Aspen Ministers Forum Meets in Independence May 3-5, 2019

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – The Truman Library Institute is partnering with the Aspen Institute and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to host the Aspen Ministers Forum at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum May 3-5, 2019. The Forum brings top diplomats and thought leaders together to craft new approaches to critical global challenges.

This year’s Forum, “Building Resilient International Organizations: From Past Lessons to New Threats,” will use President Truman’s foreign policy legacy to explore America’s evolving standing in the world. In addition to Secretary Albright, this year’s diverse group includes 17 other former foreign ministers from around the world. The group will include former British cabinet minister Sir Malcolm Rifkind, former Foreign Affairs Minister of France Hubert Védrine, and President of Mexico’s Institutional Revolutionary Party Claudia Ruiz Massieu, among others.

No American president did more to shape the globe and America’s role in it than President Truman. Through the United Nations, Marshall Plan, and NATO, Truman created a basic international architecture that helped advance freedom, increase prosperity, and secure peace. “This moment in time calls for a close and frank examination of the current state of international institutions and the motivating principles driving our global future,” said Madeleine K. Albright, former Secretary of State and AMF Founder. “President Truman’s vision built the post-World War II order, so as the time has come for us to reevaluate what comes next, I can think of no more apt setting for this dialogue than his Library and hometown.”

The Truman Library’s unique historical resources, exhibits, and educational programming, including the White House Decision Center, will greatly enhance the discussion and experience for all involved. “As we work to expand the reach and impact of the Truman Library, we are honored to host this important conversation that builds upon my grandfather’s legacy,” said Clifton Truman Daniel, the oldest grandson of President Harry S. Truman and Honorary Chairman of the Truman Library Institute. The Forum will also offer the ministers opportunities to experience the best that Independence and Kansas City has to offer: jazz, barbecue, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the National World War I Museum in addition to the Truman Library.

As part of the forum, the following public event at the library will be open to the media:

• Friday, May 3 from 12:30 to 1:30 – Panel discussion featuring Secretary of Albright and her fellow former foreign ministers — Daniel Mitov of Bulgaria and Sir Malcolm Rifkind of the United Kingdom — examining the enlargement of NATO and its future path.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Lacey Helmig
Director of Communications
Truman Library Institute
816-400-1217
lacey.helmig@TrumanLibraryInstitute.org