NEWS & EVENTS

Global Connections Start Here With Our New York State Capital Region Community

EVENTS CALENDAR

The heart of ICCR’s outreach efforts. Our calendar page allows users to see all the events on the ICCR schedule and have the option to filter and search those calendar entries. View upcoming engagement opportunities or read about archived events.

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NEWS releases

Capital Region Students Convene for 2nd Annual Model United Nations Conference at HVCC

By duda • January 22, 2026
More than 200 high school students from across New York’s Capital Region will come together on Saturday, December 6, 2025, for the 2nd Annual Capital Region NY Model United Nations Conference (CRNYMUNC), a full-day immersive experience in global diplomacy, leadership, and civic engagement. Hosted at Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC), CRNYMUNC is presented by the Shenendehowa Model UN Club in partnership with the International Center of the Capital Region (ICCR), with generous support from the Scotia Rotary Club. Throughout the day, students will take part in realistic Model United Nations simulations, skills-building workshops, and student-led committee debates that mirror the complexities of international diplomacy. Notably, all CRNYMUNC 2025 committee topics were developed by participating high school students, highlighting youth leadership and ownership at the core of the conference.

International Center of the Capital Region (ICCR) Presents Dumpling Making Workshop in partnership with the Chinese Community Center (CCC)

By duda • January 22, 2026
The workshop as part of the Taste of the World Cooking Demonstration & Tasting Cultural Wellness Series sponsored by the Common Roots Foundation highlights ICCR’s mission to foster global understanding and cultural exchange across New York’s Capital Region through immersive, community-based programs. The CCC contributes its long-standing commitment to sharing cultural traditions with the broader community to foster connection, understanding, and celebration. What: Dumpling Making Workshop: Taste of the World Cooking Demonstration & Tasting Who: International Center of the Capital Region (ICCR), in partnership with the Chinese Community Center Sponsored by: Common Roots Foundation When: Saturday, January 10 at 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Where: Chinese Community Center 11 Avis Drive Latham, NY 12110

518 Ambassador Podcast

The 518 Ambassador Podcast brings global stories to New York’s Capital Region, connecting our community with inspiring leaders, thinkers, and changemakers who are shaping international dialogue.


In our newest episodes, Executive Director Beth Wales sits down with Jim Ketterer, Senior Fellow at the Bard Center for Civic Engagement, and teaches diplomacy in the Bard MA in Global Studies program. Jim shares insights from his remarkable career across the Middle East and North Africa, reflecting on the lessons learned from expanding one’s comfort zone, embracing cultural exchange, and building bridges across borders.


Listen now:

  • Episode 1: Entering the Region – Jim discusses his early experiences in Egypt and the power of international education in creating mutual understanding.
  • Episode 2: Lessons from Leadership – Reflections on diplomacy, resilience, and why expanding your comfort zone matters in today’s interconnected world.

Through stories like Jim’s, ICCR continues its mission to spark curiosity, deepen cultural understanding, and foster meaningful global connections—right here in the 518.