Perry World House

As our planet grows ever warmer, cities are especially vulnerable to the growing threat of extreme heat.In urban centers across the globe, congestion, the built environment, and intensive energy use can drive temperatures to dangerous highs. With cities housing over 50 percent of the world’s population and producing around 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, urban leaders have a major role to play in addressing this climate driven challenge. They have to keep cities cool while using energy sustainably, and change built environments that trap heat. Disadvantaged communities are at the most risk, with limited access to green spaces, basic

A conversation about how extreme heat impacts our lives with Jeff Goodell, author of the forthcoming book "The Heat Will Kill You First."Heatwaves – often referred to as “silent killers”– are among the deadliest of all natural disasters worldwide. Extreme heat also threatens the systems we rely on every day, from agricultural production to energy provision. 2022 saw India – the world’s second largest wheat producer – ban grain exports as a heatwave stunted crops, while parts of China’s longest river dried up, affecting hydropower and shipping. Europe alone reported over 15,000 heat related deaths. In his forthcoming book, The

A discussion on the potential impact of diseases like avian flu, swine flu, Ebola, and SARS-CoV-2, which all emerged from animal sources.In 2022, over 55 million birds across the United States died from bird flu, making it the worst ever outbreak in the country. As climate change and human encroachment on animal habitats bring humans and animals into ever closer contact, the risk of animal diseases infecting humans – zoonotic diseases – grows. We have already experienced these devastating effects with the 2009 swine flu pandemic, the 2014-15 zika virus epidemic that affected North and South America, and the 2014-16

A discussion on climate change's role in biodiversity loss, and what can be done to reverse course.Canadian and Hawaiian wildfires; a bleached Great Barrier Reef; flooding in Pakistan and Nigeria; drought in Somalia; and devastating Cyclones across Malawi and Mozambique are just some of the recent climate driven natural disasters rearranging and challenging the ecosystems on which we all depend. The United Nations calls the confluence of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution a “triple planetary crisis.” A million species are at risk of extinction by 2050. Despite global calls to act, the world is suffering increasingly severe and often irreversible impacts

A discussion with experts on the possibility of the de-escalation of nuclear threats amid growing geopolitical tensions.The Doomsday Clock, a measure of how close humanity is to destroying itself, implies that we are closer to apocalypse than ever before. Russian nuclear threats continue in Ukraine, with a nuclear power plant trapped in the war zone. The suspension of New START and growing civilian stockpiles of plutonium are additional stressors. Meanwhile, great powers continue to expand and modernize their nuclear arsenals, further raising the stakes. The impacts of a nuclear accident, meltdown, or attack will reverberate around the world, undermining our

A discussion on the goals of the Treaty to Ban Nuclear Weapons, and if it is possible to eradicate nuclear weapons from our world.Can countries around the globe band together to ban nuclear weapons? That is the goal of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, an international treaty that outlaws nuclear armaments. Since its entry into force in 2021, 65 states have ratified the agreement, and it has become a touchpoint around which countries without nuclear arsenals are working to drive new norms. No nuclear powers have agreed to sign onto the treaty and destroy their nuclear arsenals

A discussion on how food can be used as an instrument of diplomacy with celebrity chefs Amanda Freitag and Michael Solomonov.Food is an indelible instrument of foreign policy. A good meal can literally bring people to the table – and keep them there – to learn more about one another. But introducing national gastronomy abroad is a delicate process. Chefs must listen to and learn from the history and stories that inform the table customs of others. They must share their own culinary journeys in a way that fosters connection. Across an increasingly complex global landscape, what does it take

Join Perry World House for an expert discussion on the unfolding events in the Middle East.Fifty years after the Yom Kippur War redefined boundaries in the Middle East and solidified Israel as a regional power, the world awoke to the news that Hamas launched a bloody surprise attack from Gaza into Israel. The ongoing attacks have left hundreds of Israeli and Palestinian civilians dead and thousands more injured, and have prompted Israeli leadership to declare that the country is at war with Hamas. What led to this attack? How has and will the international community respond? And what might we

A discussion about Michael Mann's new book, Our Fragile Moment: How Lesson's from Earth's Past Can Help Us Survive the Climate CrisisA rapidly warming climate is driving natural catastrophes. Drought, fire, sea level rise, heatwaves, flooding, and storms threaten the wellbeing of people all around the world. As the dangers unfold, global warming becomes a lived experience, and it feels too late to act. In his new book, Our Fragile Moment, Michael Mann turns this climate doomism on its head by looking to Earth’s history for inspiration. Humanity’s inception, and some of its greatest innovations, are the result of large-scale

A discussion on the key outcomes of COP28, the UN Climate Conference.Against the backdrop of an escalating climate crisis and another hottest year on record, the annual United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) convened in the United Arab Emirates to chart a path forward. Policymakers made key strides at the conference, agreeing to “transition away from fossil fuels;” operationalizing the loss and damage fund; and laying out targets to build resiliency under a Global Goal on Adaptation. The COP Presidency also co-hosted the first-ever Local Climate Action Summit for city leaders and dedicated a day to discussing the climate-health nexus.While these

A discussion with Omar Dajani and Mira Sucharov about Middle East history, and how differences do not need to divide people.Over the last several months, the peoples of Israel-Palestine have suffered trauma on a scale that is unprecedented even for two nations painfully familiar with tragedy. The terrorist attack launched by Hamas on October 7 resulted in the greatest loss of civilian life of any day in Israel’s history. And Israel’s subsequent military assault on the Gaza Strip has led to more civilian deaths than twenty years of war in Afghanistan. Across the country and around the world, debates about

Join us for a conversation about consequences of gender toxicity on a global scale. In a world threatened by armed conflicts, climate collapse, widening inequality, and potentially ungovernable technologies, political leaders have plenty on their plates. At the same time, regressive and repressive gender policies are taking center stage in many places around the world. For instance, women’s rights are in continued crisis in Afghanistan; women’s health care is under assault in too many places, including the U.S.; and loudly anti-feminist presidents govern Argentina and El Salvador. Why have reductive, exclusionary, and even life-endangering reproductive and gender-based policies gained such traction globally? How

Join us for a conversation looking at the world through the lens of democracy, climate change, security, and human rights.As we start a new semester, we are confronted with a world that has seen significant changes and major global events. In a year that will see more people than ever before going to the polls, there have already been multiple elections of consequence—including in France, India, Iran, Venezuela, and the UK. Conflict continues in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan – and too many other places. Technology is rapidly shifting the global landscape through advances in AI, blockchain, and autonomous

Join us for a conversation about climate finance ahead of COP29.As global temperatures continue to rise, so does the urgency for transformative climate finance to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts globally. But how the world will raise and wield the finance needed - some US$3 trillion a year globally by 2030 – remains fraught.Policymakers are negotiating mileposts like the NCQG (New Collective Quantified Goal), an agreed amount developed countries will provide to developing countries for climate action. But the reality is that no matter what they agree, it won’t be enough. The debate on how to

Join us for a conversation on the role the media played in the 2024 elections seen around the world.In 2024, nearly two billion people were eligible to perform their basic democratic right: to cast a vote. In countries including Indonesia, Mexico, the UK, India, and the U.S., media played a key role in framing the issues, candidates, and parties at the heart of these elections. Yet in many cases reporting lacked the independence, objectivity, and accuracy that is essential to a meaningful democratic process. This event, featuring Perry World House Visiting Fellow Des Freedman and journalist and editor Carol Giacomo,

Join Perry World House as we discuss how we should be thinking about democracy, and democracy promotion, in 2025.In 2024, two billion people in over 70 countries were eligible to exercise their basic democratic right to vote for their leaders in a national election.      The results were all over the map.   There is no simple explanation for the disparate outcomes. In some cases – India, the United States, and Botswana, for instance – incumbent parties either lost or fared worse than expected.  But in other places incumbent parties fared well.  In Moldova and Romania foreign election interference dramatically altered the outcome of

Join us for a discussion on how cities can fill a leadership vacuum on climate and spur global climate action.During Donald Trump's presidency from 2017 to 2021, cities played a critical role in advancing the climate change agenda, often stepping in to fill the leadership vacuum left by national rollbacks on environmental policies. Urban centers like New York City and Bristol, England, as well as many others, spearheaded ambitious initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable energy, and promote climate resilience. Many cities reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement through coalitions like the We Are Still In

Join us for a discussion with Ruth Ben-Ghiat for a conversation on the role that media must play in keeping democracy alive and well.If 2024 was the year of democracy—a year that saw more people worldwide heading to the polls than ever before—then what is in store for 2025? Early returns are worrisome: political repression continues to throttle civil society movements while global media struggles to keep pace with rampant information manipulation and propaganda. In many places autocratic leaders are tightening their grip on power and democratic backsliding seems to be on the rise globally. Join Perry World House as

Join us for a discussion with the chefs/owners of Vedge about their innovative approach to plant-based cuisine.Join us for an exclusive event featuring Philadelphia locals Richard Landau and Kate Jacoby, the visionary chefs and co-owners of the renowned VEDGE restaurant. Known for their innovative approach to plant-based cuisine, Landau and Jacoby will discuss their culinary journey, sustainability philosophy, and creative processes that have made them a groundbreaking force in the world of fine vegetarian dining. They will share first-hand insights of the challenges and innovations shaping the future of food and offer a unique perspective on gastronomy in a climate

Andrea Mitchell will conduct a far-ranging conversation with Ambs. David L. Cohen and Amy Gutmann on their experiences as diplomats.In the spirit of Penn’s commitment to embracing global engagement, Andrea Mitchell will conduct a far-ranging conversation with Ambassador David L. Cohen and Ambassador Amy Gutmann on their experiences as diplomats. They will discuss what best prepared them for their positions, what its greatest perils and pleasures were, and lessons learned. They will address the challenges of defending democratic sovereignty, security, and economic progress and the job of diplomacy when personal beliefs may be at odds with the “official” positions of

Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration, will discuss more efficient migration systems.Today the world is experiencing unprecedented levels of displacement, driven by conflict, economic instability and the impacts of climate change. These challenges have brought about a rising amount of irregular and often dangerous migration, exacerbating the increasingly divisive political debate around migrants and migration.Migration, however, is a permanent reality and a key driver of growth and innovation. Join IOM Director General Amy Pope for a discussion about how safe, orderly, and more efficient migration systems help create well-managed borders, reduce irregular migration and promote shared

Join CEOs Stanley Bergman of Henry Schein Inc and Farooq Kathwari of Ethan Allen Interiors to discuss how the business leaders address bias.Jewish and Muslim leaders have worked together for years advocating for issues of common concern. A primary focus has been combatting the rise in bias and hate crimes in our country. CEOs Stanley Bergman and Farooq Kathwari will share their experiences in leading these efforts.SpeakersSince 1989, Stanley M. Bergman has been Chairman of the Board and CEO of Henry Schein, Inc., a Fortune 500® company and the world's largest provider of health care products and services to office-based

Join PWH for a conversation with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia, the second woman to be elected President in Africa.Please join Perry World House for a conversation with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia. President Nandi-Ndaitwah began her term in March 2025 as only the second woman ever elected president in Africa, and the first in Namibia. Today, under President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership, two thirds of Namibia’s cabinet positions are held by women, including offices in foreign affairs, finance, health, and education.Her election comes at a time when democracy globally is under threat and policies supporting women’s empowerment are being rolled back

Join Perry World House for this special event with award-winning National Geographic photographer Jason Edwards.For decades, renowned National Geographic photographer Jason Edwards has documented both the breathtaking beauty of the natural world and the urgent threats it faces. His photography illustrates the unique power of still imagery to shape narratives, inspire communities, and even influence policy. In this special event, Edwards will explain how visual storytelling from the frontlines of the climate crisis can spark action. He will also discuss the future of his craft given the rise and reach of artificial intelligence.Beyond the images themselves, Edwards will share the

Join Perry World House for this special event with German Vice Chancellor and PWH Distinguished Global Leader Robert Habeck.As the climate crisis intensifies, governments must navigate an increasingly difficult trade-off: how to advance ambitious climate and energy goals while safeguarding national security and economic prosperity. Globally, the calculus behind these policy choices is shifting. Defense budgets are swelling. Economies are strained. Meanwhile global energy demand continues to rise, and climate impacts are accelerating. Against this backdrop, global climate policy must chart a new path or risk being sidelined, despite rising urgency for action. At this event, former German Vice Chancellor

Join Perry World House for a special conversation on democratic resilience.Perry World House is pleased to host a special conversation on democratic resilience with Penn Global’s Middle East Distinguished Visiting Professor Dahlia Scheindlin and Perry World House Distinguished Visiting Fellows Zack Beauchamp and Carolina Jiménez Sandoval.After decades of democratic backsliding in dozens of countries around the world, scholars, journalists, and activists are familiar with the “authoritarian playbook”: from Hungary to Brazil to Israel to Senegal, aspiring authoritarians use similar tactics to try to transform democracies to autocracies.At the same time, there is far less understanding of what a "democratic playbook"

.Please join Perry World House for a timely conversation examining the U.S. government policy and actions toward Venezuela, including strikes on Venezuelan boats and the people on board.Over the recent weeks, Venezuela has surged back into global headlines amid escalating geopolitical tensions. The United States has conducted military strikes against Venezuelan boats in international waters, raising questions about the legality of the Trump administration’s actions. Our panel will explore why the United States has chosen to act now, what strategic objectives are shaping current policy, and how these decisions are being interpreted across Latin America and beyond. As the situation

.Ten years after the Paris Agreement demonstrated a profound collective will to address global emissions, the world's efforts to confront the accelerating climate crisis reached a pivotal moment at the UN Climate Conference (COP30) in the Amazon. Emissions continue to rise as multilateralism is met with more and more challenges.While COP30 participants acknowledged the Paris Agreement's past successes, the proceedings highlighted a difficult reality: the political will needed for momentous multilateral agreement remains elusive. Instead, progress was characterized less by formal consensus and more by achievements outside the official process. These "outside track" successes included initiatives led by Brazil, Colombia,

.The shuttering of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) this year marked the end of an era in global development, threatening the livelihood of millions of vulnerable people. For decades, development initiatives resourced by USAID, as well as many other countries, helped expand health care, education, and economic opportunity worldwide. Despite its flaws, the system, which leveraged multilateral institutions and civil society organizations, worked to alleviate suffering, reduce poverty, and save lives.Yet, even before USAID’s closure, this system for development was increasingly under strain and critique. Governments were shifting resources toward hard security as well as disaster response,

.Satellites, supercomputers, and data are available today to predict climate disasters better than ever before. Yet across the globe, extreme heat, floods, and storms continue to catch communities off guard, often hitting the poorest and most vulnerable the hardest. If these disasters can be seen coming, why is there still a struggle to stop the damage?The problem is not just the physics of the atmosphere—it is the last mile of policy and human response. For an early warning system to be effective and help save lives, a scientific forecast must be transformed into a political decision, a clear message, and

In this discussion, two leading experts on the study of genocide will consider the accusations of genocide against Israel.Omer Bartov will explain when and why he concluded that Israel was perpetrating genocide in Gaza, examine the deeper causes of events in Gaza and the West Bank, ponder the question of Israel’s appearance of impunity, and consider the possible long-term effects of events since October 7.Norman J.W. Goda will discuss genocide accusations against Israel from historical, political, and legal perspectives. He will argue that the accusations as they relate to the war in Gaza should be examined from a more empirical