Mahmood Khan, professor and director of the Pamplin College of Business Master of Science in Business Administration/Hospitality and Tourism Management program, at the Council on Foreign Relations' 2023 College and University Educators Workshop. Photo courtesy of Mahmood Khan.

Mahmood Khan, professor and director of the Pamplin College of Business Master of Science in Business Administration/Hospitality and Tourism Management program, was invited by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) to attend the 2023 College and University Educators Workshop, held at their headquarters in New York City.

Representatives from various colleges and institutions in the United States attended the workshop, which included discussions on topics such as U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East; water stress and climate dynamics; human rights in Latin America; military affairs; and post-conflict reconstruction.

“The workshop organized by the Council on Foreign Relations provided an opportunity to interact with educators from different colleges and universities as well as meeting with foreign policy experts,” said Khan. “The multidisciplinary panels focused on the current world affairs ranging from climate change, water scarcity, human suffering, as well as ongoing political situations.”

A global perspective emerged from the discussions which, according to Khan, will be of immense help in reviewing services provided by various hospitality operations worldwide for peaceful coexistence. 

Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau joined the meeting for a conversation about Canada’s role in geopolitics. Trudeau discussed – in both English and French – prospects for the future of the U.S.-Canada relationship, economic cooperation, and Canada's role in global politics, among other topics.

The 2023 College and University Educators Workshop is part of the CFR Academic initiative. The CFR is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, publisher, and educational institution dedicated to helping others better understand the world and the foreign policy choices facing the United States and other countries. It provides an opportunity for educators to explore the wide array of CFR and Foreign Affairs teaching and research resources available to the academic community, participate in substantive briefings with subject experts as well as in group discussions, and share best practices and educational tools for bringing global issues into the classroom.

“The intent of the meeting was to understand the thought process in foreign affairs planning from the US point of view,” added Khan. “It was a very informative workshop and provided publications that can be used in class discussions.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaking at the 2023 College and University Educators Workshop, sponsored by the Council on Foreign Relations. Photo courtesy of Mahmood Khan.

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