Steve Schlesinger, Fellow at the Century Foundation in New York City, authored "Act of Creation: Founding of the United Nations," and is an expert on the UN and international issues. Over the past 8 decades the UN has expanded its mandate and development programs to reduce conflicts, combat diseases and climate change, develop maritime and aviation safety, move ships, mail and weather information worldwide. We have not experienced a major world war since 1945. The modern, interconnected world could not exist without the UN. Although the US is one of the major beneficiaries of UN programs, the Republican House of Representative voted to cut off funding to the UN, which would be devastating for many US foreign policies. The polls show that the public supports American involvement in the UN. Project 2025 is a blueprint for an isolationist, Fortress America that is dangerous for both the US and the world.

Michelle Gladieux, a communication expert, debate coach, executive coach, and author of “Communicate with Courage: Taking Risks to Overcome the Four Hidden Challenges" trains leaders in almost every industry to experience more impactful interactions and presentations. Four personality types consist of: 1) Driver, a highly assertive person; 2) Analyst, great at details; 3) Amiable means flexibility; 4) Expressive style, one who talks and builds relationships. The Hidden Challenges include: 1) Hiding from Risk when the risk should be confronted; 2) Defining to be Right to please the ego; 3) Rationalizing the Negative out of fear; and 4) Settling for “Good Enough.” Pro Moves are discussed, small actions we can take to achieve more positive influence as communicators with a little more effort. Learn how to determine your unique mission as a communicator, when and how to give praise, and how to get credit for positive changes you pursue to avoid being stereotyped.

Dr. Frank N. von Hippel, Senior Research Physicist and Professor of Public and International Affairs emeritus of the Program on Science and Global Security at Princeton University’s forthcoming book is, “Ending the Nuclear Arms Race – A physicist’s quest.” The world has 9 nuclear states and over 10,000 nuclear weapons. The Doomsday Clock sponsored by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists is now 90-seconds before striking midnight. DoD spends over $125 million per day to maintain our nuclear stockpile. Rather than spend trillions to modernize nuclear weapons, we should reduce them. A key player has been the United Nations, through its treaties and conferences, in reducing nuclear threats. The UN Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) concluded in 1970 is the major treaty. Today’s weapons are far more powerful and devastating than the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Recommendations: No First Use of nukes; 2) Get away from launch on warning posture.