Letter From Under Secretary Keith Krach to the Governing Boards of American Universities
12.12.22
Studies have shown that the majority of the U.S. university endowment fund portfolios own PRC stocks listed on American exchanges either directly or indirectly through emerging markets index funds.
Dear Governing Boards of American Institutions of Higher Education and Affiliates,
During this unprecedented period in modern history, American universities and colleges are on the frontlines of addressing many of the challenges presented by the pandemic. At the same time, these great institutions are at the forefront of an equally serious challenge brought on by the authoritarian influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
At the U.S. Department of State, one of our primary missions is to monitor and advocate for freedom, including academic freedom, around the world. American institutions of higher learning are the envy of the world and have always been an invaluable partner in that mission. That is especially true now as we join hands to work through myriad challenges brought on by the pandemic so that we can continue welcoming students from around the world to America’s shores. This includes an orderly resumption of student visa issuances as the situation dictates at our embassies and consulates around the world.
In that same spirit of partnership, I am writing to you about a real and urgent threat that has broad implications for ensuring academic freedom, honoring human dignity, protecting university endowments, and safeguarding intellectual property. As a former Chairman of the Board of a major university, I recognize that when addressing a long-term strategic issue of this magnitude, the responsibility sits squarely on the shoulders of each and every board member.
Opportunity International and 2022 Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Keith Krach Announce Trusted Tech Microfinance Initiative
Opportunity International and Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy Form Partnership to Bridge Digital Divide in Low-Income Countries.
The Era Of ‘Tech Diplomacy’ Is Here
Technology is the new frontier of international relations. The interaction is bi-directional: technology is defining diplomatic matters while diplomacy is also influencing the development and deployment of technology. Take semiconductors as an example. This is a technology that forms the foundation of digital economy, national security, and productivity in almost all industries. Global supply chain in the semiconductor industry is shaping U.S. foreign policy. Conversely, America’s diplomatic effort has been redefining the supply chain. Tech diplomacy is different from science diplomacy, which became a key pillar for the U.S. and other countries since World War II. Scientists participated in treaty negotiations, engaged in bilateral summits and served as attachés at embassies. Primary topics included nuclear proliferation, super-collider construction, human space exploration and environmental science.