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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260402T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260402T110000
DTSTAMP:20260418T101232
CREATED:20260210T165107Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T144839Z
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SUMMARY:Coffee and Discussion (virtual)
DESCRIPTION:A monthly discussion of world events for members. Virtual meetings are held every first Thursday of the month. \nDate & Time: April 2nd\, from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM \nDiscussion leader: \nProposed topic: Food Supply and Fertilizer Shortages Amid the Iran War \nSuggested Readings:  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGordon\, N.\, & Corthell\, L. (2026\, March 12). The other global crisis stemming from the Strait of Hormuz’s blockage. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. https://carnegieendowment.org/emissary/2026/03/fertilizer-iran-hormuz-food-crisis\nCurtis\, E.\, Virzi\, J.\, & Welsh\, C. (2026\, March 11). Chokepoint: How the war with Iran threatens global food security. Center for Strategic and International Studies. https://www.csis.org/analysis/chokepoint-how-war-iran-threatens-global-food-security\nAtlantic Council. (2026). The Iran war’s economic fallout won’t stop at oil: Agriculture and aluminum are next. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/econographics/the-iran-wars-economic-fallout-wont-stop-at-oil-agriculture-and-aluminum-are-next/\nCouncil on Foreign Relations. (2026). The Iran war’s hidden front: Food\, water\, and fertilizer. https://www.cfr.org/articles/the-iran-wars-hidden-front-food-water-and-fertilizer\nWashington Post. (2026\, March 28). Iran war humanitarian aid blocked. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/03/28/iran-war-humanitarian-aid-blocked/\nSupply Chain Brain. (2026). Iran war threatens global food supply chains. https://www.supplychainbrain.com/articles/43690-iran-war-threatens-global-food-supply-chains\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/coffee-and-discussion-in-person-at-magno-terra-in-yarmouth-9/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Coffee and Discussion
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ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260407T070000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260407T093000
DTSTAMP:20260418T101232
CREATED:20260316T162545Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T153358Z
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SUMMARY:2026 Governor's International Breakfast Maine and the World: Looking Back and Moving Forward
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the annual Governor’s International Breakfast! The World Affairs Council of Maine and the Maine International Trade Center invite you to Maine and the World: Looking Back and Moving Forward — a morning of conversation on Maine’s place in the global economy. Tickets: $25 for members\, $30 for non-members\, Maine Students always FREE! \nREGISTER HERE \nDate: April 7\, 2026 \nTime: 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM \nLocation: Holiday Inn By the Bay\, 88 Spring Street\, Portland\, ME \nSince 1997\, the Governor’s International Breakfast has brought together Maine’s civic\, business\, academic\, and government leaders to make the case that Maine’s prosperity is inseparable from its global connections. This year\, as Governor Janet T. Mills delivers her fifth and final address\, the breakfast will focus on the importance of Maine’s engagement with the world\, and the partnerships and investments the state will work from going forward. This year’s panel will draw on the breakfast themes over the last four year — climate and energy\, workforce development\, leadership in the Arctic and North Atlantic\, food security and supply chains\, as well as trade\, economic development\, and public diplomacy — to take stock of what Maine has built through its global connections and what the state cannot afford to lose. \nTHANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS AND PARTNERS \nCoffee by Design \nNorthcross Group \nMurray\, Plumb & Murray \nVerrill (Law) \nBroadreach Public Relations \nMaine International Trade Center (MITC) \nNorway Savings Bank \n 
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/2026-governors-international-breakfast-maine-and-the-world-looking-back-and-moving-forward/
LOCATION:Holiday Inn by the Bay\, 88 Spring St\, Portland\, ME\, United States
CATEGORIES:In Partnership
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ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260423T163000
DTSTAMP:20260418T101232
CREATED:20260209T151016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T193158Z
UID:10000167-1776880800-1776961800@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:Leadership in the High North 2026: Advancing Maine's Role in the Arctic
DESCRIPTION:Leadership in the High North: Advancing Maine’s Role in the Arctic\nApril 22–23\, 2026 Maine National Guard Regional Training Institute 289 Hildreth St. N\, Bangor\, ME \nContact: LTC (R) Darryl W. Lyon\,— darryl.lyon@gmail.com \n\nEvent Description\nJoin Maine’s leading scholars\, diplomats\, business leaders\, and security experts for a two-day symposium exploring our state’s growing role in the rapidly changing Arctic. From climate science and international trade to emergency preparedness and Indigenous inclusion\, this conference connects Maine to one of the world’s most consequential regions. \nKeynote Speaker: Ambassador Svanhildur Holm Valsdóttir\, Embassy of Iceland \nDay 1 — Wednesday\, April 22\n6:00 PM Welcome & Opening Remarks 6:30 PM Dinner 7:30 PM Keynote Address — Ambassador Svanhildur Holm Valsdóttir 8:30 PM Concluding Remarks & Preview of Day 2 \nDay 2 — Thursday\, April 23\n8:30 AM Breakfast Reception & Student Poster Session 9:10 AM Maine’s Academic Role in the Arctic — featuring Dr. Pips Veazey (UMaine Portland Gateway)\, Dr. Susan Kaplan (Bowdoin College)\, and UNE North 10:30 AM Maine’s Economic Role in the Arctic — featuring Maine International Trade Center\, New England Ocean Cluster\, and Maine Center for Entrepreneurs 12:15 PM Maine’s Diplomatic Role in the Arctic — featuring Dr. Mary Thompson-Jones\, author of America in the Arctic 2:15 PM Maine’s Security & Emergency Management Role in the Arctic — featuring Benjamin Strong (Arctic Council)\, Magnus Nordenman\, and USCG Sector Northern New England 3:30 PM The Way Ahead — closing discussion with Ambassador Valsdóttir and Commissioner Diane Dunn (Maine DVEM) \nLunch included. Extended networking breaks with student poster opportunities throughout the day. \nContact: LTC (R) Darryl W. Lyon\,— darryl.lyon@gmail.com \n\nCall for Student Posters\nStudents: Present your Arctic-relevant research alongside leading experts! Posters will be featured during structured networking sessions throughout the conference. \n\nFree attendance for student presenters\nEasels provided — just bring your poster (36×48″\, vertical)\nTopics: climate\, geopolitics\, trade\, security\, Indigenous studies\, marine science\, and more\n\nContact: Tyler Lissy\, UMaine SPIA — lissyt@maine.edu \n\nPresented by: World Affairs Council of Maine • Archipelago • UMaine School of Policy & International Affairs • Maine International Trade Center \nSupported by: Maine Department of Defense\, Veterans and Emergency Management • ArcticToday
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/leadership-in-the-high-north-2026-advancing-maines-role-in-the-arctic/
LOCATION:ME
CATEGORIES:Community
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T193000
DTSTAMP:20260418T101232
CREATED:20260107T170703Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T212904Z
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SUMMARY:Great Decisions 2026: Ruptured Alliances & the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation
DESCRIPTION:Great Decisions 2026: The Future of U.S. Global Leadership Keynote Series \nRuptured Alliances & the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation\nwith Heather Williams\, Director\, Project on Nuclear Issues and Senior Fellow\, Defense and Security\, CSIS\, moderated by Rebecca Davis-Gibbons \nMay 7\, 2026\, 5:30-7:30 PM\, 34 Bedford Street\, Portland \nWhat happens when America’s allies begin to doubt U.S. security commitments—could it trigger a new wave of nuclear proliferation? Heather Williams directs the Project on Nuclear Issues at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and serves on the Defense Science Board. A leading voice on arms control\, deterrence\, and nuclear risks\, she has advised the U.S. government and the UK House of Lords on nuclear policy. Join us for a vital conversation on whether the global architecture that has prevented nuclear spread for decades can survive an era of great power rivalry. \nAddress: Lee Auditorium\, Wishcamper Center\, 34 Bedford Street\, Portland 5:30-6:15 PM: Reception 6:15-7:30 PM: Keynote\n\nGreat Decisions is the largest and longest-running discussion program on foreign policy in the United States\, offered locally by the World Affairs Council of Maine since 1980. Thanks to the generous support of our Global Benefactor “Coffee by Design\,” we are offering a public lecture series in addition to our regular discussion series co-hosted with the Falmouth Memorial Library. \nNote: Public lectures will be recorded to support Great Decisions discussion groups in Maine\, including our annual member-facilitated series at the Falmouth Library beginning March 24\, 2026. \nReserve your spot today and be part of this essential conversation on the crossroads of American foreign policy. \nTickets: \n$10 for members \n$15 non-members \nMaine Students FREE \nREGISTER HERE \n 
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/great-decisions-2026-ruptured-alliances-the-risk-of-nuclear-proliferation/
LOCATION:Lee Auditorium\, Wishcamper Center\, 34 Bedfort St\, Portland\, ME\, 04104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Great Decisions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacmaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FY26-GDNUCS512-x-512-px.png
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260514T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260514T110000
DTSTAMP:20260418T101232
CREATED:20260210T164950Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T164950Z
UID:10000171-1778752800-1778756400@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:Coffee and Discussion (In-Person) at Magno Terra in Yarmouth
DESCRIPTION:A monthly discussion of world events for members. In-person meetings are held every third Thursday of the month. Currently the group will be meeting at the Magno Terra Cafe in Yarmouth (#2 Delorme St – immediately to the right of exit 17 on 295 if you are coming from Portland). \n\nDate & Time: May 14th\, from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM \nPlace: Community Room – Magno Terra Cafe\, 2 Delorme St. Yarmouth\, ME \nDiscussion leader: TBD \nProposed topic: TBD \nREGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/coffee-and-discussion-in-person-at-magno-terra-in-yarmouth-8/
LOCATION:Magno Terra Cafe\, 2 Delorme Dr\, Yarmouth\, ME\, 04096
CATEGORIES:Coffee and Discussion
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacmaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/FY25-WEB-Coffe-Icon-e1722544254657.png
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260514T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260514T193000
DTSTAMP:20260418T101232
CREATED:20260107T171408Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T213116Z
UID:10000163-1778779800-1778787000@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:Great Decisions 2026: Democracy & the Future of U.S. Foreign Policy
DESCRIPTION:Great Decisions 2026: The Future of U.S. Global Leadership Keynote Series \nDemocracy & the Future of U.S. Foreign Policy\nwith Ambassador (ret.) Derek Mitchell\, Senior Adviser to the President and Asia Program\, CSIS \nMay 14\, 2026\, 5:30-7:30 PM\, 34 Bedford Street\, Portland \nWhat role should democracy play in American foreign policy—and how do we balance values with interests in an era of great power competition? Ambassador Derek Mitchell brings more than three decades of experience navigating these questions across government\, diplomacy\, and the nonprofit sector. As the first U.S. Ambassador to Burma in 22 years during its political opening\, and later as president of the National Democratic Institute\, he has seen firsthand the promises and limits of democratic engagement. Join us for a capstone conversation on one of the most enduring debates in American foreign policy. \nAddress: Lee Auditorium\, Wishcamper Center\, 34 Bedford Street\, Portland 5:30-6:15 PM: Reception 6:15-7:30 PM: Keynote \n\nGreat Decisions is the largest and longest-running discussion program on foreign policy in the United States\, offered locally by the World Affairs Council of Maine since 1980. Thanks to the generous support of our Global Benefactor “Coffee by Design\,” we are offering a public lecture series in addition to our regular discussion series co-hosted with the Falmouth Memorial Library. \nNote: Public lectures will be recorded to support Great Decisions discussion groups in Maine\, including our annual member-facilitated series at the Falmouth Library beginning March 24\, 2026. \nReserve your spot today and be part of this essential conversation on the crossroads of American foreign policy. \nTickets: \n$12 for members \n$20 non-members \nMaine Students FREE \nREGISTER HERE \n 
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/great-decisions-2026-democracy-the-future-of-u-s-foreign-policy/
LOCATION:Lee Auditorium\, Wishcamper Center\, 34 Bedfort St\, Portland\, ME\, 04104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Great Decisions
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ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
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