The Challenge of World Leadership in the 21st Century

Speaker

The Honorable Leon E. Panetta


Former United States Secretary of Defense

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Overview

“Abroad there is Putin’s war against Ukraine, turmoil in the Middle East, and looming threats in Asia. Put succinctly, the fate of the West is being decided by what happens in the East. At home, American democracy is withering from misinformation, tribalism, domestic terrorism, political intolerance, the dysfunction of Congress, assaults on the press, crippling polarization, the undermining of elections, racial intolerance, inequality and more. We are a superpower at a pivotal crossroads.

Will the America of the 21st century make up its mind and act to provide the necessary world leadership to protect democracy in Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and elsewhere? Will it preserve the American dream of giving our children a better life?”

-Secretary Leon Panetta

Join us when Secretary Panetta, Co-Chairman of the Panetta Institute for Public Policy, discusses some of the most important issues of our day.

Leon Panetta is the former U.S. Secretary of Defense, Director of the CIA, White House Chief of Staff, Director of the Office of Management and Budget and U.S. Representative from our 17th Congressional District. He was born and raised in Carmel Valley, California.

Date and Times

  • Thursday, March 28, 2024
  • 11:15 AM Registration
  • ~11:45 AM Lunch
  • 12:45 PM Speaker Presentation

Menu

  • Salad: Caesar Salad
  • Assorted Bread & Rolls with Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar
  • Entree: Citrus-Brined Chicken: A Bone-In Chicken Breast with Lemon-Thyme Jus, Marbled Potatoes, Braised Fennel, & Pancetta Brussel Sprouts
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Vegan Paella: Black Beans, Sweet Potatoes, Chick Peas, Zucchini with Saffron Rice & a Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette
  • Dessert: Fresh Seasonal Tart

Cost

  • $69 for World Affairs Council members
  • $79 for guests

Vaccination Requirements

Until further notice, documentation of COVID vaccination will not be required to attend in-person events.


Registration

If you encounter difficulties with registration, please email info@wacmb.org before the registration deadline.
Please note: Auditors will not be admitted to this event.


Location

Monterey Conference Center
One Portola Plaza
Steinbeck Ballroom
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 646-3770