Donate Or Become a Member of GlobalPittsburgh on Pittsburgh Day of Giving Oct. 4 And Make Your Investment Go Even Further - Donations Also Can Be Made From Smartphones And Tablet Computers

On Tuesday, October 4, the Pittsburgh Foundation is holding its annual Day of Giving, when your contribution to GlobalPittsburgh and other non-profits in the region will be enhanced from a pool of $725,000, allowing each recipient organization to receive approximately 15-20% more from each donation.

This is a great time to make your annual donation to support GlobalPittsburgh programs connecting the Pittsburgh Region to the world, and if you’re not yet a paid member of GlobalPittsburgh, it’s the perfect time to register for a year of activities and benefits.

The Day of Giving is an easy and effective way to make a huge impact on Pittsburgh and the non-profit community. Through PittsburghGives.org, you can make a donation to support the mission and activities of GlobalPittsburgh in just a few quick steps:

At any time on Tuesday, October 4, go to www.pittsburghgives.org
Click on “Day of Giving”
Click on “Donate Now”

Enter your name, email and phone number in the appropriate fields. From the drop down box select GlobalPittsburgh and enter your donation amount (minimum $25; GlobalPittsburgh membership is $40 for individuals/$50 for families).

Enter your credit card information on the secure server and click “submit.” You will receive confirmation that your donation has been received, and an email will be sent to you for tax purposes. If you want to become a member, just email your receipt to Nadya Kessler in our office at nkessler@globalpittsburgh.org and we will add you to the list to start receiving invitations and special offers. You can see more about the benefits of membership on our website at www.globalpittsburgh.org/membership.

Please remember that you do not have to be in Pittsburgh to make a contribution on the Day of Giving. Donations will be accepted from 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on October 4, 2011.

For the first time this year, you will be able to use smartphones and tablets as well as your home or work computers to access the on-line giving platform and make secure gifts to your chosen nonprofit organizations.

Please feel free to forward this message to all of your family and friends who might be interested in GlobalPittsburgh activities. Thank you for your support.
READ FULL ARTICLE

Pitt Conference on Japan’s Role in World War II and Impact on Japan’s Economy Expected to Draw Historians From Around the World Sept. 30 to Oct. 1

The University of Pittsburgh will host a two-day international conference examining Japan’s role in World War II and the lasting impact of the war on Japan’s economy and its people. The conference, titled “Japan’s World War II in Asia: 70 Years On,” will be held Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at the University Club, 123 University Place, Oakland.

Sponsors for the event include Pitt’s Asian Studies Center and University Center for International Studies (UCIS). Richard J. Smethurst, professor of history at Pitt and a UCIS research professor, will serve as conference convener; his current research focuses on the Japanese origins of World War II in Asia and on industrial policy debates in mid-Meiji Japan.

The conference is funded through the Mitsubishi Endowment Fund and the Japan Iron and Steel Federation Endowment Fund of the University of Pittsburgh.

Historians from Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, Great Britain, Israel and the United States will join four Pitt faculty members in addition to Smethurst: Distinguished University Professor Seymour Drescher, Professor Peter Karsten, and Lecturer Bernard Hagerty from the Department of History and Akiko Hashimoto, associate professor and director of graduate studies in the Department of Sociology.

The historians will present four sessions with panel discussions examining a broad range of topics related to Japan’s role in World War II, including the rise of militarism in prewar Japan, how military and civilian planners created a centrally directed war economy based on German and Soviet systems, the impact of the war on the Japanese people, and the region's postwar memory of the conflict.

Following the panel presentations an open discussion with the audience will take place.

The conference is free and open to the public, but space is limited. To ensure seating, RSVP to Dianne Dakis at dakis@pitt.edu. For a full conference schedule, visit www.ucis.pitt.edu/asc/conference/Japan_wwII/index.html or contact Richard Smethurst at rsmet@pitt.edu. READ FULL ARTICLE

GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays - Oct. 6 at Sheraton Station Square - Great Networking Opportunities - FREE!

The GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays event for October will be held at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel in the Pittsburgh Rare Lounge on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Thanks to support from the Peace Corps!

Join us for an evening of friends, music and good spirits with an international flair. This will be a great event for new students, internationals and globally-minded people from all over.

Thanks to support from BBF!

Help us celebrate participants in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program project: THE SPIRIT OF VOLUNTEERISM: HONORING 50 YEARS OF THE PEACE CORPS, welcome a group of visiting Fulbright Scholars, meet visitors from many countries, and network with globally-minded people from Pittsburgh and all over.

Thanks to support from PMEI!

GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays is a regular monthly night of networking and socializing with different themes, different activities and different locations - but always with an international flavor - on the first Thursday of every month.

Thanks to support from Sheraton!

There will be free appetizers, bar specials, raffles and more. Admission is FREE (and there will be membership information if you want to sign up at the door).

For more information, contact Tim Allen at 412-392-4513 or by email at tallen@pciv.org.
READ FULL ARTICLE

Pittsburgh Region Among National Leaders in Job Growth in August, According to New PittsburghTODAY Report

Total nonfarm job numbers in August 2011 for the Pittsburgh region were up again, increasing by 16,900 from August 2010. These numbers are stronger than all benchmark regions except Milwaukee, Boston, and Minneapolis. Pittsburgh numbers were particularly strong in goods producing, wholesale trade, information, financial activities, and natural resources, mining and construction.

New numbers out this week show that the Pittsburgh region's economy had a growth rate between 2009 and 2010 that was higher than most of our benchmark regions.   Only Boston had a higher rate of growth in Gross Domestic Product between 2009 and 2010 than Pittsburgh did.

The Pittsburgh region had the second-highest GDP growth rate between 2009 and 2010.

These figures are a further indication that the Pittsburgh region is recovering from the economic downturn. 

New figures on the value of regional exports illustrate the extent of that downturn.  Between 2008 and 2009, exports from the Pittsburgh region declined 26.2 percent.  Only Detroit had a greater decline at 36.2 percent.  A major reason for the sharp decline in Pittsburgh was a drop in energy prices; however, a decline in manufacturing due to the recession also contributed.
Source: PittsburghTODAY
READ FULL ARTICLE

African Student-Professional Group in Pittsburgh Region Forms to Raise Money for Zambian Orphanage School

A group of African students and professionals in the Pittsburgh region has formed an organization called Africa Can to raise money to help educate students at an orphanage in the southern African nation of Zambia. The group will hold a fundraising and networking event at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6 at the Savoy Restaurant & Lounge in the Strip District.

Africa Can is an organization made up of students in medicine, public health and nursing, as well as young professionals in the Pittsburgh area who decided that they "need to give back and make a change in their continent of origin in a positive way," according to publicity materials. Their goal is to impact Education and Health among the underserved in Africa.

Proceeds from the Oct. 6 event will benefit the Anchor of Hope orphanage, which is located near Lusaka, Zambia.

"By providing education and youth development programs within an orphanage, Anchor of Hope instills indispensable life skills such as work ethic, confidence, discipline and hope," the group said. "In addition to basic education, we will teach children how to care for a home, cook, raise animals and grow crops. Not only will this program instill such skills, it will also offer a secondary psychosocial support structure for children and youth, especially those orphaned as a result of HIV and AIDS."

The event will be filled with music, networking with various other non-profit organizations in Pittsburgh, entertainment, and a scheduled appearance by the Zambian Ambassador to the United States.

Tickets to the fundraiser are $20, which includes appetizers, entertainment and opportunity to win prizes. Drinks are available for individual purchase.

To purchase tickets or receive information, contact Phindile Erika Chowa at erikachowa@gmail.com or 412-956-7474. Information also is available by emailing Durosaire Bakoua at duros28@hotmail.com, or Ornelle Siako at ornellesiako@gmail.com.

Proceeds will go towards 400 children at the orphanage and will directly benefit K-12 Education and Youth Development, the group said, and will indirectly impact children in neighboring communities, extended families and future generations of students and orphans.

Savoy Restaurant & Lounge is located at 2623 Penn Ave. in Pittsburgh.

Anchor of Hope Charities was established in February 2008 to support the educational needs of orphaned and underprivileged children in Africa. It builds schools and dormitories; offer desks, books and shoes; and promotes life time skills such as basket weaving, wood carving and gardening. It also organize trips to Zambia, Africa for those interested in interacting with the children or assisting with our building efforts. In Zambia alone, with a population of 11 million, one million are orphans. Many live with aging grandparents, because AIDS has taken the entire generation of parents from these children.

For more information about Anchor of Hope Charities, go to www.anchorofhopecharities.org. READ FULL ARTICLE

Pittsburgh Middle East Institute Annual Conference to Feature Henry Kissinger and Top Government Officials from Saudi Arabia and Oman Oct. 26 - Special Pricing for GlobalPittsburgh Members

The Pittsburgh Middle East Institute is proud to announce its
FOURTH ANNUAL CONFERENCEOctober 26, 2011
HENRY KISSINGER
Tickets on Sale Now!

Gala Sponsors Dinner 6:30 p.m.
Lecture 8:00 p.m.
Carnegie Music Hall
Business Conference 
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Fairmont Hotel, Downtown Pittsburgh
Evening Keynote Lecture by Dr. Kissinger
With an Introduction by former U.S. Treasury Secretary, the Honorable Paul H. O’NeillDr. Henry A. Kissinger was sworn in on September 22, 1973, as the 56th Secretary of State, a posi­tion he held until January 20, 1977. He also served as Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs from January 20, 1969, until November 3, 1975. In July 1983 he was appointed by President Reagan to chair the National Bipartisan Commission on Central America until it ceased operation in January 1985, and from 1984-1990 he served as a member of the President’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. From 1986-1988 he was a member of the Commission on Integrated Long-Term Strategy of the National Security Council and Defense Department. 

The 2011 Business Conference

Saudi Arabia:  Kingdom of OpportunitySultanate of Oman:  Land of Progress

Wednesday, October 26, 2011 Fairmont Hotel - Downtown Pittsburgh

7:30 am - Registration

8:00 am - 2:00 pm - Program


SPECIAL PRICING FOR GLOBALPITTSBURGH MEMBERS - Tickets must be purchased from GlobalPittsburgh to receive these discounts.
Paid members of GlobalPittsburgh may purchase tickets to the Business Conference for $175 each (regular price $200). Tickets for the Henry Kissinger Keynote Address may be purchased for 20 percent off the regular price for all seats. That means you can purchase $60 seats for $48, $40 seats for $32, and $20 seats for $16.
Purchase tickets by going to www.globalpittsburgh.org and clicking on "Donate to GlobalPittsburgh." Enter the amount of the ticket you want to purchase. Email your receipt to tbuell@globalpittsburgh.org and your tickets will be held at the door. For questions, please send email to tbuell@globalpittsburgh.org or call Tom Buell at 412-392-4513 (office) or 412-720-2218(cell).

Confirmed Speakers Include:

His Royal Highness Prince Turki Al Faisal bin Abdul Aziz Al Sa'ud of Saudi Arabia

His Royal Highness Prince Turki Al Faisal bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud was born on February 15, 1945 in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.  HRH began his schooling at the Taif Model School and then went on to complete his high school diploma at the Lawrenceville School in Princeton.  HRH went on to study at several universities including Georgetown University, class of 1968.

 His Royal Highness was appointed as an Advisor at the Royal Court in 1973.  In 1977, HRH was appointed Director General (with a rank of Minister) of the General Intelligence Directorate (GID), Saudi Arabia’s main foreign intelligence service.  HRH served as the head of the GID until August 2001.

  In October 2002, HRH was appointed as the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.  HRH served in the position until July 2005, when he was appointed as Ambassador to the United States.  He retired in February, 2007.

 His Royal Highness is a Founder and Trustee of the King Faisal Foundation as well as the Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies.

Her Excellency Dr. Rawya Al Busaidi, Minister of Higher Education, Oman

HE Dr Rawya Saud Al Busaidi, PhD from Oxford University, was the first woman in the Sultanate of Oman to be appointed to full ministerial rank. and has held the post of Minister of Higher Education since March 2004 when she was also appointed as Chair of the Sultan Qaboos University Council and Deputy Chair of the Council of Higher Education. Among the other key posts currently held by Her Excellency are that of Deputy Chair of Oman's new Science Research Council, and Chair of the Board of the College of Law.

HE Ambassador Hunaina Al-Mughairy, Ambassador to U.S. from Oman;Chair, Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center's Oversight Board

Ambassador Al-Mughairy was appointed as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Sultanate of Oman to the United States of America on December 2, 2005. She also serves as Chair, Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center’s Oversight Board.  Ambassador Al-Mughairy is an economist with an extensive business background. Since taking over this position, she has been a strong advocate for the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement and has focused much of her energy on improving relations between the U.S. and Oman. As the first woman to represent an Arab country as an Ambassador in Washington, Ambassador Al-Mughairy wants to improve the image of Arab women in the United States. Prior to her work in diplomacy, she served many roles in Oman’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Omani Center for Investment Promotion & Export Development. H.E. obtained a B.A in Business Communications from the High Polytechnical Institute in Cairo, and an M.A. in Economics from New York University, New York.

Ambassador Elizabeth McKune, Executive Director, Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center

Ambassador Elizabeth McKune assumed the position of Executive Director of the Sultan Qaboos CulturalCenter in 2007, after 33 years as a Foreign Service Officer.  From 1998-2001, she was Ambassador to the State of Qatar. While in the State Department, Ambassador McKune also spent over 17 years abroad inIsrael, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, the Sultanate of Oman, Iraq, and Great Britain. Stateside, she held a deputy assistant secretary position as Deputy Executive Secretary of the State Department.

Jamal Al Kishi, Chief Country Officer & Head of Corporate and Investment Banking for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Deutsche Bank

Deutsche Bank appointed Mr. Jamal Al Kishi as Chief Country Officer for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Head of Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) in the KSA on 1 July 2007.  He reports to Dr. Henry Azzam, Chief Executive Officer of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and Mr. Ricardo Honegger, Head of Global Markets MENA regions respectively.

Dr. Amer bin Awadh Al-RawasChief Executive Officer, Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel)

Dr. Rawas is the Chief Executive Officer of Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel), which is the first telecommunications company in Oman and the primary provider of Internet Services in the Sultanate.  Prior to his current post, he served as the Managing Director – Oman Mobile. Dr. Rawas holds a PhD in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence from the Sussex University, UK, 1997. In the academic field prior to his joining the Telecom Sector, Dr. Rawas served in various academic and leadership positions at the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). His last assignment was the Dean of Educational Services.

Dr. John Duke Anthony, President  & CEO,

National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations 

Dr. John Duke Anthony is the Founding President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations. He is also a Member of the Council on Foreign Relations, an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Defense's Institute for Security Assistance Management, an Adjunct Professor at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service's Center for Contemporary Arab Studies, and a Member of the U.S. Department of State's Advisory Committee on International Economic Policy (ACIEP) as well as the ACIEP's Subcommittees on Sanctions and Trade and Investment. 

Edward Burton, President & Managing Director, U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council

Edward Burton was appointed President and Managing Director of the U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council in March 2006. In his position, he works with the public and private sectors to promote the interests of the U.S.-Saudi Arabian business relationship. The U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council was established in December 1993 to improve the mutual knowledge and understanding between the private sectors of the United States and Saudi Arabia, and to promote trade and investment between the two countries.  Over the years, Mr. Burton has counseled numerous Fortune 500 companies as well as middle tier firms in a variety of industries such as construction, medical and pharmaceutical, defense & security and technical services.

Susana Florian International Market Development ManagerParsons Transportation
She works out of Parsons’ Washington D.C. office, and her duties include assessing new markets, cultivating Parsons’ involvement in new global projects, ensuring that multi-Division pursuits take best advantage of global resources and key technical personnel by providing a point of contact and clearinghouse for such opportunities.  She is a licensed professional engineer in Pennsylvania and a certified international value engineering specialist.  After earning a five-year civil engineering degree from the Polytechnic Institute of Cluj in her home country of Romania, Susana spent two decades working in design and construction management of infrastructure projects.

Yusuf Giansiracusa, Partner-in-charge of Jones Day's Riyadh offices

Yusuf Giansiracusa has worked in Saudi Arabia for the last 20 years representing Saudi clients as well as foreign clients doing business in the Kingdom and abroad.  He represents a number of the Kingdom's prominent industrial enterprises and several of the leading commercial and industrial families in the Kingdom. Yusuf has a broad range of experience in commercial and corporate transactions, licensing, industrial and infrastructure projects, OGP, and private client matters.

In association with Alsulaim Alawaji & Partners Law Firm, Yusuf is Partner-in-Charge of the Riyadh Office in Saudi Arabia.

Amer Kayani, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs for Saudi ArabiaU.S. Commercial Service

Amer Kayani is the Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain for the U.S. Commercial Service based at the U.S. Embassy Riyadh.  His extensive experience in the Middle East and North Africa include his role as the Regional Senior Commercial Officer for Egypt, Lebanon, and Libya, Regional Senior Commercial Officer for Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, North Cyprus, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, Commercial Counselor in Pakistan, and Commercial Attaché in Israel. He also served as Director at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s office in Hawaii, and in various positions in California and Washington, D.C.

Sponsorship Information

View the video and program information from the 2010 Business Conference

For more information regarding the Business Conference & Sponsorships, please contact Maria Hastings at 412.995.0076 or maria@pittsburghmideastinstitute.org.

READ FULL ARTICLE

Pittsburgh Law Firm K&L Gates Opens Office in Qatar - 38th Office Worldwide, Second in Middle East

Pittsburgh-based law firm K&L Gates LLP has established an office in Doha, Qatar, the firm’s second in the Middle East and 38th office worldwide.

“With the launch of our Doha office, K&L Gates formally enters an exciting and increasingly diverse legal marketplace which reflects Qatar’s admirable commitment to develop an advanced and diversified economy on the strength of its energy endowments. Our Doha office is a foundation block of our strategy for the Middle East,” said K&L Gates Chairman and Global Managing Partner Peter J. Kalis.

Soon to be located in the iconic Tornado Tower, K&L Gates’ Doha office includes a team of lawyers with a deep understanding of the Qatar market, as well as substantial Middle East and international experience.

Supported by colleagues in the Gulf region and throughout the world, the firm’s Doha lawyers will assist clients with their legal and regulatory needs in such established areas as projects; energy and infrastructure; banking and finance; telecommunications, media and technology; real estate and construction; intellectual property, and dispute resolution, among others.

“The addition of a Doha office significantly enhances our existing regional capabilities to serve clients in one of the most vibrant economies in the world,” said Neal R. Brendel, a founding co-partner of K&L Gates’ Dubai office, established in June 2009.

K&L Gates includes lawyers practicing out of 38 offices located in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and represents numerous GLOBAL 500, FORTUNE 100, and FTSE 100 corporations, in addition to growth and middle market companies, entrepreneurs, capital market participants and public sector entities. READ FULL ARTICLE

GlobalPittsburgh Members Invited to Hear Address by Rwandan President Paul Kagame at CMU Friday, Sept. 16

Members of GlobalPittsburgh are invited to attend an address by Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Friday, Sept. 16 at 5 p.m. in Rangos Ballroom, University Center, at Carnegie Mellon University.

Kagame will be visiting CMU to speak about Rwanda’s strategy for continued growth in the global economy and its plans to become East Africa’s leader in information and communication technology.

In addition, President Kagame and CMU President Jared L. Cohon said they will be making an important announcement regarding the collaborative role that the university will play in helping Rwanda to realize its vision.

President Kagame’s talk will begin at 5:15 p.m. Doors to Rangos Ballroom will open at 4 p.m. All attendees must be seated by 4:45 p.m. A partnership ceremony will begin at 5 p.m.

Following his address, President Kagame will answer questions from the audience. Those planning to attend must respond by sending email to govrel@andrew.cmu.edu by Wednesday, Sept. 14th and indicate the number of people attending. There is no charge for this event, which is open to the public.

READ FULL ARTICLE

Student Leaders Invited to Free Conference on Empowerment & Leadership Oct. 1 at Carlow

High School and College students in the Pittsburgh Region are invited to attend a free conference combining elements of empowerment and leadership on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Carlow University.

Hosted by Global Solutions Pittsburgh, along with Baker Leadership and Carlow University, the program is called Student Empowership 2011, and is being billed as a "cutting-edge conference for high-school and university student leaders in the Pittsburgh area."

The one-day conference will focus on providing high school and college students with concrete, skills-based training on how to become active in either student centered or community based organizations. Expert training will be provided on topics such as leadership, organizing with social media, fundraising, budgeting, and event planning.

In addition to providing practical skills training, this conference will serve as a means of networking for the students, enabling them to learn about different initiatives taking place within the city and on various campuses. A complimentary breakfast and lunch are included.

Breakfast and lunch will feature keynote speakers who will talk about the importance of student leadership and why students should feel empowered to work towards their goals. Speakers will include Penny Semaia, Assistant Athletic Director for Student Life at the University of Pittsburgh, and Chaz Kellum, Manager of Diversity Initiatives for the Pittsburgh Pirates, both of whom are champions in the community for encouraging students to get involved and make a difference.

Along with the keynote presentations, there will be three breakout sessions during the day from which students can choose from a variety of different workshops to participate in. These workshops will be led by local experts and leaders, with years of experience in which to share with the students.
A few of the presenters for the day will be Lani Redinger of Nakturnal, Holly McIntosh from the Office of Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, Brian Honigman of LunaMetrics, and Kristina Elias of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh.

CLICK HERE for more information on the presenters, descriptions of the workshops, and a detailed schedule of events.

The only requirements for Student Empowership 2011 is that participants must be high-school or college students and they must pre-register for the day. Please see the registration form below to reserve your spot for Student Empowership 2011!

Carlow University is located at 3333 Fifth Avenue in Oakland.

For more information about Student Empowership 2011, contact Tim Lessick at tim@globalsolutionspgh.org or by phone at 412-471-7852. READ FULL ARTICLE