CSIS Civics at Work Summit: The Role of Business in Sustaining Democracy
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Join the CSIS Defending Democratic Institutions Project for a landmark public event on The Role of Business in Sustaining Democracy, on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM ET.
Democracy is neither invincible nor inevitable. Sustaining it requires an informed and engaged public. Strengthening civic knowledge, skills, and engagement, among students and adults, is a national security imperative. What role can business leaders play in fostering a better understanding of America’s constitutional republic and the role of the individual in moving us towards a more perfect union? How can they navigate today’s polarized political environment? How can discussion of civics concepts foster a more cohesive workforce? These are a few issues that will be addressed in this half-day conference highlighting efforts by businesses to cultivate a renewed civic identity and commitment to community across the United States.
The event will host a fireside chat with distinguished speakers David Rubenstein and Richard Haass. This will be followed by panel discussions with prominent leaders, including the President of the American Bar Association, Mary Smith, the President-elect of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Jennifer Doan, and the CEO of Democracy Works, Luis Lozada.
The conference will be held both in-person at CSIS headquarters and virtually, in-person participants are welcome to join a post-conference reception from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Stay tuned for more details on the schedule, panelists, and registration instructions as we approach the conference date.
To see a highlight video compiled by Thinkubator Global, click here.
This event is made possible by the generous support of Thinkubator Global and Microsoft.
Featured Speakers

David Rubenstein

Richard Haass

Jennifer Doan

Mary Smith

Luis Lozada

Hilary Crow

Janice Brunner

Dave Leicthman
Agenda
Introduction and Welcome Remarks
Dr. John J. Hamre, CSIS President and CEO, and Langone Chair in American Leadership
Suzanne Spaulding, Director, Defending Democratic Institutions Project and Senior Adviser, Homeland Security, International Security Program
Keynote Discussion
Speakers:
Richard Haass, President Emeritus, Council on Foreign Relations; Senior Counselor, Centerview Partners
David Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of The Carlyle Group
Coffee Break
Panel I - Corporate Citizenship: Fostering Democracy at Work
Coffee Break
Panel II – Beyond Advocacy: The Evolving Role of Lawyers in Strengthening Civic Engagement
Closing Remarks
Suzanne Spaulding, Director, Defending Democratic Institutions Project and Senior Adviser, Homeland Security, International Security Program
Reception
Contact Information
- Paula Reynal
- Program Manager and Research Associate, Defense and Security Department
- preynal@csis.org