At the Mackinac Policy Conference, Under Secretary Jose W. Fernandez joined Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and local leaders to announce the U.S. Department of State’s support for the “Michigan City and State Diplomacy Initiative.”
This initiative aims to enhance local governments’ capacity for international engagement, marking a significant step in connecting local communities to U.S. foreign policy.
Overview of the Initiative
The Michigan City and State Diplomacy Initiative, housed by the Michigan Municipal League and Foundation, is designed to help Michigan’s local governments engage more effectively on the international stage. This initiative is supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Subnational Diplomacy Unit (SDU), which will provide advisory support and facilitate introductions to key stakeholders.
High-Level Support
At the Mackinac Policy Conference, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Jose W. Fernandez, met with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, and local leaders to discuss the initiative. Fernandez emphasized the importance of foreign policy for all Americans by connecting local communities to American foreign policy.
The Role of Subnational Diplomacy
The Subnational Diplomacy Unit, led by Special Representative Nina Hachigian, plays a crucial role in coordinating the Department’s outreach and collaboration with subnational entities. Hachigian’s responsibilities include:
- Facilitating partnerships between the federal government and subnational actors.
- Promoting subnational perspectives in U.S. foreign policy.
- Leveraging the expertise of states, cities, and other local entities to advance national interests abroad.
- Enhancing cooperation and information sharing between different levels of government on global issues.
Michigan’s Leadership in Diplomacy
Michigan is the first state in the U.S. to establish such a task force, demonstrating innovative leadership in amplifying the importance of foreign policy for local communities. The initiative will focus on:
- Strengthening democracy and human rights.
- Generating economic and social opportunities.
- Addressing environmental and climate change issues.
- Promoting energy transition, mining, and infrastructure development.
- Enhancing public diplomacy, citizen security, and global health security.
Key Meetings and Agreements
During the conference, Special Representative Hachigian and Under Secretary Fernandez signed a letter of support for the Michigan diplomacy initiative. This collaboration highlights Michigan’s pioneering role in utilizing international engagement benefits for local communities.
Key Components of the Michigan Diplomacy Initiative
Component |
Description |
|---|---|
| Local Government Engagement | Enhancing capacity for international engagement among Michigan’s local governments. |
| Federal Support | Advisory support and stakeholder introductions facilitated by the SDU. |
| Focus Areas | Democracy, human rights, economic growth, environmental issues, energy transition. |
| Partnership Facilitation | Building partnerships between federal and subnational actors. |
| Public and Citizen Diplomacy | Strengthening public diplomacy and citizen security initiatives. |
Conclusion
The Michigan City and State Diplomacy Initiative sets a precedent for other states to follow, showcasing the importance of integrating local perspectives into U.S. foreign policy. This initiative, supported by the U.S. Department of State, not only enhances Michigan’s international engagement but also strengthens the overall national strategy.
Key Takeaways
- The initiative helps Michigan local governments engage more effectively on the international stage.
- Supported by the U.S. Department of State, the initiative emphasizes foreign policy’s importance for all Americans.
- Michigan leads the way in innovative local leadership in diplomacy.
Sources: THX News, CIDOB, Council on Foreign Relations & US Department of State.
