All forum photos by Stephen Bobb (Stephen Bobb Photography, http://www.stephenbobbphotography.com)
It was a privilege to participate in Meridian International Centre’s Diplomacy Forum on the Countries of the Mekong. Set in the gracious and historic Washington DC Meridian House compound, with over 187 guests, it included panel discussions, individual talks, Cambodian and Thai traditional dance and music performances, and a lovely lunch and reception. The diversity of panels raised awareness on the importance of Mainland Southeast Asia and increased opportunities for collaboration among the diplomatic, government, business, policy, and cultural communities.
Our panel highlighted the importance of preserving culture, heritage, and the environment through responsible tourism and education, and was hosted by Brian Eyler, Senior Fellow, and Director of Stimson’s Southeast Asia Program, and author of the new book The Last Days of the Mighty Mekong.
US Ambassador to Thailand (2015-18) Glynn Davies addressed the significance of cultural diplomacy. Ambassador Davies is the organizer of the important exhibition,
Ambassador Davies with Dr. Shorna Allred, Professor at the SE Asia Program at Cornell University, who talked about how cultural customs and traditions are applied to present day climate and natural resource concerns, based on her research with indigenous communities in Sarawak, and the Mekong region.
Great and Good Friends Exhibition, which celebrates Thai and US relations since the 1800s. I served as the chief textile conservator for Great and Good Friends, which is staged at the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles in Bangkok. The exhibit forged professional alliances and brought together rarely seen royal and diplomatic gifts from Siam to America: letters between President Lincoln and King Rama IV, rare photos, and fine silks and brocades, to name a few.
My contribution complemented both the diplomatic and ecological discussions – focusing on the need for a holistic approach to protecting both nature and culture; working with local stakeholders, engaging in grassroots preservation training, and forging new alliances between business, government and heritage professionals. Case studies included recent US Ambassador Grants to establish the first “textile archive” at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Cambodia, as well as preservation training in collection care and storage in Laos and Thailand.
The unifying thread was the importance of cultural resilience in establishing and maintaining alliances — environmental, social, artistic, political, and economic. It was an honor to be back at Meridian International Center, adding to my long term connection of preserving their remarkable tapestries, including the 17th c. Mortlake tapestry “Alexander Meets Diogenes”.
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- His Excellency Chum Sounry (Ambassador, Embassy of Cambodia)
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- With The Honorable Ann Stock (Chair of the Board) and Ms Laurie Fulton (Member of the Board, Meridian International Center)
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- Cambodian dancers
For further reading:
https://www.meridian.org/?s=Mekong+River+Forum
https://www.meridian.org/
https://www.meridian.org/project/meridian-diplomacy-forum-countries-of-the-mekong
So wonderful to read how your inspiring but also very specific sometimes taxing work is still alive building bridges and bringing knowledge to others across the ocean! So proud of you! Thanks for sharing the good news!
Julia, If that is you in 2 of the images, you are looking younger and healthier than you did when we last met more than 10 years ago! Thank you for you contribution to this important event.
Julia,
How timely! Thanks so much.
Patricia
Julia,
Glad you were there with a voice for textile culture, memory and preservation.
Susan
Julia,
Congratulations on participating in this program. You look great and it was wonderful to see Ambassador Davies again. Wish I could have attended this important conference! Thanks for sharing.
Dale
Julia, I am so very impressed with all your work, the blend of textile skills, honor of culture and environment, and your own unique heritage and life!
Julia thanks so much for all of your contributions to Meridian’s Diplomacy Forum. It really strengthened the content and offered an important perspective for the program. Furthermore, speaking as the Forum organizer, you were a joy to collaborate with. We look forward to hosting you back at Meridian soon.
Frank Justice
VP, Center for Diplomatic Engagement, Meridian International Center
So proud of you Julia.