Category: News

Democrats nominate chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen for the Nobel Peace Prize

Democrats nominated Chef José Andrés and the World Central Kitchen (WCK) for the Nobel Peace Prize, just after a House GOP lawmaker nominated former President Trump for the prestigious award.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) along with Reps. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) and Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) nominated the celebrity chef and his not-for-profit non-government organization (NGO) in a letter addressed to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, citing his “innovative model” and his impact as a “global phenomenon” by providing more than 350 million dishes worldwide made by locals. 

“During many dark and difficult times, the impact Chef Andrés and the World Central Kitchen has been extraordinary,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter. 

“All are in awe of how, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chef Andrés quickly marshaled the effort to provide 40 million meals to feed the hungry across the world,” they added.

They also commended him for helping to feed the National Guard soldiers in 2021 amid the aftermath of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, how his NGO distributed hot meals and grocery kits in Kyiv during the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war and the aid the group offered to displaced Palestinians amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Andrés is a Washington, D.C.-based restaurateur whose disaster relief fund gives out meals during natural disasters, namely starting off right after the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti in 2010.

The well-known chef, who operates a two-Michelin-star restaurant as well as several Bib Gourmands, has built his NGO into an organization that topped $500 million in annual revenue in 2022.  

His prize nomination came just after Republican Rep. Claudia Tenney (N.Y.) nominated the former president for brokering the Abraham Accords — a formal treaty to normalize relations between the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Israel.

Former USSC Chair and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson passed away this past September – 2023

Bill Clinton remembers Bill Richardson as skilled, informal US diplomat: ‘The bad guys liked him’

BY MORGAN LEEUpdated 6:57 PM EST, September 14, 2023Share

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Bill Clinton paid homage at a funeral Mass Thursday to former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson as a groundbreaking Latino politician and unorthodox master diplomat who could coax good things out of dictators and despots. 

Richardson served as the United States’ ambassador to the United Nations and energy secretary under the former president, who described his unique trust in Richardson on the international stage and as a custodian of national security and nuclear weapons labs, including facilities at Los Alamos, New Mexico.

“The bad guys liked him. But there’s a reason for that,” said Clinton, describing an early mission by Richardson as U.N. ambassador to encourage a democratic transition of power in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “If you scratch hard enough and long enough on anybody, there’s almost always still a person down there somewhere. … He may be twisted beyond untwisting. But once in a while, they do the right thing anyway. Bill Richardson knew that.”

Richardson died in his sleep at his home in Chatham, Massachusetts, earlier this month at age 75.

Political allies, Native American leaders and people touched by Richardson’s work to free Americans imprisoned abroad gathered in Santa Fe’s downtown Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi to honor a man known for his innate political skills, soaring ambition and ability to both clash and reconcile with rivals.

Clinton walked hand-on-hand with Richardson’s widow, Barbara, following the casket into cathedral and back out again. Relatives of some of the political prisoners whom Richardson sought to free as well as Interior Secretary Deb Haaland were also in attendance.

Richardson’s friendship with Clinton endured, despite having a falling out after Richardson dropped out of the 2008 presidential race and endorsed Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton. 

The Clintons expressed their sadness after learning of Richardson’s death earlier this month, and Bill Clinton on Thursday alluded to two “big fights” with Richardson that were reconciled with apologies and forgiveness.

“That’s what real people try to do with their lives. Nobody is perfect,” Clinton told a cathedral filled with hundreds of mourners.

Clinton during Thursday’s service reiterated his appreciation for Richardson’s informal methods of diplomacy. He described Richardson as big and hulky with a good sense of humor and someone who didn’t mind being politically incorrect from time to time.

“His energy was infectious. His skills were prodigious. His life was a gift, and I’m so glad that, each in our different ways, we received it,” Clinton said. “Now I ask you to go out of here and try to improve on his example. He would like it if you were trying.”

Richardson throughout his career and after leaving public office was tapped for numerous unofficial diplomatic missions, using his knack for negotiation to free many Americans held hostage abroad.

Santa Fe Archbishop John C. Wester said faith was important to Richardson, recalling a story about a crucifix Richardson wore around his neck — a gift from his grandmother who lived in Mexico. Fearing that he would lose it during a baseball game, he had stashed it in his back pocket and it became lodged in his leg after he slid into second base. Richardson joked that it was a sign that his grandmother had embedded the faith deep in him — literally.

It was that faith that helped Richardson through his interactions with world leaders and others, Wester said, suggesting that Richardson’s life paralleled that of the Good Samaritan in biblical stories. He said Richardson shook hands not out of duty but rather because he enjoyed meeting and getting along with people.

“Saint John of the Cross had a wonderful insight when he said that in the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone,” Wester said. “This is the message of the cross, the message of the Good Samaritan, the message of Gov. Richardson’s life — love one another, take risks for one another and have compassion for one another.”

The line to enter the historic cathedral stretched around the building as hundreds filed inside, from members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation to tribal governors and dignitaries from around the globe. 

Hundreds also turned out Wednesday as Richardson’s casket laid in state in the Capitol’s rotunda. An arrangement of white roses sent by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden was joined by flowers from others who were there to remember the work he had done for the state.

Richardson served two terms as governor starting in 2003. His casket was flanked by a police guard and draped in the New Mexico state flag with its ancient Zia Pueblo symbol of the sun.

The memorial services have reunited top advisers and Cabinet secretaries to Richardson in his years as governor, which were marked by splashy employment and public works projects — the creation of a commuter rail line connecting Santa Fe with Albuquerque, an aerospace “spaceport” launch facility, and generous incentives to attract film productions to New Mexico in the era before “Breaking Bad.”

Richardson enacted initiatives with a Democratic-led Legislature that put an end to the death penalty in the state, eliminated sales taxes on medicine and food in efforts to combat poverty, and renewed rights to collective bargaining by government workers that had expired under his Republican predecessor.

___

Associated Press writer Susan Montoya Bryan contributed to this report.

The 2023 Young Leaders Program Application Window has been extended!

The U.S. Spain Council Has Extended the Application Period to Join the 2023 Cohort of Our Marquee Cultural Exchange Program.

Since 2001, the Young Leaders Program has been the U.S. Spain Council’s flagship programming, bringing young American leaders to Spain with the goal of familiarizing them with the social, cultural, economic, and political realities of contemporary Spain, and to foster stronger understanding between Spain and the United States.

This trip serves as a wonderful opportunity to engage directly the subject of economic and political US – Spain and US – EU Relations. Past year’s program included visits to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where participants met with Spain’s Secretary of State, open talks with the heads of the International and Economic sections of El Pais Newspaper, luncheons at the Spanish Parliament where they met the heads of both major political parties. Visits to the US Embassy in Madrid, the US Consulate in Barcelona and the headquarters of financial institutions such as Grupo BBVA and CaixaBank.

We are thrilled to open the application period for our annual Young Leaders program and begin the process of selecting an outstanding cohort of American thought-leadership to embark on this once in a lifetime opportunity, experiencing Spain up-close and with unprecedented access.

Statement from USSC Executive Director Catherine Pino

If you or someone you know may be interested in applying to join the 2023 cohort of USSC Young Leaders, you can submit an application using the button above and learn more about the program here.

The 2023 Young Leaders Program Application Window is Now Open!

The U.S. Spain Council Has Opened the Application Period to Join the 2023 Cohort of Our Marquee Cultural Exchange Program.

Since 2001, the Young Leaders Program has been the U.S. Spain Council’s flagship programming, bringing young American leaders to Spain with the goal of familiarizing them with the social, cultural, economic, and political realities of contemporary Spain, and to foster stronger understanding between Spain and the United States.

This trip serves as a wonderful opportunity to engage directly the subject of economic and political US – Spain and US – EU Relations. Past year’s program included visits to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where participants met with Spain’s Secretary of State, open talks with the heads of the International and Economic sections of El Pais Newspaper, luncheons at the Spanish Parliament where they met the heads of both major political parties. Visits to the US Embassy in Madrid, the US Consulate in Barcelona and the headquarters of financial institutions such as Grupo BBVA and CaixaBank.

We are thrilled to open the application period for our annual Young Leaders program and begin the process of selecting an outstanding cohort of American thought-leadership to embark on this once in a lifetime opportunity, experiencing Spain up-close and with unprecedented access.

Statement from USSC Executive Director Catherine Pino

If you or someone you know may be interested in applying to join the 2023 cohort of USSC Young Leaders, you can submit an application using the button above and learn more about the program here.

The U.S. Embassy in Spain Participates Officially in the Madrid Pride Parade for the First Time

US-Spain Council Executive Director Catherine Pino invited to participate by US Ambassador.

On July 6th 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Spain participated officially for the first time in the Madrid Pride parade. 

Chargé d’Affaires Conrad Tribble and Deputy Chief of Mission a.i. Joe Mellott led a group of employees, including diplomats and family members, through the complete route carrying a banner with the message: “U.S. Embassy Spain Supports Pride”.

As President Biden said at the beginning of Pride Month, we recognize the resilience and determination of the many individuals who are fighting to live freely and authentically, and we reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with LGBTQI+ persons worldwide in the ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice.

Official Statement from the United States Mission to Spain and Andorra

US-Spain Council Executive Director, Catherine Pino, alongside her partner, Ingrid Duran were invited to participate in the Embassy’s parade group by the US Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, The Honorable Julissa Reynoso.

US Embassy to Spain and Andorra Celebrates the 246th Anniversary of U.S. Independence

On July 4th, American Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, Julissa Reynoso, presided over the celebration of the 246th anniversary of U.S. Independence. In her speech Ambassador Reynoso highlighted the importance of the bilateral relationship and emphasized that Spain is an “indispensable ally” for the United States.

During the celebration, the Marines made the traditional Presentation of Colors and the national anthems of both the United States and Spain were played for the attendees at the Palacio de los Duques de Pastrana, where the celebration took place.

Joint Declaration Between the Kingdom of Spain and the United States

The US Spain Council and Consejo España-EE.UU. mentioned as a facet of growing cultural ties between the two nations.

The US Spain Council and our counterparts, the Consejo España-EE.UU. were thrilled to be mentioned as part of a groundbreaking joint declaration made last month between the President of the United States Joseph Biden and the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez.

This Agreement will frame bilateral relations between our countries over the coming years and places the work of the US Spain Council and our Spanish counterparts at forefront of an effort to foster closer ties between our two nations. The Joint Declaration is published below in its entirety.

###

JOINT DECLARATION BETWEEN THE KINGDOM OF SPAIN AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Spain and the United States are Allies, strategic partners, and friends. Our bilateral relationship is based on deep historical ties, shared democratic values, and a common vision for addressing global challenges. Spain and the United States are committed to upholding peace and security, protecting the planet’s climate for future generations, promoting democracy and human rights, and enhancing economic prosperity around the world. To affirm our commitment to working closely together to advance these goals, the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez Pérez Castejón, and the President of the United States of America, Joseph R. Biden, Jr., on the occasion of President Biden’s visit to Spain on June 28-30, 2022, have reached the following understandings:

Reinforcing multilateral responses to transatlantic and global challenges

1. Spain and the United States condemn Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked war of choice against Ukraine, which has fundamentally altered the global strategic environment. This aggression constitutes the most direct threat to transatlantic security and global stability since the end of the Cold War. Russia’s actions also threaten the food security of some of the most vulnerable people around the world. Spain and the United States intend to continue working together, along and with other partners and allies, including the rest of the EU and the G7, to support the government and the people of Ukraine and to hold Russia accountable for its violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, including gross violations of international law by targeting civilians with violence, and conflict-related sexual violence. Spain and the United States also reiterate their strong support for Ukraine’s determination to choose its own future.

2. Spain and the United States are committed to defending the rules-based international order, which has been the foundation for preserving our security and advancing our prosperity over the past seven decades. We are fully committed to the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We intend to strengthen international and multilateral institutions to promote strong, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth, defend democratic governance, and advance solutions to global challenges.  We stand united in our determination to address challenges to that international order.  In this regard we continue to encourage China to uphold its commitments within the rules-based international order, to contribute to international security, and to cooperate in the provision of global public goods, including on climate change, biodiversity and gender equality.

Strengthening defense cooperation

3. The United States and Spain recognize the central importance of the NATO Alliance in ensuring transatlantic peace and security. As NATO Allies for 40 years, Spain and the United States are steadfastly committed to providing NATO with ready forces and capabilities, strengthening their transatlantic ties, and ensuring a 360-degree approach to security, particularly by enhancing the relationship with mutual partners, such as the European Union. The Madrid Summit hosted by Spain will ensure that NATO is united behind a new Strategic Concept guiding the Alliance’s approach towards strategic competitors and transnational threats, and that NATO’s military and political activities are resourced to address a more dangerous security environment.

4. Spain and the United States underline their commitment to the U.S.-Spain Agreement on Defense Cooperation signed in 1988, which, together with the shared use of Spain’s bases in Rota and Morón, is an essential piece of the bilateral defense cooperation between the two countries. Spain and the United States intend to expand their defense cooperation through the permanent stationing of additional U.S. naval vessels in Rota. The two countries intend to hold regular meetings within the framework of the bilateral High-Level Defense Group to strengthen defense cooperation.

Defending democracy, human rights, and gender equality

5. Spain and the United States share the fundamental values ​​of support for freedom, equity and equality, democracy, and the rule of law. Both countries reaffirm their commitment to a foreign policy guided by the defense of human rights, especially the rights of women and vulnerable populations, such as people living in poverty, members of racially or ethnically marginalized groups, LGBTQI+ persons, members of religious minority groups, persons with disabilities, refugees, migrants, internally displaced persons, older adults, children, gender non-conforming persons, and trafficking victims.

6. The United States and Spain underscore the importance of promoting gender equity and equality globally. Both countries intend to work together to promote policies and initiatives that advance the rights of women and girls, including through the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.  As underscored during this Summit for Democracy Year of Action, they are committed to cooperation in strengthening democratic governance and the protection and promotion of human rights throughout the world, particularly with the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean where the United States and Spain both have deep and enduring affiliations.

Intensifying collaboration on justice and security issues

7. The United States and Spain intend to maintain and build upon their strong law enforcement cooperation, including with respect to extradition and mutual legal assistance. They plan to reinforce their collaboration in the fight against terrorism, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and trafficking in persons. They intend to strengthen cybersecurity cooperation to increase national resilience to cyber-attacks, promote responsible state behavior in cyberspace, and counter malicious cyber activity from nation states and criminal actors. 

8. The United States and Spain will continue to work together to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation at the bilateral level and internationally. They also will work to curb the abuse of new information and communication technologies by terrorists, violent extremists, and authoritarian regimes. 

Promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration

9. Both countries intend to collaborate on a comprehensive approach in the management of irregular migration flows, ensuring the just and humane treatment of migrants. Both countries also plan to coordinate efforts to address the root causes of irregular migration and work to strengthen legal pathways, with a particular focus on the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.  Spain and the United States likewise recognize the importance of ongoing cooperation in response to the challenges of irregular migration in the North Africa region.

Fighting climate change and increasing energy security

10. Spain and the United States recognize that the climate crisis is one of the most serious challenges of our time. Both countries stress the urgent need to increase global climate action to ensure that deep reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions are achieved by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. In this light, they commit to pursuing a climate-smart recovery that strengthens biodiversity. 

11. Both countries are committed to developing joint strategies to boost climate action in low and middle-income countries and sectoral strategies to accelerate the deployment of clean and renewable energy and the promotion of just transition to decarbonized and circular economies. They recognize the need to reach the Paris Agreement goals, including to accelerate global efforts to make financial flows consistent with low greenhouse gas emissions and climate resilient development.  Both countries also underscore the importance of making continued progress towards the collective goal to mobilize annually 100 billion U.S. dollars for climate action in developing countries. They recognize the urgency of addressing methane in line with the Global Methane Pledge, improving adaptation to the impacts of climate change, and promoting a climate resilient development, especially in the most vulnerable countries.

12. The United States and Spain stress the importance of joint action to improve Europe’s energy security and reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels. Both countries are committed to collaboration to increase the geographical diversification of energy sources, especially natural gas, to promote renewable energies and develop new vectors such as offshore wind-power and renewable hydrogen, to deploy smart technologies that promote energy efficiency, and to secure supply chains for the critical minerals essential to the energy transition.

Expanding cooperation in commercial and economic matters

13. Spain and the United States are committed to strengthening the rules-based multilateral trade system to ensure fair competition and legal certainty. Both countries are committed to promoting the development of trade and investment, including entrepreneurship, small- and medium-sized businesses, and innovation as the basis for strong, sustainable, inclusive economic growth that creates quality employment in both countries and incorporates diverse and excluded groups, while ensuring adequate protection for digital economy workers. They are committed to transatlantic cooperation to resolve trade, economic and technological differences; promote energy security and sustainability; and build resilient supply chains that are transparent, secure, sustainable, and diverse. They are committed to ending the race to the bottom on corporate taxation through the swift implementation of the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework’s Two-Pillar Solution.

Boosting digital, scientific, and technological cooperation

14. The United States and Spain defend a digital transformation based on a shared respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and democratic values, on reducing the digital divide, on preventing and addressing the disproportionate effects of online forms of violence and abuse on women, children, and other marginalized groups, and on the implementation of mechanisms to safeguard these principles. They express the importance of coordinating actions to mitigate security risks in the digital environment, especially the importance of working with trusted suppliers, and cooperating in defining and utilizing international standards, including open standards, and best practices that contribute to reliable and secure digitalization. They express their commitment to cooperation initiatives in the transatlantic framework, such as the EU-U.S. Trade and Technology Council, as a tool for addressing challenges in the trade, economic and technological sphere.

15. Spain and the United States intend to continue promoting joint science, space, and innovation initiatives carried out by research organizations, universities, and private companies in all fields of space and science, including through scientific-technological initiatives of the European Union. Spain and the United States plan to encourage industrial initiatives to enhance open strategic autonomy, especially in critical raw materials.

16. Both countries aim to intensify cultural and educational exchanges through bilateral programs such as the Fulbright Program, the Spain-USA Foundation, and the U.S.-Spain Council.

Strengthening political cooperation 

17. Spain and the United States intend to continue high-level consultations between the two governments. The Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation and the U.S. Secretary of State intend to continue their regular political consultations, and the Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs and the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State intend to continue their regular contact. In addition, regular region- and issue-focused meetings should take place on topics of mutual interest to include Latin America and the Caribbean, the Maghreb, the Sahel, China and the Indo-Pacific, Russia, multilateral affairs, migration, science and technology, and cybersecurity.

Looking to the future

18. In the spirit of this joint declaration, Spain and the United States intend to continue strengthening their bilateral relations, expanding on these understandings as needed. As Spain prepares for its presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2023, the two countries intend to prioritize cooperation on foreign policy, security, defense, and economic issues as they relate to the EU.  Spain and the United States look forward to working together to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century and to seizing opportunities for deepening their cooperation so that it provides security and prosperity to citizens on both sides of the Atlantic. 

###