President Jon opened the diplomacy day meeting at the Swedish Club, on World Day for Cultural Diversity to improve dialogue and development. Past Rotary President, Jimmy Collins, led the day’s song ‘What a Wonderful World’ accompanied by Jevon Powell.

This theme, “Local Diplomacy: Welcoming the Career Diplomats Serving Seattle” brought together consulate representatives from Canada, Taiwan, Republic of Korea, United Mexican States, Japan, Guatemala, Peru, Taiwan, India, Japan, and Mexico.

 

The meeting was organized by the Diplomacy Day task force led by Rotarians Jorge Chapa, Paul Tsai and past Rotary District Governor, Paul Spieldenner – aimed at displaying how   local diplomacy is making a regional impact. He introduced panel moderator Dr. Julie Kang, Director of Professional and Continuing Education at Seattle University College of Education.

 

A diplomatic panel representing each country’s consulate responded to three key questions posed by Dr. Kang:
1. What is the primary mission of your consulate?
2. What key program did y our consulate undertake in Washington?
3. How can Rotarians collaborate with your consuls?

 

Each panelist responded with similar themes that aligned with their nation’s broader diplomacy mission for cultural enrichment, economic development and ensuring their citizens’ safety in the U.S. As well as providing providing passports, birth certificates and a myriad of special requests.

Consulates also focus on broader economic themes such as investments in Washington State. “Seattle is poised to become the capital of AI,” said one panelist, “because the area’s focus on the high-tech sector, and healthcare advances.”

 

Immigration, of course, is a key function providing their citizens access to the U.S. economy for jobs where migrants can work up to three years. They all emphasized keeping the door open for collaboration and cooperation., while recognizing how Americans have sacrificed for freedom and democracy.

 

Collaboration with Rotarians is ongoing in many countries, but furthering partnerships and collaboration were recurring themes for each panelist.

 

One panelist commented, “Respect the rights of people would really ‘make America great again.’  

 

Past president, Jimmy Collins came to the podium to thank panelists “for enlightening us on things that are important to each country.”  He said each of our nation’s military coordinates with the state department for collaboration. He introduced Canadian Army armor officer, Brig. Gen. Eric Landry, the Deputy Commanding General for Operations at I Corps. in charge of all U.S. Army activities throughout the Indo-Pacific area. I Corps has had a Canadian commanding general on staff since 2009.

 

“Adversaries are not sitting still as North Korea launches missiles in cooperation with the Russians,” he said. “With more than 1,000 ships per day passing through the Tiawan Straights, we have an Indo-Pacific strategy.” 

 

The I Corps mission is to organize and synchronize the pacific region with three distinct divisions: Joint Base Lewis McCord, Alaska and Hawaii – recently commissioning a division in Australia. He described planned exercise in Japan based on “real geography” to counter an invasion by land, sea, or cyberspace.

 

“We are - building a network of allies and partners all over the pacific - America will never fight alone,” he concluded.

 

-Thank you for the great report, Pete! Despite the sound challenges. :)