Annual Peace Celebration: Peace and Security in a Changing World
Left to Right: VCWA Board Chair, Peter Clavelle; VCWA CEO and President, Patricia Preston; 2023 VCWA Person of the Year and Senior Foreign Policy Advisor to Senator Patrick Leahy, Tim Rieser; Former Lieutenant Governor of Vermont, Molly Gray.
On October 12th, the Vermont Council on World Affairs (VCWA) hosted its Annual International Day of Peace Celebration focused on Peace and Security in a Changing World. At this year’s event, we discussed the challenges and opportunities of establishing peace and security in a world grappling with threats like climate change, terrorism, and political instability. We welcomed visionaries, policymakers, and advocates who shared their insights and facilitated discussions on crafting a more peaceful and secure world for future generations.
Each year, The Vermont Council on World Affairs commemorates the International Day of Peace Event by recognizing an individual who, embodies the qualities inherent in promoting international understanding and building ties between the US and the world. This year, the VCWA was honored to present the 2023 Person of the Year Award to Tim Rieser, a distinguished Senior Foreign Policy Advisor to Senator Patrick Leahy.
2023 Person of the Year, Tim Rieser, and Former Lieutenant Governor of Vermont, Molly Gray
Rieser played a pivotal role in supporting Senator Leahy in normalizing relations with Cuba during the Obama administration and was instrumental in organizing the fight against landmines and cluster munitions. Additionally, he worked to establish programs to assist innocent victims of war and address war legacies in Vietnam. His contributions to shaping U.S. foreign policy encompass critical issues ranging from human rights to global health, international environmental conservation, and a wide range of other foreign assistance programs.
We were fortunate to hear Rieser recount his crucial role in U.S-Cuba relations, outline his mission to clear Oppenheimer’s name 55 years after his death, reflect on his 37-year career working alongside Senator Leahy, and offer advice for those hoping to make meaningful contributions in today’s political climate.
“The world today is not the world we wish it were. There’s a lot to ponder about the future but I do think we all have to do what we can in the best way we can”
We were also joined remotely by International Economic and Community Development Consultant, Alan Gross who discussed highlights from his long standing career at USAID. He shared details of his work on a program that explicitly called for the overthrow of Castro’s government, resulting in his prosecution in 2011 and subsequent five-year prison sentence.
U.S.-Jordan Leadership Exchange Program Fellow Sara Oduibat,
We had the privilege of hearing from many other esteemed speakers, beginning with VCWA Board Chair Peter Clavelle, U.S.-Jordan Leadership Exchange Program Fellow Sara Oduibat, VCWA President and CEO Patricia Preston, concluding with Rieser’s discussion with Former Lieutenant Governor of Vermont, Molly Gray.
Thank you to all who were able to join us to mark this important event. A special thank you to our sponsors Norwich University, Pomerleau Real Estate, Tetra Tech, Middlebury College, Saint Michael’s College, World Learning, Hanson+Doremus, Birnn Chocolates, Pat Robins & Lisa Schamberg, and Judy & Alan Gross.
