Welcome to the Fulbright Academy of Law, Peace and Public Health!
The Fulbright Academy of Law, Peace and Public Health is a Fulbright alumni organization which is organized as a private non-profit entity and is dedicated to the promotion of the ideals of the late United States Senator J. William Fulbright.
The Fulbright Academy of Law brings together Fulbrighters throughout the globe who have served or who have an interest in the intersection of the disciplines of Law, Peace and Public Health – and who desire to further an international mutual understanding through education diplomacy so as to cause and encourage an epidemic of Peace.
The Fulbright Academy of Law brings together Fulbright alumni and nourishes an avenue of international cooperation and mutual understanding amongst nations through examining and exploring the three pillars of any successful society or nation: Law, Peace, and Public Health.
The Fulbright Academy of Law is dedicated to providing educational symposia and educational conferences, open to Fulbrighters and other merit-based contributors. The purpose of these educational events is for the presentation and exploration of research, ideas, and expertise, concerning the intersections of Law, Peace and Public Health, in hopes that such mutual dialogue and understanding will lead to improved international tolerance, mutual understanding, and Peace
Law
As a lawyer, Senator J. W. Fulbright drew from a rich foundation of legal academia and experience. This led to him to become one of the most prominent, intellectual, important and gifted American statesmen of the 20th century. Senator Fulbright exhibited an unwavering dedication to global cooperation, internationalism and humanity. Senator Fulbright studied law at George Washington University, was admitted to the District of Columbia Bar, served as an attorney for the United States Department of Justice, served as an Instructor in Law at George Washington University and as a Lecturer in Law at the University of Arkansas, served as the Chairman, United States Committee on Banking and Currency, and served as a Member and longest-serving Chairman of the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Senator Fulbright well understood that the intimate relationship between law, education (especially through studying abroad) and peace, holds the power to promote tolerance and understanding among nations – and that, in part, lead to Fulbright’s unequaled contribution to international affairs. In fact, Senator Fulbright’s understanding of the critical influence of law in international affairs was noted when he stated the following:
“Law is the essential foundation of stability and order,
both within societies and in international relations.”
Peace
Senator Fulbright’s work toward the promotion of peace and international mutual understanding was not only legion, through his successful work of establishing the United Nations, but it continues to live on. On October 24, 1999, the University of Arkansas dedicated the Fulbright Peace Fountain in honor of the Senator. This fountain is dedicated to the possibility of peace and the promotion of tolerance and mutual understanding amongst nations through education. Also, the new Fulbright Interfaith Community Action Program was established and designed to foster the development of a more peaceful and productive dialogue across religious and cultural boundaries. Additionally, Fulbright Scholarship opportunities are now available in the disciplines of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Studies, in order to further mutual understanding and to lessen international conflict.
Most importantly, from its inception, the Fulbright Scholarship Program has fostered bilateral relationships in which other countries and governments work with the United States to set joint priorities and shape the program to meet “shared needs.” This sustained commitment to international bilateral partnership and joint priority-setting between the United States and over 155 countries has been a strong basis for the global stature and the success of the Fulbright Program.
Public Health
Today, one of the most important international “shared needs” is the provision of health care and the attainment of health – an ideal valued by virtually all nations and all societies. All nations struggle to achieve a nation of healthy people and to the attainment of a state of health as illustrated in the Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization:
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social
well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
The ability to provide health care and the attainment of health is so well identified as a sustained commitment to international bilateral partnerships and joint priority-setting between the United States and over 155 countries throughout the world, that the Fulbright Scholarship Program now offers Fulbright opportunities in the fields of public health and global health, medicine, and nursing.
In conclusion, we at the Fulbright Academy of Law, Peace and Public Health recognize that all Fulbrighters describe their experiences as “life-changing” and one which has a profound influence on their professional and personal lives. And, we well recognize that once you become a Fulbrighter – You are a Fulbrighter for Life!
In that spirit of continued exploration and contribution to international mutual understanding, fostering of bilateral relationships with other countries, promotion of tolerance, respect, human dignity, and Peace, we invite the Fulbright alumni to join our Fulbright Academy of Law, Peace and Public Health to further identify, consider, and discuss the attributes and foundations of Peace. Please join us in further illuminating the links between educational diplomacy through educational programs involving the intersections of Law, Peace and Public Health, and their relation to the creation and maintenance of peaceful communities for the benefit of all people throughout the globe.
Looking forward to meeting you in our upcoming conferences!
Thomas A. Gionis, MD JD MPH MBA MHA LLM FICS FCLM
United States Fulbright Scholar in Law
President and Chairman of the Board, Fulbright Academy of Law, Peace and Public Health