Top Leaders Discuss The Way Forward For U.S.-Cuba Relations at Meridian’s Cultural Diplomacy Forum on Cuba June 9, 2016
On Thursday, June 9, 2016, top leaders from Cuba and the United States met at Meridian International Center’s annual Cultural Diplomacy Forum to discuss the way forward for relations between the two nations. Speakers at the Forum included Ambassador of Cuba to the United States Dr. José R. Cabañas; Congressman Tom Emmer (R-MN); The Honorable Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications and Speechwriting; Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez, Chairman, Meridian International Center; Adrienne Arsht, Executive Vice Chairman, Atlantic Council; Jennifer Zammuto, Corporate Philanthropic Strategies Manager, Caterpillar Foundation; Jodi Bond, Vice President, Americas, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Meridian’s President Ambassador Stuart Holliday; and Collin Laverty, President Cuba Education Travel.
The sold-out Forum was attended by American and Cuban business leaders, senior U.S. government officials, high-ranking diplomats, and cultural enthusiasts. Featured speakers explored prospects for economic development through entrepreneurship and policies that promote cultural tourism in Cuba; while panelists addressed how leaders can collaborate to pave the way for increased engagement between the United States and Cuba through educational and cultural exchanges.
The Forum was followed by a cocktail reception, with entertainment from leading Cuban-American band Orishabo and the Company E Dance Company.
Meridian’s Cultural Diplomacy Forum on Cuba was presented in partnership with Adrienne Arsht and Caterpillar, with travel provided by Cuba Educational Travel.
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