The Fresno State Political Science Department is hosting a lunch and panel discussion on South Yemen. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Smittcamp Alumni House (2345 E San Ramon Ave).

This gathering aims to explore local and international topics related to South Yemen’s history and current events. Academic experts and community leaders will highlight the experiences and issues important to the local South Yemeni community. The event is organized by the American Center for South Yemen Studies and the South Yemen community in California.

The public is encouraged to RSVP by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5. Check-in at the event will start at 9 a.m. on Feb. 6.

The first panel will discuss the history and culture of the South Yemeni community in the Central Valley. Speakers will include Raina Madhrem Shaibi, who will talk about the local Yemeni community’s arrival and growth, and Dr. Flagg Miller from UC Davis, who will share insights on South Yemen’s cultural aspects.

The second panel will focus on South Yemen’s current situation, including economic, political, and security issues. Experts such as Khaled al-Yamani (former Minister of Foreign Affairs), Dr. Michael Rubin (American Enterprise Institute), Ala Muhsin (South24 CNS), and Fernando Carvajal (American Center for South Yemen Studies) will provide their perspectives.

Khaled al-Yamani will also give a keynote address. He has served as Yemen’s foreign minister and represented Yemen at the United Nations, where he negotiated critical documents for global health and development.

This event is co-sponsored by Pi Sigma Alpha, the Political Science Honor Society at Fresno State. Lunch will be provided by Firestone Burger, a local Yemeni restaurant.

For more details, you can reach out to Dr. Lisa Bryant at lbryant@csufresno.edu.

Note: This event provides an open forum for learning and does not promote any specific political agenda.