Thematic Series

Thematic Programming Series

The Foreign Press Centers’ diverse array of programming offers in-depth insights into significant global and domestic issues, aiming to provide foreign journalists with comprehensive understanding and access to expert opinions and U.S. policy makers. Together, these programs offer a nuanced and multifaceted view of American policy, society, and global engagement. Below, find some of our most popular programs grouped by topic, as well as our thematic briefing series.

2024 Elections Series and Resources

The Foreign Press Centers provide foreign journalists with firsthand experience and insights into the U.S. electoral process. This year, the Foreign Press Centers will host elections-related programing, including reporting tours and briefings, for foreign journalists who hold an FPC Credential.

Ukraine and Russia Series

The Foreign Press Centers’ Ukraine and Russia Series provides foreign journalists with background, context, and detailed information on the U.S. government’s response to the Russian Federation’s unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine as well as the views of senior U.S. government officials and U.S. experts on Russian disinformation.

Wall Street Series

Our Wall Street Series is organized annually by the New York Foreign Press Center to give exclusive access to Wall Street experts. Over the course of several weeks, top experts and economists provide several briefings that explore the U.S. and global economy.

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Series

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meets in regular sessions in New York City from September to December each year, and thereafter as required. During UNGA High Level Week each September, the New York Foreign Press Center organizes briefings and roundtables in which U.S. policy makers and others discuss priority topics for that year with journalists of foreign media organizations.

City Spotlight Series

The City Spotlight Series provides foreign media with the opportunity to hear from municipal leaders throughout the United States.  Each briefing sheds a spotlight on a local issue that has global interest whether it be U.S. culture, history, economy and international trade, or politics. Our speakers provide insights on matters that are important at the local level and help explain public discourse and opinion in the United States to foreign audiences.

Climate Action Series

U.S. climate and environment diplomacy aspires to realize economic growth, energy security, and a healthy planet. The well-being of the natural world affects millions of U.S. jobs and the health of our people, and so the Department of State works with partners to advance U.S. interests on issues such as combating wildlife trafficking, fostering resilience, conserving nature, water security, and reducing harmful pollutants. Our Climate Action Series gives journalists frontline access to contemporary experts and issues for this increasingly important topic.

Advancing Racial Equity Series

The promise of our nation is that every American has an equal chance to get ahead, yet persistent systemic racism and barriers to opportunity have denied this promise for so many. President Biden is putting equity at the center of the agenda with a whole of government approach to embed racial justice across Federal agencies, policies, and programs. And President Biden will take bold action to advance a comprehensive equity agenda to deliver criminal justice reform, end disparities in healthcare access and education, strengthen fair housing, and restore Federal respect for Tribal sovereignty, among other actions, so that everyone across America has the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

The Foreign Press Centers’ Advancing Racial Equity Series provides journalists with access to experts on the history, contemporary struggles, and opportunities present in U.S. race relations.

Understanding America Series

The Understanding America Series provides foreign journalists with a firsthand look at both the history and contemporary reality of American culture. Meant as an introductory series, each of these briefings provides background on facets of American society that are timely and relevant to today’s top stories, from newsworthy sources.

2022 U.S. Elections Virtual Briefing Series

The Foreign Press Center’s Virtual Briefing Series on the 2022 U.S. Midterm Elections provides background, context, and access to non-government experts in the run-up to the 2022 midterms in November.  We are pleased to offer this virtual series to enable selected journalists to remotely cover the 2022 U.S. elections by providing access to authoritative sources for an inclusive discussion of the electoral process in the United States.