the importance of global perspectives, encouraging students to study abroad and learn foreign languages to remain competitive in an increasingly globalized workforce. Bentley Zhao emphasized the need for more practical learning in academic programs, aiming to enhance students’ competitiveness and real-world skills through hands-on experience. The panelists’ consensus was that businesses play a critical role in shaping the future of education and workforce development.
The event concluded with a closing speech by Dr. Susan Sclafani, Vice President of FWE and former Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. She emphasized the critical role of collaboration between business and education in preparing the next generation for the future, calling for education systems to provide equal opportunities for all children to reduce societal inequalities. She reflected on how vocational and adult education had been neglected in the past, calling for a system that engages the wider range of talents present in all students, not just the top performers. Dr. Sclafani expressed hope that young leaders will continue to drive change toward a more equitable and prosperous world.
FWE was pleased to provide a crucial platform for discussing and deepening understanding of international education, education diplomacy, and the cultivation of global leadership. Please stay tuned to future FWE events that promotes its mission to transform education so that it can meet the skills and knowledge requirements of current and future global society.
