Keynote remarks were given by Steve Forbes, President and CEO of Forbes and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes magazine.

In 1998, the World Affairs Council created the Atlas Award, which recognizes those distinguished Philadelphia-area leaders whose achievements and generosity embody the ideals articulated in the World Affairs Council's maxim: "In a democracy, agreement is not essential; participation is." Funds raised through this event support the Council's education programs that annually serve 2,600 students in 250 schools throughout the Philadelphia region.

The Council also presented its 2009 Excellence in Education Awards to an area teacher and two students who have shown dedication to the mission of the World Affairs Council and who are committed global citizens in word and action.

The 2009 Atlas Award honoree, Jayne B. Garrison, has been serving the nonprofit educational community since 1955 and has been active in developing educational opportunities for underserved students to learn and succeed and to improving student life, health and human resources though the years. She is a long time member of the Board of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia and has been a guiding force and sponsor of the Council's Student Education Programs.

The 2009 Excellence in Education Award recipients were: Ms. Nicole Roper, Faculty member, West Catholic High School; Miss Monea Frazier, 12th grade, Bodine High School for International Affairs; and Mr. Namir Shah, 12th grade, Eastern Regional High School.

Photos of this event are available online at flickr.

Over 500 attendees heard in-depth addresses and discussions on issues such as national security; energy security and climate change; global and national health; the impact of going green; former Vice President Gore's keynote presentation, Our Choice: a Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis; U.S. intelligence challenges and global trends; and combating violent extremism. The day concluded with a warm tribute to Council chairmen emeriti and a beautiful world premiere peformance of Intercultural Journey's Resonances.

Photos of this event are available online at flickr.

Media Kit (media advisories and keynote speaker headshots)

World Affairs Council Conference Media Advisory

Read and view additional media coverage of this very special event:

The Philadelphia Inquirer, Sandy Bauers, Health & Science
Fox Philadelphia
KYW News Radio 1060 (news article)
Online copy of Director of National Intelligence Dannis Blair's remarks

Program comments

"CONGRATULATIONS! What a wonderful job the Council did yesterday. I can't imagine the effort required to put it all together. That's a day that will be tough to beat but I for one sure hope you'll try..."