LUNCHEON LECTURE with JOHN RAKOLTA, JR.

“I don’t believe in the concept that you can convert by the sword, whether it’s economic or military. Converting by the sword just causes divisions that last for generations, if not eternity. You need to solve this by dialogue and understanding"

The Coudert Institute is pleased to welcome JOHN RAKOLTA, JR. as he presents: ART & THE DIPLOMACY OF SOFT POWER. When John Rakolta, Jr. assumed his post as the United States Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates in September 2019, he envisioned himself as a “change agent”. During his 15-month tenure with the outgoing Trump Administration, Ambassador Rakolta was heralded for his efforts to deeply connect with the heartbeat of the region- from Baghdad to Beirut. 

John Rakolta, Jr. served as US Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates from 2019 - 2021. He presently serves as the Chairman of Walbridge, a privately held construction company founded in Detroit in 1916. The company is one of the largest contractors in the United States, according to Engineering News-Record. In 2019, the company began supporting mobility customers with their transition to an all-electric future providing construction services focusing on redeveloping current, as well as building new, facilities throughout North America.

In addition, John has been honored for his public service commitment most notably his intitiatives combining "soft diplomacy" and art.  Other recognitons include:  

Zayed II Medal – United Arab Emirates, 2021

United States National Security Medal, 2020  Michiganian of the Year, 2019

Urban Land Institute Michigan Lifetime Achievement Award, 2017

New Detroit’s Leadership in Race Relations Award, 2015 

Woodrow Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship, 2005

A third-generation Romanian American, John has served as Romania’s Honorary Consul General to the United States in Detroit since 1996.