Obama Seeks to Deepen U.S.-East Asia Engagement

Washington — President Obama wants to make it clear to East Asian nations that the United States is a Pacific nation and that it intends to deepen its engagement in the Asia-Pacific region, White House advisers say.

Obama will visit Japan, Singapore, China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) November 12–19. His trip includes participation in the annual leaders’ meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Singapore and also a meeting with the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes said in a press briefing November 9 (more)

 

International Education Week November 16-20, 2009

International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States.   Electronic versions of e-Journal USA that support International Education Week include: Campus Connections ;Choosing a Career ; See You in the U.S.A. (more on International Education Week)

American Indian Heritage Month - Presidential Proclamation

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

The indigenous peoples of North America -- the First Americans -- have woven rich and diverse threads into the tapestry of our Nation's heritage.  Throughout their long history on this great land, they have faced moments of profound triumph and tragedy alike.  During National Native American Heritage Month, we recognize their many accomplishments, contributions, and sacrifices, and we pay tribute to their participation in all aspects of American society. (more)

A Palestinian Muslim prays inside the Dome of the Rock Mosque.

U.S. releases the 2009 Annual Report on International Religious

Washington — There must be a sensible balance between freedom of religion and freedom of speech, says Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. “An individual’s ability to practice his or her religion has no bearing on others’ freedom of speech,” Clinton said at a special briefing October 26 marking the release of the 2009 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom. More... (Jamaica)

The U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation : FY 2010 Call for Proposals

Summary:  The Public Affairs Section of the United States Embassy in Kingston, in association with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), is pleased to announce a call for proposals for the 2010 U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation program.  The Fund was established in 2001 to assist less developed countries preserve their cultural heritage and to demonstrate U.S. respect for other cultures.  The deadline for submission of proposals electronically to the Public Affairs Section is Friday, November 27, 2009.  Please read this call for proposals in full before sending any inquiries to the U.S. Embassy.

Background:  In past fiscal years, the United States Congress directed the State Department to support and implement the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP).  Congress noted, "Cultural preservation offers an opportunity to show a different American face to other countries, one that is non-commercial, non-political, and non-military.  By taking a leading role in efforts to preserve cultural heritage, we show our respect for other cultures."  The AFCP permits U.S. Ambassadors in less-developed countries to submit proposals for one-time or recurring projects that assist other countries in preserving their cultural heritage.  In 2009, grants ranged from US$10,000 to US$106,300, with an average grant amount of US$41,400. (more)