Afghanistan’s first and only woman Governor, Habiba Sarabi joined women leaders from around the world – Lucy Aquino (Paraguay), Suzan Baptiste (Trinidad), Sangduen “Lek” Chailert (Thailand), and Mary Mavanza (Tanzania) were honored at a Capitol Hill luncheon on October 7 for their work to protect the environment and their communities.  The event featured remarks from Under Secretary of State Maria Otero, Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL) and Nancy Sutley, White House Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality.  The luncheon was hosted by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a bipartisan group from the Congressional Women’s Caucus.  Read about the event on Under Secretary of State Maria Otero’s blog.

Read an article about Governor Habiba Sarabi on Climatewire.

Honorable Hosts
Rep. Russ Carnahan
Rep. Norm Dicks
Rep. Dave Reichert
Rep. Eni Faleomavaega
Rep. Adam Smith

Presentation by General Anthony C. “Tony” Zinni (Ret.), Former Commander-in-Chief of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)

Remarks:

• Lt. Col. Shannon Beebe, author, The Ultimate Weapon is No Weapon: Human Security and the New Rules of War and Peace

• Christine Parthemore, Fellow, Center for New American Security (CNAS) and co-author, Sustaining Security: How Natural Resources Influence National Security

A recent Center for a New American Security study concluded that the loss of renewable natural resources—such as forests, fresh water, fish and fertile soils—can play a significant role in driving instability and conflict.

Guest speakers explored the links between the loss of fish stocks and Somali piracy; how soil erosion, deforestation and water scarcity could jeopardize U.S. goals in Afghanistan and Pakistan; and how conservation and natural resource management can serve as valuable soft power tools for bolstering U.S. interests.  Read a Reuters article about the event

Read about the event on on our news page

Watch the video of Don Cheadle’s speech

Congressman Russ Carnahan

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry