Guest speech: Ambassador of the United States of America, H.E. William C. Eacho III

As a continuation of the Guest Lecture Ambassador series the IMC Export Department and at the occasion of the recent Mid-term elections in the US, Prof. Bajrektarevic invited H.E. William C. Eacho III, the US Ambassador to Austria to hold a guest lecture on 19th November 2010.

Chairman Bajrektarevic warmly welcomed the ambassador by introducing His Excellency and by emphasizing the high number events co-organized with the Amerika Haus (such as the lecture of the US Secretary E. Chao, of Pulitzer awarded author and professor Rakove, visit of Ambassador McCaw, etc.).

H.E. William C. Eacho III, who has taken over the position as US Ambassador to Austria in August 2009, started his highly-interesting speech with emphasizing US trans-Atlantic relations. His Excellency underlined the strong relationship with the EU and emphasized its high importance as a trading partner for the US. Additionally he indicated that US and European interest converge in respect to stopping terrorism and he therefore pointed up the importance of exchanging data in order to chase criminals and terrorists efficiently.

The Ambassador gave an overview of President Obama’s agenda in foreign policy for the first two years of the Obama administration. Ranging from ending wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, threats to human rights in Iran, Al-Qaeda threats all over the world etc.

His Excellency marked President Obamas’ efforts concerning climate change and other environmental issues. Moreover he emphasized the importance of not only developed countries working together, but also including and focusing on cooperation with the developing world in order to achieve goals.

Another topic on the agenda of the highly absorbing guest lecture were the recently conducted mid-term elections in the US. The Ambassador stated that the outcome of the elections could have a positive impact for the president. The divided government may achieve better results as compromises have to be sought.

As a conclusion His Excellency underlined the high importance for students to take the opportunity to go to the US for an exchange or practical training semester in order to gain the ability to adapt to different cultures as businesses today have no borders.

The official part of the Ambassador’s visit was closed with a small cocktail and family photo. In a rather relaxed and atmospheric setting, IMC students had the opportunity to discuss with the Excellency for additional half an hour. This Guest Lecture was the 82th event organized under the auspices of the Chairman Prof. Dr. Anis Bajrektarevic.

The next in-house event will take place on 6th December 2010 when Prof. Bajrektarevic is hosting H.E. Mr. Uzcátegui Duque, Ambassador of Venezuela to Austria & Vienna-based IOs.

Text: Martina P.

The speech of H.E. William C. Eacho III can be found here.
The biography of H.E. William C. Eacho III can be found here.