Watch the full event here: https://www.usglc.org/events/shaping-americas-global-impact-ut/

SALT LAKE CITY— U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch and General James T. Conway joined the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition along with over 300 leaders in the state to discuss how America’s engagement abroad spurs economic growth in Utah and promotes our national security. Other speakers included Hon. Stephen Urquhart, Global Ambassador at the University of Utah and former Utah State Senator, and Bill Lane, Chairman Emeritus of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition and former Senior Director of Global Development & Corporate Affairs at Caterpillar.

“With growing global challenges, our nation’s development and diplomacy programs are more vital to our national security and economy than ever before,” said U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch. “By offering a hand-up, not just a hand-out to fragile countries, we strengthen Americas leadership abroad, protect our citizens here at home, and create a thriving economy for Utahns.” 

“In my time overseas, I saw firsthand how instability breeds opportunity for extremist voices to be heard,” said General James T. Conway. “It is critical that we use all of our civilian tools of engagement to keep Americans safe. Through U.S. diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, alongside the military, we not only strengthen vulnerable nations, but bolster our own national security and keep our troops out of harm’s way.”

Utah is home to some of the largest global brands and organizations with rapidly growing international operations in emerging markets. Utah exports nearly $13.3 billion a year and trade supports over 387,200 local jobs, making U.S. international engagement a strategic economic issue for the state.

“Our international affairs programs reflect the best of America—our leadership and our values,” said Hon. Stephen Urquhart. “When there is a humanitarian crisis, global pandemic or natural disaster, these are the programs that effectively help communities across the globe respond, rebound and prosper. With small, but effective, investments in the International Affairs Budget, we create a better, safer world for everyone.”

“Our world is more interconnected than ever before and what happens overseas affects us here at home,” said USGLC President and CEO Liz Schrayer. “Our coalition’s growing presence here in Utah underscores the fact that the stakes are too high for America to pull back from the world.”

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The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 500 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic, military, and community leaders in all 50 states who support strategic investments to elevate development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.