A pivotal conversation is set to unfold in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 29-30, 2026, as The Carter Center hosts the 2026 Jimmy Carter Forum on U.S.-China Relations. This gathering isn’t just another conference; it’s a crucial attempt to navigate one of the most complex and consequential relationships on the global stage.
For over a decade, the Jimmy Carter Forum has served as a unique bridge between the United States and China, a space where former diplomats, leading academics, and seasoned experts can openly exchange ideas. It’s a platform built on the belief that sustained communication is paramount, even – and especially – amidst rising geopolitical tensions and trade disputes.
This year’s forum breaks new ground, shifting its focus to a largely unexplored dimension of this vital relationship: the role of women. The theme promises to illuminate how gender dynamics have shaped, and continue to shape, the interactions between these two superpowers.
The forum will begin with a compelling address from Sarah Beran, a former senior U.S. diplomat with extensive experience in China. She will share personal reflections on her career, examining how gender influenced her path and offering broader insights into the experiences of women navigating the diplomatic landscapes of both Washington and Beijing.
The following day will feature a dynamic roundtable discussion tracing the history of women’s involvement in U.S.-China relations, spanning from the initial steps toward normalization in the 1970s to the present day. Participants will represent multiple generations of expertise, offering a rich tapestry of perspectives.
The afternoon session will delve into the intersection of gender, public opinion, and foreign policy. Panelists will explore how societal perceptions of gender influence attitudes toward international relations, and will candidly address the shared challenges of gender discrimination within both American and Chinese societies.
