NASHVILLE, Tenn. ñ The United Nations Foundation and Vanderbilt
University will host a foreign policy discussion at Ingram Hall on the
Vanderbilt University campus on Monday, October 4, at 7 p.m.
The event will be moderated by Sam Donaldson of ABC News and will
feature special guest Ted Turner of Turner Broadcasting System.
Former Vice President Al Gore and former Florida Congressman Bill
McCollum will serve as panelists.
"Having a frank discussion about U.S. foreign policy is of tremendous
interest to the people of Nashville, especially as the country faces
one its most important decisions," said Donaldson.
This event is one of 25 signature events being held across the country
designed to heighten international policy awareness and discussion
among communities. The issues being addressed in 2004 include
American Power and Global Security, Prosperity in a Global Economy, and
Energy Choices and Environmental Challenges. The Nashville event
will focus on American Power and Global Security.
The United Nations Foundation, the American Enterprise Institute, the
Aspen Institute’s Global Interdependence Initiative, and The Weekly
Standard are among the diverse group of core sponsors of The People
Speak. Additionally, this group has established exciting
partnerships with scholarly organizations such as the Brookings
Institution, membership organizations such as the World Affairs
Councils of America, and youth organizations such as Rock the Vote.
In addition to Vanderbilt University, Nashville partners include: the
Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, the Nashville Chapter of the
United Nations Association, the League of Women Voters, the Nashville
Women’s Political Caucus, WHAM!, First Tennessee Bank and Tennessee
State University.
"The People Speak offers a rare opportunity for Americans of all
backgrounds to consider topics such as defense, trade, and the
environment. Americans sense that we are at a historic point in
international relations and want to better understand these issues,"
said Timothy E. Wirth, President of the United Nations Foundation.
In addition to the 25 national marquee events, The People Speak also
has partnered with organizations such as the National Forensic League
and the League of Women Voters to organize thousands of smaller,
community-based discussions around the country.
The Nashville event is free and open to the public. A reception will be
held from 6 to 7 p.m. Seating in Ingram Hall is limited and will
be available on a first-come, first-served basis the night of the
event. Overflow seating will be provided. Persons who wish
to attend the event should R.S.V.P. to 259-4000, ext. 213.
Complimentary parking is available in Vanderbilt’s South Garage,
located at the corner of 24th Avenue and Children’s Way, one block off
Blakemore.
Nashville joins Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and
Seattle as cities invited to participate in the Better World Campaign’s
Model Cities program. As a Model City, Nashville will work with the
United Nations Foundation on several projects to raise awareness about
United Nations initiatives. Launched in early 2000, the program is a
public education and outreach operation designed to help build a
stronger constituency for the United Nations, and to encourage public
understanding and the need for global leadership and international
engagement.
Media contacts:
Alice Pearson Chapman or
Clint Briscoe
McNeely Pigott & Fox
(615) 259-4000
Christina LoNigro
United Nations Foundation
(202) 887-9040
Jerry Mullins
United Nations Foundation
(202) 261-4037