We’re just three weeks away from the opening of the 2012 World Expo in Yeosu, Korea.
And we’re very excited about this important event.
The theme of the Expo 2012 in Yeosu, Korea is “Living Oceans and Coasts”.
And one of the revelations that we had during the design of the pavilion
was that the United States has the most diverse ocean and coastal ecosystems of any country in the world.
From the arctic down to the coast of the California,
out in the far Pacific, to the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and Florida Keys,
up through the coast to New England.
We cover almost every different type of ocean ecosystem that exists.
And so we have this broad, rich tapestry from which to tell not only environmental stories,
but also, the stories of how human beings here in the United States, how Americans interact with the oceans and coasts.
At the expo, it provides an opportunity for there to be a face to the United States,
for us to be able to tell our story directly to citizens in Korea.
We have 40 student ambassadors that will provide an actual, physical, real face,
not just a virtual or digital face, but a real physical human being there to help represent the United States and tell that story.
Anytime I've ever traveled, I've never learned as much as I would have otherwise on a book or online
that I would through person-to-person interaction whether it be in the classroom or just on the street.
It’s really when you get to understand the person’s culture and their mindset.
And I think changing perspectives in a positive way is the most important thing about people-to-people diplomacy.
So, I see that as something that should never be replaced.
