World Affairs Council of Rhode Island

01/06/2026

Please join us on Thursday January 22 at 6 PM at the Hope Club in Providence, RI for a presentation by Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou.
"Geopolitics, Religion, and Nationalism: Influence-Building from Russia, Turkey, the U.S., and Beyond"

www.thewacri.org

12/30/2025

This month, WACRI welcomed an IVLP delegation from Ukraine for a program focused on market-driven education and workforce alignment. Visitors engaged with higher education institutions, workforce organizations, startups, and private-sector leaders to examine how Rhode Island leverages innovation, employer partnerships, and flexible learning models to prepare students for a rapidly evolving labor market.

The program began at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), where the delegation met with college leadership to discuss how the institution responds to workforce needs through program expansion, employer collaboration, and continuous labor-market analysis. Visitors also toured CCRI’s main campus and facilities, gaining insight into how applied learning environments support student career readiness.

That afternoon, the group traveled to the University of Rhode Island (URI) to meet with faculty from multiple departments for a discussion on curriculum development, experiential learning, and student success initiatives. Faculty highlighted how URI’s investments in emerging fields and interdisciplinary programming help create clear pathways from education to employment.

On the second day, visitors attended a joint event hosted by Skills for Rhode Island's Future and Springpod, featuring networking opportunities, panel discussions, and presentations from Rhode Island startups and employers. The delegation learned about Springpod’s recent launch in the state and its role in expanding access to career exploration and early work experiences through virtual platforms. Panelists from across sectors shared perspectives on why education systems must remain adaptive—and how Rhode Island is responding to these changing workforce demands.

The exchange concluded at Bryant University, where the delegation met with university leadership to learn about Bryant’s interdisciplinary approach to education and its emphasis on practical, market-relevant skills. Discussions focused on how multidisciplinary learning models allow students to remain agile as industries and job requirements evolve. Visitors then toured Bryant’s Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center (BELC), where state-of-the-art classrooms and labs support hands-on learning, innovation, and entrepreneurial development.

This exchange underscored the importance of international collaboration in advancing education systems that are responsive, inclusive, and economically relevant. WACRI is grateful to Global Ties and to the many organizations and institutions that contributed their expertise, and we look forward to seeing how these shared insights continue to shape educational innovation both in Rhode Island and abroad.

12/20/2025

This month, WACRI was pleased to host an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) group from Japan and the Republic of Korea focused on Trilateral Maritime Workforce Development. Visitors engaged with state agencies, nonprofits, higher education institutions, research centers, and private industry leaders to explore how Rhode Island is advancing maritime education, innovation, and workforce readiness.

On the first day of programming, the delegation traveled to Newport to meet with representatives from
SENEDIA and the U.S. Naval War College. Participants learned about SENEDIA’s role in supporting the defense and maritime technology sectors, as well as ongoing efforts to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem. At the Naval War College, faculty and researchers discussed their work in maritime policy, strategy, and conflict, highlighting how academic research informs global maritime security.

The group then joined Rhode Island Commerce for a presentation and tour of Unity Square, where visitors learned about the site’s history, redevelopment, and the cutting-edge maritime projects housed within the business and engineering spaces. The day concluded with a visit to the State of Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (RI CRMC), where staff outlined Rhode Island’s approach to preserving, protecting, and restoring the state’s coastal resources.

On the second day, visitors met with faculty and staff at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI)’s Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education. Discussions focused on how CCRI aligns its curriculum with industry demand through close collaboration with maritime employers. The delegation toured the Maritime Workforce Facility and spoke directly with students and instructors working on applied maritime technologies. The group then visited the Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island(CFCRI) and the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation (CFRF), where representatives highlighted their industry-led approach to fisheries research and workforce sustainability.

The exchange concluded at the University of Rhode Island, where participants learned about URI’s Maritime Affairs program and met with experts in maritime policy, research, and technology. Faculty and students from the College of Engineering demonstrated advancements in robotics and maritime engineering, prompting thoughtful discussion on the future of maritime innovation and workforce development.

This exchange of knowledge and perspectives underscores the value of international collaboration in strengthening maritime industries and education systems. WACRI is grateful to Global Ties and the many organizations and individuals who shared their expertise and Rhode Island’s maritime story, and we look forward to seeing how these connections support continued cooperation and progress across borders.iadn

12/08/2025

Back in late September, WACRI was honored to host an IVLP delegation from every corner of the globe focused on Plastic Waste Management. Visitors met with state agencies, nonprofits, and higher education institutions to explore how Rhode Island addresses plastic waste, microplastics, and innovative approaches to recycling and reusing plastic materials.

On the first day, the delegation met with senior officers from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to discuss state policies and regulations surrounding plastics and the ongoing work needed in waste management. Following this meeting, visitors toured Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) facilities with the management team to observe how plastic materials are recycled and prepared for reuse. The day concluded with a visit to the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Nature Lab, where members of staff and faculty showcased students' innovative designs for plastic alternative materials.

On day two, visitors went out on the water with Save The Bay - Narragansett Bay staff members to see firsthand how the organization collects plastics and microplastics from the Narragansett Bay to minimize coastal impact on Rhode Island's estuary and coastline. The delegation then traveled to the University of Rhode Island to meet with the faculty and staff at the URI Coastal Resources Center, the Graduate School of Oceanography, and the School of Engineering. These presentations sparked dynamic conversations between the visitors and academic experts about current plastic pollution challenges and potential solutions.

This exchange of knowledge and perspectives exemplifies the power of international collaboration in addressing global environmental challenges. We're grateful to all the organizations and individuals who shared their expertise and Rhode Island's story with our visitors, and we look forward to seeing how these connections will inspire action and innovation in plastic waste management across the globe.

12/05/2025

Join us on Thursday, December 18 for "The Germany Rhode Island Relationship" with the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Boston, Dr. Sonja Kreibich, Consul General

09/05/2025

Join us on Thursday the 11th at the Hope Club!

Sugata Bose is the Gardiner Professor of Oceanic History and Affairs, Harvard University. He has served as Director of Graduate Studies in History at Harvard and as the Founding Director of Harvard’s South Asia Institute. Prior to taking up the Gardiner Chair at Harvard in 2001, Bose was a Fellow ...

08/15/2025

Last week, WACRI Treasurer, David McCollum, and associate, Isabella lachance, had the pleasure of hosting a distinguished IVLP delegation from several African countries in Rhode Island. During their visit, we showcased how our small state combats illegal fishing and supports our local fishing industry.

The international visitors met with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management RIDEM, who showed the visitors how our state enforces fishing laws and regulations. The group was given a tour of Rhode Island’s fishing port in Galilee, where the port manager spoke about the day-to-day port operations and fishing vessels. In their meeting with the Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island(CFCRI) and the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation(CFRF), the visitors learned how the state is preserving not just a profession but a cultural heritage through resource sustainability.

At the URI Coastal Resources Center(CRC), the visitors were able to tour CRC's aquarium and Inner Space Center on the URI Bay Campus and engage with CRC team members, including Sarah Gaines and Elin Torell. They concluded their tour of Rhode Island's fishing industry at The Marine Affairs Institute at Roger Williams University School of Law, discussing maritime law with Julia Wyman, Director of the Marine Affairs Institute and RI Sea Grant Legal Program.

This exchange of knowledge and best practices exemplifies the power of international collaboration in addressing global challenges like illegal fishing. We're proud that Rhode Island could serve as a model for sustainable fisheries management and look forward to continued partnerships that strengthen marine conservation efforts worldwide. 🌊

08/01/2025

Our treasurer and International Visitor Director, David McCollum, this week visited the Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant University. Similarly to WACRI, the Chafee Center has been committed to growth of Rhode Island, specifically their local economy, through global outreach. David had the pleasure of meeting Cecilia Pirotto and Dr. Edi Tebaldi during his visit. Thank you for hosting WACRI and giving us a tour of your facilitates. We looks forward to fostering this relationship with the Chafee Center.

05/23/2025

Recently we welcomed the International Visitor Leaders Program's distinguished delegation of Education leaders from 13 different nations around the globe. During their visit to Rhode Island, these leaders were able to explore the various ways the Rhode Island Education system integrates different media and technology in the classroom.

The delegation had the opportunity to visit the newly built East Providence High School, where they witnessed firsthand the innovative ways in which the school has adapted their educational curriculum to meet the demands of the digital age while seamlessly integrating interactive learning opportunities that engage students through cutting-edge technology and collaborative environments. The visit continued at Barrington Middle School, Rhode Island's top-performing school district, where delegation members engaged directly with Rhode Island educators to gain valuable insights into best practices that have established Barrington's reputation for educational excellence throughout the state. Following their school visits, the delegation met with esteemed faculty members from the University of Rhode Island's Feinstein College of Education and Brown University's Annenberg Institute, creating meaningful dialogue about educational innovation, research-based practices, and the future of teaching and learning in Rhode Island's academic landscape.

In addition to the above, the group also met with RI architect Jay Litman and a member of his team. Jay is at the forefront of new school design, and he and his team have worked on projects all over the world, including the pioneering Garden City Elementary School in Cranston, RI. His designs incorporate the latest in pedagogic theory into the layout of the schools, making them places that students are excited to attend.

This meaningful international collaboration represents a significant step toward global knowledge sharing in education. By hosting these distinguished leaders, Rhode Island has created valuable connections that will enhance educational practices across continents, benefiting both our communities and those of our visitors.

05/19/2025

We had the honor of welcoming the International Visitor Leaders Program's distinguished delegation of Public Health leaders from 14 African nations. During their visit to Rhode Island, these Public Health leaders and experts had the opportunity to explore the various ways Rhode Island tackles issues of Public Health such as immunization and disease prevention.

While in Rhode Island, the delegation visited multiple Universities, a non-profit, as well as the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). At Brown University School of Public Health, the nation’s #3 public health program, they engaged with faculty and researchers specializing in immunization, pandemics, and epidemic response. At the University of Rhode Island, they participated in discussions on Dengue Fever with Dr. Alan Rothman, an infectious disease physician and research professor with the College of the Environment and Life Sciences. Beyond academic institutions, the delegation witnessed community health initiatives firsthand at the Comprehensive Community Action Program, Inc. (CCAP), gaining insight into how the organization delivers essential health services to over 40,000 Rhode Islanders. Their visit to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) included meetings with key leaders across all divisions, providing a thorough understanding of state-level health service implementation and policy initiatives.

This meaningful international collaboration represents a significant step toward global knowledge sharing in public health. By hosting these distinguished African leaders, Rhode Island has fostered valuable connections that will enhance public health practices across continents, benefiting both our communities and theirs.

05/15/2025

Last week, we had the honor of hosting the International Visitor Leaders Program's distinguished delegation from Georgia. During their visit to the New England region, these emerging business leaders had the opportunity to explore the various ways Rhode Island engages its youth in entrepreneurial activities and builds supportive ecosystems for new ventures.

While in Rhode Island, the delegation toured Rhode Island's entrepreneurial landscape, meeting with several key organizations across the state. They engaged with the Financial Literacy Youth Initiative (FLY Initiative), which provides young people with essential money management skills and entrepreneurial foundations; Real Skills for Youth, a statewide program that connects students to meaningful career exploration; RIHub, the state's premier innovation center and incubator that supports early-stage startups through co-working spaces, accelerator programs, and access to capital networks; and Southern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce where the delegation exchanged insights with local business owners about community-based approaches to entrepreneurship development as well as networking opportunities.

This international collaboration represents steps towards sharing best practices and connecting entrepreneurial ecosystems across borders. We also want to thank WorldBoston for hosting the Georgia delegation alongside us. By hosting the Georgian delegation, Rhode Island and Boston has established valuable channels for knowledge exchange that benefit both regions.

05/05/2025

“The Canada - Rhode Island Relationship”
Please join us for our next event at thee Hope Club on Wednesday May 14 at 6:00 PM with the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Consul General of Canada in Boston.
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