On April 8 and 9, 2024 Ambassador Georg Sparber visited Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was hosted by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) and Pitt Global, the university’s department of global affairs.
The visit began with a fireside chat with Carissa Slotterback, Dean of GSPIA, and moderated by Randall Halle, Director of the European Studies Center. Ambassador Sparber discussed Liechtenstein’s economy, foreign policy priorities, as well as the many aspects of Liechtenstein’s relations with the United States.
Ambassador Sparber later met with Ariel Armony, Vice Chancellor for Global Affairs, as well as numerous other university faculty members, where they explored areas for academic exchanges and collaboration.
In an effort to boost engagement with the city of Pittsburgh, Ambassador Sparber met with Betty Cruz, President and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, where they discussed further ways to broaden exchanges and know-how on international matters. Of the thousands of jobs Liechtenstein companies provide in the US, many are in Pennsylvania. Ambassador Sparber met with Sean Luther, President and CEO of InnovatePGH, which has a core mission of boosting international economic development in Pittsburgh and the greater regions.
The visit also included an exclusive tour of the Andy Warhol Museum, where Ambassador Sparber was able to see many of Warhol’s greatest works and learn about his Pittsburgh origins.