APEC 2015

APEC 2015 Hero Image
Media gallery
The APEC group pictured with Secretary Riley. Top: (from left) Dr. Cleve Fraser, Dr. Jason Jones, Secretary Riley, Mallary Taylor, Gray Johnson. Bottom: (from left) Jonathan Kubakundimana, Matthew Deininger, Nathan Thompson
The APEC group pictured with Secretary Riley. Top: (from left) Dr. Cleve Fraser, Dr. Jason Jones, Secretary Riley, Mallary Taylor, Gray Johnson. Bottom: (from left) Jonathan Kubakundimana, Matthew Deininger, Nathan Thompson
The APEC group pictured with Secretary Riley. Top: (from left) Dr. Cleve Fraser, Dr. Jason Jones, Secretary Riley, Mallary Taylor, Gray Johnson. Bottom: (from left) Jonathan Kubakundimana, Matthew Deininger, Nathan Thompson
The APEC group gets ready for their flight to Manila!
The APEC group gets ready for their flight to Manila!
The APEC group gets ready for their flight to Manila!
All of the APEC Voices of the Future delegates at the Asian Development Bank.
All of the APEC Voices of the Future delegates at the Asian Development Bank.
All of the APEC Voices of the Future delegates at the Asian Development Bank.
Students Kelsey Orr and Gray Johnson arrive at GK Enchanted Farm, a community farm and social entrepreneurship project that is located in Bulacan, north of Manila.
Students Kelsey Orr and Gray Johnson arrive at GK Enchanted Farm, a community farm and social entrepreneurship project that is located in Bulacan, north of Manila.
Students Kelsey Orr and Gray Johnson arrive at GK Enchanted Farm, a community farm and social entrepreneurship project that is located in Bulacan, north of Manila.
One of the brightly decorated meeting spaces at Gawad Kalinga Farm
One of the brightly decorated meeting spaces at Gawad Kalinga Farm
One of the brightly decorated meeting spaces at Gawad Kalinga Farm
One of the
One of the "manifestos" of Gawad Kalinga Farm
One of the
Another stop on the group's tour of Gawad Kalinga
Another stop on the group's tour of Gawad Kalinga
Another stop on the group's tour of Gawad Kalinga
The students received a tour of the farm, which included this beautiful bamboo hall.
The students received a tour of the farm, which included this beautiful bamboo hall.
The students received a tour of the farm, which included this beautiful bamboo hall.
The Center for Banyanihan Economics, located at Gawad Kalinga farms
The Center for Banyanihan Economics, located at Gawad Kalinga farms
The Center for Banyanihan Economics, located at Gawad Kalinga farms
APEC VOF delegates learn how Bayani Brew, a tea that is one of the farm's social entrepreneurship projects, is made
APEC VOF delegates learn how Bayani Brew, a tea that is one of the farm's social entrepreneurship projects, is made
APEC VOF delegates learn how Bayani Brew, a tea that is one of the farm's social entrepreneurship projects, is made
A social entrepreneur from Gawad Kalinga shows VOF delegates how to make Bayani Brew
A social entrepreneur from Gawad Kalinga shows VOF delegates how to make Bayani Brew
A social entrepreneur from Gawad Kalinga shows VOF delegates how to make Bayani Brew
(From left) Students Nathan Thompson, Gray Johnson, Matthew Deininger, and Kelsey Orr at GK Enchanted Farm
(From left) Students Nathan Thompson, Gray Johnson, Matthew Deininger, and Kelsey Orr at GK Enchanted Farm
(From left) Students Nathan Thompson, Gray Johnson, Matthew Deininger, and Kelsey Orr at GK Enchanted Farm
Student Kelsey Orr (right) is pictured with students from other member economies at Gawad Kalinga
Student Kelsey Orr (right) is pictured with students from other member economies at Gawad Kalinga
Student Kelsey Orr (right) is pictured with students from other member economies at Gawad Kalinga
The visit to Gawad Kalinga Farm offered beautiful views like this one
The visit to Gawad Kalinga Farm offered beautiful views like this one
The visit to Gawad Kalinga Farm offered beautiful views like this one
Gawad Kalinga had many beautiful stretches of farmland, such as the one pictured here
Gawad Kalinga had many beautiful stretches of farmland, such as the one pictured here
Gawad Kalinga had many beautiful stretches of farmland, such as the one pictured here
A view of busy metro Manila!
A view of busy metro Manila!
A view of busy metro Manila!
H.E. Benigno Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines, speaking at the APEC SME Summit
H.E. Benigno Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines, speaking at the APEC SME Summit
H.E. Benigno Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines, speaking at the APEC SME Summit
The Manila American Cemetery included a number of maps of combat operations in WWII, such as the one shown here.
The Manila American Cemetery included a number of maps of combat operations in WWII, such as the one shown here.
The Manila American Cemetery included a number of maps of combat operations in WWII, such as the one shown here.
The Manila American Cemetery was very well kept and resembled Arlington Cemetery.
The Manila American Cemetery was very well kept and resembled Arlington Cemetery.
The Manila American Cemetery was very well kept and resembled Arlington Cemetery.
The U.S. delegation sits in awe of the beautiful memorials at the Manila American Cemetery
The U.S. delegation sits in awe of the beautiful memorials at the Manila American Cemetery
The U.S. delegation sits in awe of the beautiful memorials at the Manila American Cemetery
The U.S. delegation had a very meaningful experience visiting the Manila American Cemetery
The U.S. delegation had a very meaningful experience visiting the Manila American Cemetery
The U.S. delegation had a very meaningful experience visiting the Manila American Cemetery
The U.S. delegation had a very meaningful experience visiting the Manila American Cemetery
The U.S. delegation had a very meaningful experience visiting the Manila American Cemetery
The U.S. delegation had a very meaningful experience visiting the Manila American Cemetery
The U.S. delegation had a very meaningful experience visiting the Manila American Cemetery
The U.S. delegation had a very meaningful experience visiting the Manila American Cemetery
The U.S. delegation had a very meaningful experience visiting the Manila American Cemetery
The Manila American Cemetery has the largest number of graves of any cemetery for U.S. personnel who died during WWII.
The Manila American Cemetery has the largest number of graves of any cemetery for U.S. personnel who died during WWII.
The Manila American Cemetery has the largest number of graves of any cemetery for U.S. personnel who died during WWII.
The delegations got to see different parts of Manila as they walked to different venues
The delegations got to see different parts of Manila as they walked to different venues
The delegations got to see different parts of Manila as they walked to different venues
The traffic in Manila presented some challenges for travelers, but APEC traffic got their own lane!
The traffic in Manila presented some challenges for travelers, but APEC traffic got their own lane!
The traffic in Manila presented some challenges for travelers, but APEC traffic got their own lane!
Heads of State, academics, and moderators shared the stage for important discussions at the APEC CEO Summit
Heads of State, academics, and moderators shared the stage for important discussions at the APEC CEO Summit
Heads of State, academics, and moderators shared the stage for important discussions at the APEC CEO Summit
Wendy Kopp, founder of Teach for America, discusses education and its importance in the APEC region
Wendy Kopp, founder of Teach for America, discusses education and its importance in the APEC region
Wendy Kopp, founder of Teach for America, discusses education and its importance in the APEC region
Economics professor Dr. Jason Jones participates in another group's cultural night presentation.
Economics professor Dr. Jason Jones participates in another group's cultural night presentation.
Economics professor Dr. Jason Jones participates in another group's cultural night presentation.
Political Science professor Cleve Fraser greets Ambassador Goldberg upon arrival
Political Science professor Cleve Fraser greets Ambassador Goldberg upon arrival
Political Science professor Cleve Fraser greets Ambassador Goldberg upon arrival
U.S. delegate Gray Johnson greets Ambassador Goldberg upon arrival
U.S. delegate Gray Johnson greets Ambassador Goldberg upon arrival
U.S. delegate Gray Johnson greets Ambassador Goldberg upon arrival
VOF delegates from different member economies meets with Ambassador Goldberg at the Asian Development Bank
VOF delegates from different member economies meets with Ambassador Goldberg at the Asian Development Bank
VOF delegates from different member economies meets with Ambassador Goldberg at the Asian Development Bank
The APEC group is pictured here with U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Philip Goldberg and foreign service officer and Furman alum Rachael Parrish. (From left) Top: Dr. Jason Jones, Jonathan Kubakundimana, Nathan Thompson, Matthew Deininger, and Rachael Parrish. Bottom: Kelsey Orr, Ambassador Goldberg, Gray Johnson, and Mallary Taylor.
The APEC group is pictured here with U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Philip Goldberg and foreign service officer and Furman alum Rachael Parrish. (From left) Top: Dr. Jason Jones, Jonathan Kubakundimana, Nathan Thompson, Matthew Deininger, and Rachael Parrish. Bottom: Kelsey Orr, Ambassador Goldberg, Gray Johnson, and Mallary Taylor.
The APEC group is pictured here with U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Philip Goldberg and foreign service officer and Furman alum Rachael Parrish. (From left) Top: Dr. Jason Jones, Jonathan Kubakundimana, Nathan Thompson, Matthew Deininger, and Rachael Parrish. Bottom: Kelsey Orr, Ambassador Goldberg, Gray Johnson, and Mallary Taylor.
The students are pictured with Ambassador Goldberg during his visit to the Asian Development Bank, during which he addressed all of the Voices of the Future delegates.
The students are pictured with Ambassador Goldberg during his visit to the Asian Development Bank, during which he addressed all of the Voices of the Future delegates.
The students are pictured with Ambassador Goldberg during his visit to the Asian Development Bank, during which he addressed all of the Voices of the Future delegates.
Ambassador Phillip Goldberg shows students the map outside of the embassy, which looks out over Manila Bay.
Ambassador Phillip Goldberg shows students the map outside of the embassy, which looks out over Manila Bay.
Ambassador Phillip Goldberg shows students the map outside of the embassy, which looks out over Manila Bay.
Students received a tour of the embassy during their visit.
Students received a tour of the embassy during their visit.
Students received a tour of the embassy during their visit.
Students received a tour of the embassy during their visit.
Students received a tour of the embassy during their visit.
Students received a tour of the embassy during their visit.
Economics professor Jason Jones meets Ambassador Goldberg upon the group's arrival at the embassy
Economics professor Jason Jones meets Ambassador Goldberg upon the group's arrival at the embassy
Economics professor Jason Jones meets Ambassador Goldberg upon the group's arrival at the embassy
The U.S. delegation is pictured at the U.S. embassy in Manila, in the room where Japanese General Yamashita was tried after WWII.
The U.S. delegation is pictured at the U.S. embassy in Manila, in the room where Japanese General Yamashita was tried after WWII.
The U.S. delegation is pictured at the U.S. embassy in Manila, in the room where Japanese General Yamashita was tried after WWII.
Student Jonathan Kubakundimana meets Ambassador Goldberg upon arrival at the embassy.
Student Jonathan Kubakundimana meets Ambassador Goldberg upon arrival at the embassy.
Student Jonathan Kubakundimana meets Ambassador Goldberg upon arrival at the embassy.
Student Kelsey Orr meets Ambassador Goldberg upon arrival at the embassy.
Student Kelsey Orr meets Ambassador Goldberg upon arrival at the embassy.
Student Kelsey Orr meets Ambassador Goldberg upon arrival at the embassy.
U.S. delegate Nathan Thompson meets Ambassador Goldberg
U.S. delegate Nathan Thompson meets Ambassador Goldberg
U.S. delegate Nathan Thompson meets Ambassador Goldberg
U.S. delegate Mallary Taylor meets Ambassador Goldberg at the embassy
U.S. delegate Mallary Taylor meets Ambassador Goldberg at the embassy
U.S. delegate Mallary Taylor meets Ambassador Goldberg at the embassy
U.S. delegate Matthew Deininger meets Ambassador Goldberg upon arrival at the embassy
U.S. delegate Matthew Deininger meets Ambassador Goldberg upon arrival at the embassy
U.S. delegate Matthew Deininger meets Ambassador Goldberg upon arrival at the embassy
U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Philip Goldberg, speaks to Voices of the Future delegates at the Asian Development Bank in Manila.
U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Philip Goldberg, speaks to Voices of the Future delegates at the Asian Development Bank in Manila.
U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Philip Goldberg, speaks to Voices of the Future delegates at the Asian Development Bank in Manila.
VOF delegates are pictured with one of the Filipinos who helped ensure that the delegations made it safely to their destination
VOF delegates are pictured with one of the Filipinos who helped ensure that the delegations made it safely to their destination
VOF delegates are pictured with one of the Filipinos who helped ensure that the delegations made it safely to their destination
Making these stuffed animals is one of the social entrepreneurship projects at GK Farm
Making these stuffed animals is one of the social entrepreneurship projects at GK Farm
Making these stuffed animals is one of the social entrepreneurship projects at GK Farm
Some VOF delegates got to speak to and take a picture with Wendy Kopp, founder of Teach for America
Some VOF delegates got to speak to and take a picture with Wendy Kopp, founder of Teach for America
Some VOF delegates got to speak to and take a picture with Wendy Kopp, founder of Teach for America
VOF delegates speaking with Wendy Kopp, founder of Teach for America
VOF delegates speaking with Wendy Kopp, founder of Teach for America
VOF delegates speaking with Wendy Kopp, founder of Teach for America
Student Nathan Thompson tries out one of the exhibits at the APEC SME Summit
Student Nathan Thompson tries out one of the exhibits at the APEC SME Summit
Student Nathan Thompson tries out one of the exhibits at the APEC SME Summit
Some of the delegates ventured out in Japan during a layover in Tokyo
Some of the delegates ventured out in Japan during a layover in Tokyo
Some of the delegates ventured out in Japan during a layover in Tokyo
Some of the delegates ventured out in Japan during a layover in Tokyo
Some of the delegates ventured out in Japan during a layover in Tokyo
Some of the delegates ventured out in Japan during a layover in Tokyo
Students Jonathan Kubakundimana and Gray Johnson at the Voices of the Future culture night
Students Jonathan Kubakundimana and Gray Johnson at the Voices of the Future culture night
Students Jonathan Kubakundimana and Gray Johnson at the Voices of the Future culture night
Students Mallary Taylor and Gray Johnson get ready for the session with the APEC Business Advisory Council.
Students Mallary Taylor and Gray Johnson get ready for the session with the APEC Business Advisory Council.
Students Mallary Taylor and Gray Johnson get ready for the session with the APEC Business Advisory Council.
The U.S. delegation waves with excitement after a successful meeting with the APEC Business Advisory Council.
The U.S. delegation waves with excitement after a successful meeting with the APEC Business Advisory Council.
The U.S. delegation waves with excitement after a successful meeting with the APEC Business Advisory Council.
Students Gray Johnson, Mallary Taylor, and Kelsey Orr are pictured with friends from the Canadian delegation.
Students Gray Johnson, Mallary Taylor, and Kelsey Orr are pictured with friends from the Canadian delegation.
Students Gray Johnson, Mallary Taylor, and Kelsey Orr are pictured with friends from the Canadian delegation.
The U.S. delegation is pictured at the CEO Summit with friends from the New Zealand delegation.
The U.S. delegation is pictured at the CEO Summit with friends from the New Zealand delegation.
The U.S. delegation is pictured at the CEO Summit with friends from the New Zealand delegation.
Students Kelsey Orr, Gray Johnson, and Mallary Taylor are pictured with Andrew Stevens, CNNMoney's Asia-Pacific Editor, who served as a moderator during the APEC CEO Summit.
Students Kelsey Orr, Gray Johnson, and Mallary Taylor are pictured with Andrew Stevens, CNNMoney's Asia-Pacific Editor, who served as a moderator during the APEC CEO Summit.
Students Kelsey Orr, Gray Johnson, and Mallary Taylor are pictured with Andrew Stevens, CNNMoney's Asia-Pacific Editor, who served as a moderator during the APEC CEO Summit.
Some VOF delegates got the chance to speak with Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group, a global political risk research firm
Some VOF delegates got the chance to speak with Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group, a global political risk research firm
Some VOF delegates got the chance to speak with Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group, a global political risk research firm
U.S. delegates Jonathan Kubakundimana and Nathan Thompson are pictured with one of the members of the Canadian delegation
U.S. delegates Jonathan Kubakundimana and Nathan Thompson are pictured with one of the members of the Canadian delegation
U.S. delegates Jonathan Kubakundimana and Nathan Thompson are pictured with one of the members of the Canadian delegation
Members of the U.S. delegation get ready to walk into the Makati Shangri-La, where the APEC CEO Summit was held
Members of the U.S. delegation get ready to walk into the Makati Shangri-La, where the APEC CEO Summit was held
Members of the U.S. delegation get ready to walk into the Makati Shangri-La, where the APEC CEO Summit was held
The U.S. delegation is pictured in the lobby of the Makati Shangri-La, where the APEC CEO Summit was held
The U.S. delegation is pictured in the lobby of the Makati Shangri-La, where the APEC CEO Summit was held
The U.S. delegation is pictured in the lobby of the Makati Shangri-La, where the APEC CEO Summit was held
VOF delegates get ready for their session with the APEC Business Advisory Council
VOF delegates get ready for their session with the APEC Business Advisory Council
VOF delegates get ready for their session with the APEC Business Advisory Council
Voices of the Future delegates were fortunate enough to have a special session with the members of the APEC Business Advisory Council.
Voices of the Future delegates were fortunate enough to have a special session with the members of the APEC Business Advisory Council.
Voices of the Future delegates were fortunate enough to have a special session with the members of the APEC Business Advisory Council.
During the session with the APEC Business Advisory Council, representatives from 6 member economies had the chance to voice their opinion on important issues in our economies. Nathan Thompson spoke about the importance of small and medium sized enterprises on behalf of the U.S. delegation
During the session with the APEC Business Advisory Council, representatives from 6 member economies had the chance to voice their opinion on important issues in our economies. Nathan Thompson spoke about the importance of small and medium sized enterprises on behalf of the U.S. delegation
During the session with the APEC Business Advisory Council, representatives from 6 member economies had the chance to voice their opinion on important issues in our economies. Nathan Thompson spoke about the importance of small and medium sized enterprises on behalf of the U.S. delegation
Student Jonathan Kubakundimana addresses the Voices of the Future delegates and discusses how youth in the U.S. can contribute to sustainable growth in the region.
Student Jonathan Kubakundimana addresses the Voices of the Future delegates and discusses how youth in the U.S. can contribute to sustainable growth in the region.
Student Jonathan Kubakundimana addresses the Voices of the Future delegates and discusses how youth in the U.S. can contribute to sustainable growth in the region.
Student Jonathan Kubakundimana addresses the APEC Business Advisory Council with a question during one of the sessions.
Student Jonathan Kubakundimana addresses the APEC Business Advisory Council with a question during one of the sessions.
Student Jonathan Kubakundimana addresses the APEC Business Advisory Council with a question during one of the sessions.
President Barack Obama gave a keynote address on climate change then moderated a panel discussion at the APEC CEO Summit.
President Barack Obama gave a keynote address on climate change then moderated a panel discussion at the APEC CEO Summit.
President Barack Obama gave a keynote address on climate change then moderated a panel discussion at the APEC CEO Summit.
Alibaba chairman Jack Ma also addressed the CEO Summit at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Manila
Alibaba chairman Jack Ma also addressed the CEO Summit at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Manila
Alibaba chairman Jack Ma also addressed the CEO Summit at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Manila
Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, was one of the world leaders to address to the CEO Summit
Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, was one of the world leaders to address to the CEO Summit
Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, was one of the world leaders to address to the CEO Summit
Students Mallary Taylor and Nathan Thompson celebrating a successful day with some swing dancing!
Students Mallary Taylor and Nathan Thompson celebrating a successful day with some swing dancing!
Students Mallary Taylor and Nathan Thompson celebrating a successful day with some swing dancing!
The host country of the Philippines threw wonderful receptions for all of the delegates!
The host country of the Philippines threw wonderful receptions for all of the delegates!
The host country of the Philippines threw wonderful receptions for all of the delegates!
Everyone enjoyed getting together for some dancing after a long day of APEC meetings.
Everyone enjoyed getting together for some dancing after a long day of APEC meetings.
Everyone enjoyed getting together for some dancing after a long day of APEC meetings.
The receptions at night included food, dancing, and cultural presentations
The receptions at night included food, dancing, and cultural presentations
The receptions at night included food, dancing, and cultural presentations
Voices of the Future delegates meet in small groups to discuss problems within their economies and identify collaborative solutions
Voices of the Future delegates meet in small groups to discuss problems within their economies and identify collaborative solutions
Voices of the Future delegates meet in small groups to discuss problems within their economies and identify collaborative solutions
The U.S. delegation is pictured here during a meeting with other Voices of the Future delegations.
The U.S. delegation is pictured here during a meeting with other Voices of the Future delegations.
The U.S. delegation is pictured here during a meeting with other Voices of the Future delegations.
U.S. delegate Mallary Taylor discusses sustainable development goals with a small group of other VOF delegates
U.S. delegate Mallary Taylor discusses sustainable development goals with a small group of other VOF delegates
U.S. delegate Mallary Taylor discusses sustainable development goals with a small group of other VOF delegates
U.S. delegate Jonathan Kubakundimana discusses economic issues in the different member economies with other VOF delegates
U.S. delegate Jonathan Kubakundimana discusses economic issues in the different member economies with other VOF delegates
U.S. delegate Jonathan Kubakundimana discusses economic issues in the different member economies with other VOF delegates
U.S. delegate Matthew Deininger meets with his small group to discuss ways the member economies can address economic issues.
U.S. delegate Matthew Deininger meets with his small group to discuss ways the member economies can address economic issues.
U.S. delegate Matthew Deininger meets with his small group to discuss ways the member economies can address economic issues.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Embassy in Manila

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015
Manila, Philippines
November 12 – 19, 2015

On November 10, 2015, six students — Matthew Deininger (’18) from Pittsboro, NC (Mathematics, Economics and Political Science); Gray Johnson (’16) from Aiken, SC (Political Science); Jonathan Kubakundimana (’16) from Kigali, Republic of Rwanda (Political Science); Kelsey Orr (’17) from Winston-Salem, NC (Political Science and Asian Studies); Mallary Taylor (’16) from Greenville, SC (Political Science and Psychology); and Nathan Thompson (’16) from Arlington, VA (Economics and Political Science) along with Dr. Cleve Fraser, Department of Political Science, and Dr. Jason Jones, Department of Economics departed for an experience of a lifetime to Manila, Philippines where they served as citizen diplomats to the 2015 APEC CEO Summit.

Read the Op-Ed article written by Gray Johnson and Mallary Taylor; read an article penned by Erikah Haavie, contributing writer for Furman University, about the APEC experience in Manila. Also, the group presented at Furman Engaged 2016 in the spring; click here to view their presentation. For a special report on the APEC Voices of the Future 2015 in Manila, click here.

For the Program Schedule, click here. To follow the students on their blog, click here.

The trip began with a tour of the U.S. Embassy in Manila, which was arranged by a Furman alum and APEC alum Rachael Parrish, who is the Human Rights Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. She also arranged for a meeting with the U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg and a lunch with Foreign Service officers.

The Voices of the Future students had access to every major and minor talk. They heard President Obama, Chinese President Jinping Xi, Russia’s Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Philippian President Benigno Aquino, Columbian President Juan Manuel Santos, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, Vietnam President Truong Sang, Taiwan President Ying-jeou Ma, CEO of Alibaba Group Jack Ma, CEO of Uber Travis Kalanick, and CEO of Teach for America Wendy Kopp. There were also numerous other business and news leaders that spoke as parts of a number of panels they attended. The students were able to catch some of these leaders in the hallways which lead to memorable conversations (particularly talking with Eurasia Group CEO Ian Bremmer).

For videos featuring the students, see below.

Jonathan Kubakundimana

Nathan Thompson

Kelsey Orr

Mallary Taylor