Secretary Blinken Travels to Mexico and Visits Purdue University; Release of the First-Ever Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Strategic Plan; Kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month; and more.

U.S. Department of State sent this bulletin at 09/20/2022 01:59 PM EDT

The Week at State | September 12-18

Screenshot of video of The Week At State showing Secretary Blinken smiling and waving.

Take a look at The Week at State video for a review of key events of the past week, when President Joseph R. Biden marked the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001; Vice President Kamala Harris held a multilateral meeting with Caribbean leaders; and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo traveled to Mexico City, Mexico and visited Purdue University in Indiana. Visit our YouTube channel for more videos.

Secretary Blinken Travels to Mexico and Indiana

Secretary Blinken, President Obrador, Secretary Raimondo and others smile during a conversation in a hallway

Secretary Blinken traveled to Mexico City, Mexico on September 12 to co-chair the 2022 U.S.-Mexico High-Level Economic Dialogue (HLED). On September 13, Secretary Blinken and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo made a joint visit to Purdue University to speak with students and highlight the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act. Read more about Secretary Blinken's trip on State.gov and watch the spotlight videos on the Secretary's trip to Mexico (video) and Indiana to Purdue University (video).

Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Mexican President López Obrador

Secretary Blinken, President Obrador, and other officials sit together at a long table in an ornate conference room

"Great meeting today with Mexican President @lopezobrador_. We discussed our shared commitment to build a more prosperous and secure future for the people of North America," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Read Spokesperson Ned Price's readout of Secretary Blinken and Mexican President Obrador's Meeting.

U.S.-Mexico High-Level Economic Dialogue

Secretary Blinken stands on a stage with five other officials in front of flags of the United States and Mexico.

"The United States and Mexico are deeply interconnected. Today's U.S.-Mexico Economic Dialogue (HLED) provides the opportunity to chart our shared future: increasing economic development and growth, creating jobs, and reducing poverty and inequality," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Watch Secretary Blinken's joint remarks at the U.S.-Mexico High-Level Economic Dialogue.

Our Workforce

Secretary Blinken Visits Purdue University

Participants watch as Secretary Blinken, who is wearing a dark colored suit, shakes hands with a male student.

"The U.S. must remain at the forefront of technological advances to maintain its competitive edge and to bolster our workforce. Purdue is an example of how academic institutions can play a leading role and invest in the next generation," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Secretary Blinken spent time interacting with students at Purdue's Industrial Roundtable and visited the Birck Nanotechnology Center. Here is a quote from Secretary Blinken on STEM Students and how they are integral to American prosperity and security.

Secretary Blinken Applauds New Paid Internship Program

Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Brian McKeon and Director General of the Foreign Service Marcia Bernicat stand with interns.

"Grateful to all of those who have supported our push to pay Department interns; it's the right thing to do and will help us continue to attract diverse, skilled candidates to @doscareers. It's one of many steps we are taking to walk the talk of positive change at the @statedept," Secretary Blinken on Twitter.

Diversity and Inclusion

Unveiling the Department's First-Ever Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Plan

The 2019 Pickering Fellows standing together in front of the State Department in Washington

"A talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace benefits everyone and makes us stronger. Today, I am sharing our first-ever Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Strategic Plan to continue building a more inclusive, accessible @StateDept," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Read Secretary Blinken's Statement on the First DEIA Plan and watch a clip from Spokesperson Ned Price about the DEIA Plan. Learn more about the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Strategy Plan.

United with Ukraine

Secretary Blinken Approves Additional Aid to Ukraine

"I have directed another $600 million drawdown to expedite our 21st shipment of arms and equipment from @DeptofDefense inventories to Ukraine, as its defenders push back Russian invasion forces. The United States stands #UnitedWithUkraine," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Read Secretary Blinken's statement on the $600 million military assistance for Ukraine.

Global Food Security

Russia's Destructive Impact on Food Storage in Ukraine

"Russia's aggression causes death and destruction in Ukraine and punishes those around the world who rely on Ukraine's food exports. A new #ConflictObservatory study shows the devastating impact on Ukraine's ability to store critical supplies," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Read the media note on Russia's destructive impact on food storage in Ukraine. Learn more about this issue in our digital story on food security.

Humanitarian Assistance

Response to Pakistan Flood

An aerial image of a town showing extensive flooding.

USAID Administrator Samantha Powers traveled to Pakistan to meet with Pakistani first responders and our @USAID team that's leading the U.S. government's response to the flooding. Read about the three ways USAID is responding to flooding in Pakistan.

Holidays and Commemorations

Hispanic Heritage Month

"During Hispanic Heritage Month we celebrate our Latino/a and Hispanic-American family, friends, and colleagues, especially those representing the United States to the world each day on our @StateDept team. Your contributions strengthen our country and our diplomatic relationships," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. #HispanicHeritageMonth

This Week

September 19-23: United Nations 77th General Assembly High-Level Week

Looking Ahead

October: National Disability Employment Awareness Month; National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

November: Native American Heritage Month

November 6-18: COP27 Conference

December 13-15: U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit

An image of a pen with the words "From the Secretary's Desk"

Useful links

News, information, and guidance about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Travel advisories and updates on international travel for U.S. Citizens from the Department of State
Did you know that you can invite a representative from the Department of State to speak at your school, business, agency or organization? Learn about what we do through the firsthand experience of one of our representatives.

Read More at State.gov

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