Bernstein Forum

The World Affairs Council of Maine’s annual Sumner Bernstein Forum for International Understanding hosts prominent international figures to reflect on their societies and their perceptions of the United States. The Forum honors the memory of Sumner Bernstein (1924-2002), a distinguished attorney and Director of the Council with a life-long interest in international affairs.  Each forum addresses the important lesson drawn from the terrorist attacks on America of September 11, 2001, that our society must better understand foreign cultures and their perception of us.  The Bernstein Forum enables international figures to reflect on their societies and their perceptions of the United States. Past Bernstein Forums have been conducted by representatives of Afghanistan, Brazil, Israel and Korea.

Sumner Bernstein had a life-long interest in international affairs, particularly the Middle East vision of a secure state of Israel living at peace with Arab neighbors progressing toward a more democratic and developed future.  He was at home intellectually with the many dimensions of international affairs, including culture, history, and politics.  He was a strong supporter of Seeds of Peace.

It is said of Sumner Bernstein that no matter how esteemed his position and reputation, he never lost his concern and interest for the "common man."  He was supportive of those less fortunate, working to provide legal services for them and contributing his own time and expertise to their needs.  Young people also represented an important interest for him, reflected in his weekly reading sessions with elementary school students from immigrant and refugee families.

The Bernstein Forum is free and open to the public, seeks the involvement of young people, and its record is available to the public including Maine schools.  Proceeds support future forums and other Council programs devoted to the same purpose.