Cities Summit of the Americas coming to Denver
The Mile High City will find itself on the global stage next week, while students get a unique opportunity to boost their career plans.
The first-ever Cities Summit of the Americas, initially announced by President Joe Biden last year, will kick off in Denver next week.
The event, which runs from April 24-28, will bring together numerous leaders from across the Western Hemisphere. Governors, local officials and around 500 mayors will explore how their cities can address a broad range of issues, including public health, environmental challenges, crime, homelessness and immigration.
Besides sharing learning and ideas, the leaders’ overarching aim will be to implement the positive changes agreed to by national leaders at the Summit of the Americas in 2022.
“I’m so excited that Denver will be showcased at this summit,” MSU Denver President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., said during a virtual preview panel that provided an overview of the gathering. “Most of our students come from and live in Colorado — and many have never left the state — so having this major, globally focused event land right on their doorstep is incredibly good news.”
Careers on campus
Up to 2,000 attendees are expected to turn up next week, as Denver grabs the limelight in global diplomatic affairs. And while the Cities Summit will primarily take place at the Colorado Convention Center, four events are happening right on the MSU Denver campus.
At Addressing Gender Based Violence in our Cities on April 26, a panel of experts will examine the policies and actions needed to reduce violence and support survivors.
On April 27, exchange-program alumni will join U.S. Department of State representatives and other partners to share ideas and tackle pressing global issues at an Exchange Alumni Reunion: Call to Action event.
And there’s a double treat waiting April 28. First, Davidson will lead A Roadrunner Conversation with General Laura J. Richardson, the highest-ranking woman in the U.S. Army. Then, invited students will join a State Department Career Showcase, where they can learn about all kinds of career and internship opportunities.
RELATED: Laura Richardson promoted to four-star general
Doing the work
Last week’s preview panel hosted by the U.S. State Department outlined how people can tackle global challenges at a local level. The speakers included Davidson and Nina Hachigian, U.S. special representative for City and State Diplomacy.
Hachigian began by highlighting how national leaders had already agreed on many important new policies and developments during last year’s Summit of the Americas.
“However, once such agreements are made,” she pointed out, “it’s the cities that have to come in and actually do the work to make it all happen.”
That’s why it made perfect sense to follow up now with the Cities Summit, she suggested, so subnational leaders could explore these issues in more detail and start to make concrete progress.
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Don’t miss these Cities Summit events on campus! Addressing Gender Based Violence in Our Cities Exchange Alumni Reunion: Call to Action A Roadrunner Conversation with General Laura J. Richardson
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Great opportunity
While the Cities Summit aims to promote positive change across the Americas, Davidson is quick to point out that it will also bring plenty of homegrown benefits to Roadrunners.
“My great hope is that this event will help broaden our students’ horizons, particularly in respect to their careers,” she said.
“I’m a big proponent of public service, so I’m thrilled that there will be public servants from across the world at our Career Showcase on campus next week,” she added. “Until you’ve met those people, you have no idea how exciting your career could be.”
RELATED: ‘Strengthening our democracy’ through public service
It’s going to be a busy week. And it’s worth noting that Roadrunners attending Cities Summit events, whether on campus or at the Convention Center, will get numerous opportunities to interact with people who could help boost their future careers.
Besides State Department representatives, there will be business leaders, entrepreneurs and a lot of talented people representing the arts from across the Americas.
“My advice to our students is simple,” Davidson said. “Bring some friends to these events. Listen to the speakers. Be curious. Ask a lot of questions. And most important, take everything in — because this could be a great opportunity for you.”
