1st HKS DC Alumni Forum Features US Trade Rep

On Thursday, April 14, more than 70 HKS alumni and guests gathered for a conversation with US Trade Representative Ambassador Michael Froman on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and related issues. The discussion was co-sponsored by Covington & Burling, which also hosted the event and reception at its beautiful CityCenter office. The audience included HKS Alumni from the 1960’s to 2015, as well as alumni from Harvard Law School and Business School.

David Rosenberg (MPA ’86) welcomed the guests and gave a brief overview of Council activities. The renowned Stuart Eizenstat introduced Amb. Froman (HLS ’90), who dispensed with his prepared remarks to move directly to discussion with a distinguished panel of trade experts moderated by Peter Lichtenbaum (MPP/HLS ’90). A lively audience Q&A followed. The evening’s topics included the specifics of TPP, the 2016 politics of trade, the process of multi-lateral negotiations, TPP’s geo-strategic effects, and policies to improve economic opportunities and wages for US workers.

This event was the first HKS DC Alumni Forum, an ongoing series where top policy-makers discuss current issues in conversational settings. The Council looks forward to holding similar events soon – bring us your ideas! Thanks to the organizing committee for the event, which included HKS DC Council President Steve Powell, Secretary John Haederle, Councilor David Rosenberg, Covington Partner Peter Lichtenbaum, and Covington Associate Lala Qadir (MPP ’04).