Programs and Activities
North Korea
Today, the relationship between the United States and North Korea are at a low ebb. The task of persuading a deeply suspicious regime to abandon its nuclear program for improved relations remains unfulfilled. Richardson, with his long record of diplomacy in the region, is uniquely positioned to help make progress in this critical region. On his most recent trip, when the North and South were on the brink of war, Richardson was widely credited for contributing to reducing tensions and helping avoid a major conflict. The Richardson Center is developing a specific action plan to engage in this region to break through the ongoing tension and establish better and more stable relations.
Myanmar
In October 2012, Bill Richardson visited Myanmar to best assess how the Center can assist the transition (political and economic) of the country. During the visit, Governor Richardson met with Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar Government Officials, leaders of opposition party (NLD), business leaders and U.S. representatives in Country. As a result of the visit, The Richardson Center is engaging in training sessions for Mynamr Parliament Members, NLD party leaders, material assistance to Suu Kyi, and people-friendly investments in the country.
Latin America
In January 2011, Bill Richardson was named Special Envoy for the Organization of American States, adding a visible platform for the Richardson Center to pursue initiatives to promote peace and reconciliation in the Western Hemisphere and encourage dialogue among Latin American countries. The Richardson Center builds on Richardson’s longtime efforts to engage with Cuba as it undergoes significant changes important to the United States and Latin America. The Center also explores opportunities for improved relations throughout Latin America, including education exchanges and other soft diplomacy initiatives.
Middle East
The Richardson Center looks to reengage significant regional actors to bring increased stability to the region and progress American foreign policy interests, by encouraging these countries to strengthen ties with each other and foster democratic growth.
To effectively tap into the emerging leadership that is rapidly becoming more relevant and influential, the Richardson Center is hosting a weeklong workshop in Santa Fe with young members of government, civil society and business sector from each country. The young leaders selected for this program will be “generational ambassadors” – not only representing their generation’s interests to the current leadership of their countries, but also to their peers in other countries.