The Carolina Forum for Education and Diplomacy - CFED

The Carolina Forum for Education and Diplomacy (CFED) is the official student affiliate of the Transatlantic Forum for Education and Diplomacy (TFED), an educational nonprofit dedicated to advancing global understanding through education, dialogue, and public engagement. Together, TFED and CFED connect the liberal arts, the humanities, and professional education to the worlds of diplomacy, international affairs, public policy, business, and global leadership by creating opportunities for UNC students to engage directly with internationally recognized scholars and practitioners through lectures, discussions, simulations, networking events, mentoring, and professional development.

Founded on the belief that meaningful education extends beyond the classroom, TFED and CFED create opportunities for students to learn through direct conversation with leaders whose experience has shaped diplomacy, international affairs, public policy, business, law, and the humanities. These conversations encourage students to explore complex global issues while developing professional relationships that often continue well beyond graduation. By combining the strengths of a leading public university with TFED's international network, CFED offers opportunities that extend well beyond the traditional classroom experience.

Led by UNC students and supported by TFED's international network of scholars, diplomats, and practitioners, CFED empowers students to take an active role in shaping programs, welcoming distinguished guests, and fostering meaningful dialogue across disciplines, professions, and cultures.

Distinguished Speakers, Advisors, Collaborators, and Mentors

Among those who have participated in TFED and CFED programs are:

• Professor Harold Hongju Koh — Sterling Professor of International Law at Yale Law School, former Dean of Yale Law School, former Legal Adviser to the U.S. Department of State, and member of the TFED Advisory Board.

• Ambassador Barbara Stephenson — Vice Provost for Global Affairs and Chief Global Officer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and former U.S. Ambassador to Panama.

• Ambassador Robert Pearson — Former U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and member of the TFED Board of Directors.

• Ambassador William B. Taylor — Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine.

• Baroness Catherine Meyer — Member of the UK House of Lords, founder of PACT, and member of the TFED Board of Directors.

• Sir Christopher Meyer — Former British Ambassador to the United States and member of the TFED Executive Board.

• Ambassador Anthony Quainton — Former U.S. Ambassador to the Central African Republic, Nicaragua, Kuwait, and Peru, and member of the TFED Executive Board.

• British Consul General Paul Rennie OBE — British Consul General in Los Angeles.

• Along with many other distinguished leaders from government, academia, diplomacy, business, and the nonprofit sector.

Opportunities for Students

Students participating in CFED have opportunities to:

• Participate in diplomacy and international negotiation simulations.

• Compete in policy brief competitions.

• Attend lectures and discussions with distinguished guest speakers.

• Meet visiting diplomats, scholars, and policy leaders in smaller networking receptions.

• Build mentoring relationships and explore careers in diplomacy, law, public policy, national security, business, and international affairs.

• Participate in educational travel opportunities—including Washington, D.C., and other destinations—as funding permits.

• Engage in collaborative programs with UNC Global Affairs, Honors Carolina, the Department of Peace, War, and Defense (PWAD), and other campus partners.

Students are encouraged not only to attend events but also to help shape future programming, assist with hosting visiting speakers, contribute ideas for new initiatives, and play an active role in the continued growth of the organization.

Why Join CFED?

Whether your interests lie in diplomacy, international relations, public policy, law, history, national security, business, or the humanities, CFED offers an exceptional opportunity to connect your academic interests with global affairs while building meaningful relationships with leaders in the field.

CFED welcomes students from every major at Carolina. Whether you are exploring international issues for the first time or preparing for a career in public service, law, business, journalism, academia, or diplomacy, CFED provides an outstanding environment for intellectual engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, professional development, and mentorship.

Many CFED events are intentionally designed to encourage conversation rather than simply attendance. Students regularly have opportunities to ask questions, meet guest speakers in smaller settings, and continue discussions beyond the formal program—experiences that often lead to lasting mentoring relationships, internships, research opportunities, professional connections, and career guidance.

Join CFED

To join CFED, simply visit our page on UNC Heel Life, sign in using your ONYEN credentials, and click "Join Organization." Membership is open to all UNC students.

Questions? Feel free to leave a voicemail or send a text message to (919) 296-4285.

JOIN NOW

CFED believes that some of the most meaningful learning takes place when students move beyond the classroom and into conversation with those whose ideas, experience, and leadership continue to shape our world.

Where the Liberal Arts Meet Global Leadership