ASU McCain Institute Hosts 4th Annual Sedona Forum

Top government officials and leaders of civil society from around the globe gathered with leading humanitarian and human rights activists as well as prominent figures from the worlds of business and sports at the 4th annual Sedona Forum, held this past weekend in Sedona, Arizona by the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University.

This year’s Sedona Forum brought together decision-makers, thought-leaders, and activists to discuss approaches and solutions to such contemporary issues as cyber-security, growing threats to human rights and journalism globally, geopolitical challenges in Asia and the Middle East, and the national security implications of the 2016 presidential election.  In all, 12 current and former U.S. Senators (six Republicans, four Democrats, two Independents) spoke at the event, as well as Rep. Matt Salmon, R-Ariz.  Arizona Republican Sen. Jeff Flake was among the first speakers at the opening dinner on Friday, April 8, welcoming all the guests to Arizona.

            “The Sedona Forum demonstrates the convening power of the McCain Institute and ASU’s commitment to a solutions-based approach to research and the free exchange of ideas,” said ASU President Michael M. Crow, who spoke to this year’s meeting about the evolution of research universities and ASU’s success as an innovation leader.   “By bringing together such a diverse and accomplished group, the McCain Institute reinforces the importance of character-driven leadership and makes an important contribution to the spread of democratic values.” 

            Every year, the Sedona Forum brings to Arizona influential military, political, humanitarian, and human rights leaders for a weekend of discussions about critical global challenges. Highlights from the 2016 session included a keynote conversation between Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and James R. Clapper, the current Director of National Intelligence; a panel on cyber-security featuring Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Admiral Michael S. Rogers,  the director of the National Security Agency and head of U.S. Cybercommand; as well as a discussion about the national security implication of the current political campaign among U.S. Senators Cory Booker, D-N.J., Angus King, I-Maine, Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Ben Sasse, R-Neb.

               “The Sedona Forum has become one of the preeminent venues for U.S. and world leaders to meet in an informal setting and discuss strategies for dealing with some of the most difficult challenges facing the world today,” said Retired Gen. Jim Jones, a former U.S. National Security Advisor to President Obama and Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

“Each year, the Sedona Forum brings together an impressive group of individuals for substantive, bipartisan discussions on the challenges facing our nation,” said Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “I enjoyed this year’s event and appreciate the work of all involved, especially John and Cindy McCain, the McCain Institute and Arizona State University.”

Also in attendance was Jeffrey Immelt, the Chairman and CEO of GE, who moderated a discussion about leadership in sports with Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals owner Michael Bidwell, and Dikembe Mutombo, the humanitarian activist and former NBA star.  For a complete list of this year’s participants, click here.

In addition to the GE Foundation, Arizona sponsors of the 2016 forum included:

• Jeff and Kristen Cunningham
• Freeport McMoRan
• Greater Phoenix Economic Council
• Greater Phoenix Leadership
• NXP Semiconductor
• PetSmart
• Salt River Project

               Other highlights from the 2016 Sedona Forum included engagement with the McCain Institute’s Next Generation Leaders, and a conversation about humanitarian activism moderated by Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-ND, in which Cindy McCain discussed her work combatting human trafficking, and philanthropist Howard Buffett discussed his foundation’s work promoting food security, development, and conflict mitigation among impoverished and marginalized populations in Africa.

 “Participating in The Sedona Forum has become one of the highlights‎ on my calendar - engaging with incredible thinkers, scholars, global leaders, and humanitarians.  The Institute's humanitarian work – inspired by the leadership of Sen. and Cindy McCain - has continued to change outcomes and lives around the world and is one of the reasons I am so honored to participate in the Forum and continue my work with the Institute.  This year's conversation with Cindy McCain and Howard Buffett was insightful and provided a new perspective on how to address humanitarian challenges in Africa,” said Sen. Heitkamp.

“This was the most successful Sedona Forum yet,” said Ambassador Kurt Volker, Executive Director of the McCain Institute.  “We strive every year to bring to Arizona leading voices from around the world on the subjects that present the most significant challenges to United States and global security.   This brings great minds to Arizona, and showcases Arizona and ASU to the world.  Several participants have already told me they are leaving Sedona with new information and fresh ideas they will apply in their own work around the country and the world.”

For information about past Sedona Forums, click here.

About ASU

Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American Research University, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.

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