Featuring events, community dialogue, and public messaging in states across the southern United States, the fastest-growing region in America, the South Initiative is intended to deepen engagement with elected officials, community leaders, businesses, and other key stakeholders on the importance of global engagement, diplomacy, and development to America. With over 95 percent of the world’s consumers outside U.S. borders and the fastest-growing markets in developing countries, the Initiative will explore ways for America to lead on supply-chain solutions for American competitiveness in the global marketplace.
Get the full story behind this important conversation on America’s global leadership and its impact on Kentucky’s economy and security.
Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson, USMC (Ret.), speaks with military veterans at Aviation Heritage Park as part of a 3-day Veterans for Smart Power series in Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green, KY.
Jeremy Tolbert, USGLC’s Deputy National Outreach Director, sits on a panel at the North Carolina Global Health Alliance’s Global Health Futures Symposium in Durham, NC. This panel unpacked the challenges of navigating today’s political climate, funding issues, to reframing how we talk about international assistance with local relevance. A theme echoed throughout the day was how “Leading globally matters locally.”
Former Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill speaks with local leaders as part of a 3-day roundtable series for USGLC’s South Initiative in Auburn, Birmingham, and Huntsville, AL.
Eddy Acevedo, former Senior Official at USAID and current Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor at the Wilson Center, speaks with local leaders in Birmingham, AL, as part of a 3-day roundtable series centered on what America’s global engagement means to Alabama.
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Ambassador Nina Hachigian, U.S. Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy, joined USGLC and Mayors Craig Greenberg and Tim Kelly to declare April 9 & 10 as “Global Engagement Days” in Louisville, KY and Chattanooga, TN. Over two days, USGLC conducted tours, press conferences, and engaged with local leaders on the critical role cities and communities play in fostering diplomacy, trade, and security. Across the South, businesses and manufacturers, diaspora groups and faith communities make the case that leading globally matters locally.
When 95% of the world’s consumers live outside of America’s borders, Arkansas is taking advantage of key export opportunities. USGLC hosted U.S. Representative French Hill (R-AR-02), Walmart, and other local leaders to discuss on what America’s global leadership is worth to Arkansas businesses and families. Last year, Arkansas exported $6.5 billion in goods, helping support more than 313,000 jobs across the state. The Natural State works with the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce and the Export-Import Bank to find and engage in export opportunities.
When USGLC engages and educates emerging leaders on the importance of global leadership, it gets results as those leaders go on to make critical decisions on foreign policy and America’s role in the world. Like Congresswoman Deborah Ross (D-NC-02), a former USGLC North Carolina Advisory Committee Member, who went back to her USGLC roots and joined us for a discussion in Raleigh with other local leaders. The event underscored the importance of engaging community leaders about how America’s leadership in the world is critical to states like North Carolina.
“When implemented effectively, international assistance is more than charity, it is a strategic investment. It creates opportunities for Alabama’s businesses, supports job creation, and protects our economic interests in a world where China and other adversaries are aggressively expanding their influence… International assistance is a crucial tool for fostering the kind of global leadership that ensures Alabama remains competitive in a rapidly changing world. If we step back from the world stage, others, particularly China, will fill the void, leaving Alabama businesses and workers behind.”
“It is important to understand that foreign aid is not a handout — it is a powerful tool that strengthens national security, advances American interests and reinforces our leadership on the world stage. A robust network of allies isn’t just beneficial; it is essential to maintaining our dominance and safeguarding our future.”
“The U.S. government uses strategic international assistance and diplomacy to strengthen institutions abroad, fight corruption and open new markets for American companies. These efforts stabilize economic landscapes and consumer markets, making lucrative trade relationships possible. It is much easier to trade with a peaceful, stable country than a country at war. Cutting foreign aid suspends these important efforts and leaves American companies susceptible to economic instability and market volatility abroad. For this reason, the effects of foreign aid cuts on business will be felt right here at home… I can understand the need to reform U.S. foreign aid and ensure that American funds are being used wisely and efficiently. However, those reforms should be targeted and thorough to ensure we retain the programs that directly benefit the American economy, security and stability. Alabama businesses and employees depend on the stable markets that foreign aid creates.”
“As we witness a rapid escalation of global authoritarianism, attacks against democracy, economic uncertainties and the spread of deadly diseases, American leadership has never been more important… The decisions we make today will create the world of tomorrow. If we remain on this course of abandoning foreign assistance, that world will be run by China and our adversaries. We Americans need to know that foreign aid is not just charity or to further the interests of other countries but a way of enhancing America’s national security and influence within the international community. Building up our soft power is an asset. With U.S. Aid programs, we are building good will and admiration for the United States around the world… The importance of American foreign assistance cannot be overstated.”
for their support!WASHINGTON, DC – Liz Schrayer, President and CEO of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), released the following statement on the retirement of Senator Mitch McConnell: Senator Mitch McConnell’s legacy in the U.S. Senate is nothing...
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