On December 12, 2023, the Elliott School of International Affairs and Columbian College’s joint Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication (IPDGC) hosted its annual Walter Roberts Lecture. Since 2011, the Walter Roberts Endowment has hosted this annual lecture which features prominent and distinguished speakers addressing issues of foreign policy, American politics, and the world at large. The lectures provide the opportunity for the diverse audience of students, faculty, public diplomacy practitioners, and other members of the public, to hear different perspectives on issues relating or influencing public diplomacy and U.S. foreign policy.
This year’s lecture featured keynote speaker HE Ambassador Bergdís Ellertsdóttir, Iceland's Ambassador to the United States and her remarks examined: “Climate Diplomacy: Communicating with Urgency.” Ambassador Ellertsdottir addressed the unique position of Iceland in global debates about climate change. She also discussed the communication challenges her country's advocacy faces when it comes to defining climate change as today’s most pressing global issue. Following the Ambassador’s remarks, School of Media and Public Diplomacy Professor Frank Sesno moderated a Q&A with the Ambassador. To learn more visit IPDGC for an in depth look at the talk and a link to the event recording.