In an effort to promote citizen diplomacy and raise Nevada's global awareness, the Northern Nevada International Center hosted the "Everything is Global Summit" April 18 at the University of Nevada, Reno for about 350 high school students and community members.

The summit, which was held at the Joe Crowley Student Union, featured speakers from different departments at the University, several visiting officials and lecturers from across the country and students from the University. Presentations focused on different issues across the globe, including economic impacts of globalization, Nevada's relationship with Mexico and panels encouraging students to travel and become involved in the global community.

"This push to connect Nevadans to the global community is one of many similar efforts around the country," said Carina Black, executive director of the center. "The purpose of this summit is to clarify American 'smart power' in this sense - to establish a consensus on the importance of acting globally and locally and to instill a sense of global competence in the next generation of global citizens. Our efforts to combat diseases, ignorance and despair worldwide are important indicators of who we are as a nation."

The conference helped Ric Frost, who works with the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, understand how other global-water conflicts can be applied to his job. Frost helps the tribe manage the water in Pyramid Lake, and said that his connection with the center helps make his job more efficient.

"The educational value is there because the speakers I heard this morning bring views from other cultures around the world," Frost said. "Water doesn't recognize international boundaries."

For more information, contact the Northern Nevada International Center.