Recap of the National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka’s visit to the U.S. from September 11-15, 2023: In New York, the National Council President had insightful talks with António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, and Mayor of NYC Eric Adams on current political issues. Also on the agenda was a meeting with Rabbi Arthur Schneier and major Jewish organizations. 



From there it was off to Boston with a focus on artificial intelligence & the life science sector. After an excellent exchange with Governor of Massachusetts Maura Healey on biotech and AI, President Sobotka signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Edward M. Kennedy Institute and the Austrian Parliament that will pave the way for cooperation on democracy education.

After appointments at Harvard and MIT, the President was able to meet Austrians living in the Boston area. 

The following day in Washington, DC started with an insightful meeting with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi that focused on current global challenges and bilateral relations.

Further meetings on the Hill with the House Foreign Affairs Committee dealt with the need to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable. During the subsequent meeting with the American Jewish Committee, National Council President Sobotka addressed the importance of the fight against antisemitism. Austria´s dedication to the fight against antisemitism was also underlined in the meeting with Cathy Manning, Co-Chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism. 

That evening President Sobotka unveiled a new exhibition at the Austrian Embassy about the life and work of architect and urban planner Victor Gruen. Lastly, the Brookings Institute hosted the President for a discussion with leading AI-experts on the perils and promises of artificial intelligence for democracy.