US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at Afternoon of "Words and Music." In a conversation with Institute President and CEO Walter Isaacson, Secretary Rice called ongoing peace negotiations in the Middle East "a slog" and revealed her envy of Education Secretary Margaret Spellings for her work with children and families. Secretary Rice then played piano before a 2,000-strong audience for only the second time since becoming America's top diplomat. Read remarks by Secretary Rice and Walter Isaacson. Watch the video. Listen to the mp3.

Announcing the Aspen Cultural Diplomacy Forum. Join us at the inaugural Aspen Cultural Diplomacy Forum sponsored by The Aspen Institute, the Arts Arena, and the Institut Aspen France. The independent, multidisciplinary, and action-oriented worldwide convening will be in Paris, France, November 13 – 15, 2008. Register today. More information.

Cokie Roberts

McCloskey Speaker Series, This summer series featured leaders who have a far-reaching impact on society. The series was made possible by a generous donation from the McCloskey Family Charitable Foundation. More information and video of the speakers, including Madeleine Albright, Cokie Roberts, Strobe Talbott, and John Negroponte.

Arctic Expedition for Climate Action. This July, the Aspen Commission on Arctic Climate Change, along with more than 100 participants including  President Jimmy Carter, Secretary Madeleine Albright, Ted Turner, Larry Page and other dignitaries, traveled to the high Norwegian arctic aboard the ship National Geographic Endeavour. Sponsored by National Geographic, the Aspen Institute and Lindblad Expeditions, the voyage was called the "Arctic Expedition for Climate Action."

Forum on Communications and Society (FOCAS). The Aspen Institute Communications and Society Program convened its annual Forum on Communications and Society on the theme Media and Democracy August 10-12 in Aspen, Colorado. Speakers and participants included Madeleine Albright, FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein, craigslist founder Craig Newmark, PBS president Paula Kerger, and more than 40 other leaders from media, government and civil society. Watch the video: www.aspeninstitute.tv

King Abdullah II

Jordan's King Abdullah II cites the strong ties that connect the west with his region and offers advice to the next president of the United States: "I see us at a crossroads," the King explains. "Peace in the Middle East is achievable, and so is the region's future as a zone of prosperity and stability." Abdullah discusses America's "critical role as a partner to its friends and a powerful champion of the goals we share." Watch the video: quicktime. Listen to the mp3. 

U.S.-Palestinian Partnership: Promoting Economic and Educational Opportunities for the Palestinian People. This innovative partnership was launched December 3, 2007 and its major activities include the May 2008 Palestinian Investment Conference in Bethlehem, which focused on attracting private sector investment in the Palestinian economy. Read more about the UPP.

Feature Story Archives

Civic Engagement on the Move details the hallmarks of successful mobile campaigns around civic engagement and provides case studies of several successful and emerging initiatives.	Mobilizing Change: 10 Nonprofit Policy Proposals To Strengthen U.S. Communities, is a compilation of proposals of leading thinkers in the field who are working to address social problems and improve the lives of those in need through nonprofit-government policies.
Creating and Sustaining Urban Teacher Residencies: A New Way to Recruit, Prepare, and Retain Effective Teachers in High-Needs Districts shows how the emerging innovation of Urban Teacher Residencies can improve teaching quality in urban schools.	Where Will They Lead? 2008 MBA Student Attitudes About Business & Society Available as downloadable PDF only.

Aspenia, published by Aspen Institute Italia, a multidisciplinary journal covering issues of strategic interest.

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