Earlier this week, David A. Murdoch, chairman of the board of the
World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh and Honorary Consul for the Federal Republic of Germany in Pittsburgh was awarded Germany's highest civilian honor,
the Bundesverdienstkreuz (Cross of the Order of Merit) for his work in strengthening German-American relations.
The award was presented at a World Affairs Council luncheon at the Duquesne Club by Dr. Horst Freitag, the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany. Murdoch described himself as "surprised, humbled and honored" by the award.
In his acceptance speech, he spoke about the importance of global cooperation. Through his international law practice, Murdoch said, "I have seen first-hand how the next two generations will have to cope together, internationally, with the post 9/11 issues we have faced in America since that awful attack and the post 11/9 issues that have confronted Europeans since the collapse of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989."
He also spoke about how private citizens can "make a difference in international and intercultural matters without becoming professional diplomats or government employees."
"Engagement and service in community activities and organizations, which have been so essential in my life, will become even more important in this century," he said. Fortunately, Pittsburgh is a place where that kind of engagement and service, especially with an international focus, is increasingly happening.
"We have a synergy here that is the envy of our sister-cities in the Mid-West," Murdoch said via email in an interview about the award. "Foreign governments recognize that we have changed and re-invented ourselves. They can encourage their citizens and business people to look to us as a key area for investment."
"It is important that our business, educational, and nonprofit leaders stay on the radar screen of foreign governments who want to assist their own citizens in how to compete in the world. We may have opportunities that could be a 'win-win' for all parties, both domestic and foreign. This is why we can succeed and prevail in the global marketplace while others struggle."
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Writer: Melissa Rayworth
Source: Annie Prucey/David Murdoch, World Affairs Council
Image by Tracy Certo