Unleash Imagination 2023 Event
Unleash Imagination
Shape the Future
Arthur C. Clarke Awards and the Clarke Conversation on Imagination
NOVEMBER 8, 2023
Embassy of France, Washington, DC
Reception, Dinner, and Awards Program
2023 Arthur C Clarke Awards and Clarke Conversation on Imagination
Join us for 1:1 cocktail conversation, and an elegant sit-down dinner with your 2023 Arthur C Clarke Awardees
5:00 reception | 6:00 dinner | 7:15 Awards Program
INNOVATOR AWARDEE
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
for valuing curiosity and supporting exploration that inspires humanity
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDEE
ROMAIN BAUSCH
IMAGINATION IN SERVICE TO SOCIETY AWARDEE
NNEDI OKORAFOR
MODERATOR
BILL SCANLAN
THE 2023 CLARKE CONVERSATION ON IMAGINATION THEME:
How do we navigate a positive future for Earth dwellers in an AI and advanced tech world?
The 2023 Clarke Awardees represent three of the very best in their respective, yet very different, fields. Each plays a key role in shaping the views and peaking the imaginations of those who might steer society into a better future. Romain Bausch has connected people worldwide, thereby offering them the opportunities afforded by access to communications. The National Geographic Society, shines lights on the vibrancy of the world we inhabit, its beauty and its threats. Nnedi Okorafor embraces generations and cultures, provoking us to imagine, to include in our imaginings for healthy futures empathy and appreciation of our differences. Each can be described as an extraordinary achiever in their field, allowing their imagination to link to their talents and expertise.
How will our awardees use these qualities to navigate what promises to pose some very real challenges and opportunities for us humans and our guardianship of our planet and our universe?
What will be their engagement with today’s youth, the digital denizens on whose shoulders will fall the consequences of what we do, or don’t do?
What are their messages for all of us?
Moderator Bill Scanlan will engage the awardees in a spirited conversation on these and other issues. We will be welcoming questions from the audience, including some digital denizens themselves. We invite you all to be prepared to raise your issues.
THE SIR ARTHUR CLARKE INNOVATOR AWARDEE
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
for valuing curiosity and supporting exploration that inspires humanity
The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content. Learn more about National Geographic Society.
Accepting on behalf of the National Geographic Society
president and COO, Michael Ulica
As president and chief operating officer at the National Geographic Society (NGS), Michael Ulica implements the institution’s global strategy, which invests in groundbreaking scientists, explorers, educators, and storytellers to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Mr. Ulica also oversees the Society’s day-to-day operations. Learn more about Michael Ulica
Under Secretary for Science and Research Smithsonian
THE SIR ARTHUR CLARKE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDEE
ROMAIN BAUSCH
for leadership and commitment to extending the benefits of satellite communications around the world
Romain Bausch is the renowned space executive who oversaw the rise of SES to the world’s largest satellite operator. Based in Luxembourg, SES successfully established a leading position in the European satellite services market in the 1990s, subsequently extending its footprint across the world by consolidating a number of industry-leading companies such as GE Americom, New Skies Satellites, Nordic Satellite AB, and others. He also steered the investment in, and acquisition of, O3B Networks and its unique capabilities to deliver true ‘Telco’ services to the most remote and disconnected populations.
Romain was Chairman of Luxembourg’s National Council of Public Finance (2019 to 2022) and will continue in this role 2023- 2026. He is also a Member of both the Board of Directors of the Luxembourg Future Fund and the Board of Directors of Bank Raiffeisen. Learn more about Romain Bausch
Introduction and special remarks by Her Excellency Nicole Bintner-Bakshian
Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to the United States
THE SIR ARTHUR CLARKE IMAGINATION IN SERVICE TO SOCIETY AWARDEE
NNEDI OKORAFOR
for unforgettable speculative fiction and Africanfuturism for youth and adults
Nnedi Okorafor is an international award-winning New York Times Bestselling novelist of science fiction and fantasy for children, young adults and adults. Born in the United States to Nigerian immigrant parents, Nnedi is known for drawing from African cultures to create captivating stories with unforgettable characters and evocative settings.
Nnedi has received the World Fantasy, Nebula, Eisner and Lodestar Awards and multiple Hugo Awards, amongst others, for her books. Champions of her work include Neil Gaiman, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, George RR Martin, and Rick Riordan. Literary ancestors Diana Wynne Jones, Ursula K. Le Guin and Nawal El Saadawi also loved her work. Nnedi holds a PhD in Literature, two Master’s Degrees (Journalism and Literature) and lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her daughter Anyaugo. Learn more about Nnedi Okorafor
Professor, UCSD Department of Neurosciences and Director of the Arthur C. Clarke Center for Human Imagination
Silent Auction
Place your bid, virtually or in person, and you could be one of 7 lucky winners to walkaway with this handsome set of personally autographed publications.
Be the highest bidder and win Nnedi Okorafor’s memoir Broken Places & Outer Spaces!
Here’s how to bid
For advance and remote bidding: Please email clarkefoundation@pm.me before 12 noon November 8 with subject line: Silent Auction. Include your highest bid, first and last name and phone number.
Bidding at the event
Bidding cards will be on each dining table. Complete the card and submit! Be one of the top 7 bidders and you will be notified of your winnings just after dinner by email and text. Make your donation at the event and you will take home this impressive autographed set!
BONUS
With so many bidders participating, we also have a second set of books for our next top 5 bidders, offering more ways to win.
You can make your donation by check, payable to Arthur C. Clarke Foundation, PayPal or credit card at the Silent Auction booth. All funds paid above the $225 retail value may be tax deductible as ACCF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
The competition can be fierce so please bid generously and GOOD LUCK!
Sponsors
