Sedona Great Decisions Group Examines Future of United Nations, World Bank, and IMF

The nonpartisan discussion group will explore how the current administration's 'America First' policies are impacting these global institutions.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:36am

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A cinematic painting of a dimly lit, solitary United Nations or World Bank office building, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows across the facade, evoking a sense of quiet contemplation about the changing role of these global institutions.As global institutions like the UN and World Bank face an uncertain future, a sense of quiet contemplation settles over their iconic headquarters.Sedona Today

The Sedona Great Decisions Group, a local chapter of the national Foreign Policy Association, will host a public meeting on April 20th to discuss the changing roles of the United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the current U.S. administration. Moderators Antigoni Axenidou and Carla Williams, with decades of experience in international organizations and the energy industry, will lead the nonpartisan, educational dialogue on the future of these global institutions.

Why it matters

The meeting aims to help citizens better understand the purpose and evolution of the UN, World Bank, and IMF, as the current administration seeks to expand U.S. leadership and bring these institutions more in line with 'America First' policies. The discussion will explore the ramifications of these changes on the global order.

The details

The Sedona Great Decisions Group has been meeting monthly since 1985 to consider a wide range of foreign affairs issues. The April 20th meeting, open to the public, will take place from 10 am to noon at the Community Library Sedona. The group's goal is to foster nonpartisan, educational dialogue that allows for the honest and constructive sharing of diverse opinions.

  • The Sedona Great Decisions Group meeting will take place on April 20, 2026 from 10 am to noon.

The players

Antigoni Axenidou

Antigoni has 30 years of experience working in the legal office of the United Nations.

Carla Williams

Carla has 30 years of experience in oil and gas engineering and finance.

Charles Blum

Charles Blum is the Group Leader of the Sedona Great Decisions Group.

Noel Lateef

Noel Lateef is the President of the Foreign Policy Association, the national organization that the Sedona Great Decisions Group is a local chapter of.

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What they’re saying

“The aim, in the words of FPA President Noel Lateef, is to help citizens 'learn to discern truth from propaganda, participate meaningfully in public debate, and hold leaders accountable through informed engagement.'”

— Noel Lateef, President, Foreign Policy Association

What’s next

The Sedona Great Decisions Group meeting on April 20th is open to the public, but seating is limited. Those interested in attending should contact Group Leader Charles Blum to reserve a spot.

The takeaway

This meeting provides an opportunity for the Sedona community to engage in a nonpartisan, educational discussion about the evolving roles of major global institutions like the United Nations, World Bank, and IMF, and how the current administration's policies are impacting their future direction. By fostering informed dialogue, the Sedona Great Decisions Group aims to empower citizens to think critically about international affairs.