Peoria Area World Affairs Council

Cybersecurity
Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Age
44th Annual Central Illinois World Affairs Conference
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center
East Peoria, IL

In the last 25 years, the Internet has changed the way people access and share information, and has shifted the dynamics of societies around the globe. In earlier times, the elite and powerful in the world held the corner on communication. With the explosion of access to the Internet, any person with a web connection has the power to reach millions with any message. The limitless opportunities of the expansion of the Internet are accompanied by a myriad of challenges, including corporate espionage, privacy violations, and national security threats. This conference will focus on the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals and governments alike and, in particular, the ways that we as a society can balance the freedom to share information with the need to protect that information and our society.

Featuring Dr. Lori E. Murray, Distinguished Chair for National Security at the U.S. Naval Academy and Special Security Advisor to President Clinton; and Chris Finan, Truman National Security Project and Director of Cybersecurity Legislation and Policy in the Obama White House.

March Membership Meeting

Thursday, March 6, 2014 at 5:30 pm
ICC North Campus is the terrific new location for the the monthly meeting. Join us in Poplar Hall, Room 129 at 5:30 pm on the first Thursday of the month.

Everyone is welcome to join us and learn more about your organization and how you can become more involved! View the agenda here.

Travel with the World Affairs Councils!

Find your destination with the Philadelphia World Affairs Council! Each trip features first-class accommodations and outstanding sites. In addition, each trip includes an expert who offers insight along the way. Join Angela Weck next summer for a terrific cruise along the waterways of Russia! Find all the details at the WAC Philadelphia site.

For more information or assistance, please contact Angela Weck, Peoria Area World Affairs Council, pawac@fsmail.bradley.edu or (309) 677-2454.

Celebrate Lebanon! on November 12-14, 2010 explored both Lebanon's place in the world and the enormous contributions persons of Lebanese descent have made to our country. During the three-day event attendees had the opportunity to hear from, and interact with, Lebanon's Ambassador Antoine Chedid, US Ambassador Michele Sisson, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, Dr. James Zogby of the Arab American Institute. The program included sections on the history of the immigrant population in this area, the religions and the economy of Lebanon, and the legacy of Lebanese immigrants, often referred to as the Phoenicians.

It was also a celebration of Americans of Lebanese descent through music and food. The Lebanese community in Peoria is an outstanding example of the many Lebanese communities through out the country that have contributed so much to the prosperity and quality of life of their neighbors.

Special thanks to the St. Sharbel Parish, the Itoo Society, and the extraordinary efforts of the Lebanon Committee!