The North County Chapter of the
San Diego World Affairs Council Presents
A Distinguished Speakers Series Program Featuring
Mr. Bogdan Matuszynski
Thursday, June 4th, 2026
10:00pam - 12:00pm
* Zoom link to be provided upon registration confirmation.*
About this Program
Regions across the Middle East and South Asia are often discussed in global affairs headlines daily, yet less frequently understood through lived perspective. For those interested in international affairs, there is real value in looking beyond headlines to better understand the people, cultures, and realities that shape these regions.
Drawing on recent travel and field exposure in Turkey, Syria, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, and Socotra,Bogdan's program offers reflections on how communities navigate uncertainty, how local dynamics influence outcomes, and how daily life continues amid broader geopolitical challenges.
The discussion will take a practical look at how different parts of society, governments, local leaders, community groups, and even media and social media, interact and influence one another in ways that aren’t always obvious at first glance. It will also explore how global education, cross-cultural exchange, and community-based efforts can help people better understand one another and contribute to long-term stability.
At its core, this presentation highlights a simple but meaningful idea: whether locally or globally, individuals can play a role in building understanding, strengthening communities, and creating more constructive dialogue through education, service, and engagement.
In an era shaped by rapid information flow and competing narratives, the ability to question assumptions, improve media literacy, and engage constructively across cultures is increasingly important. This conversation encourages participants to reflect on how greater awareness, combined with service and civic engagement, can help bridge divides and support more informed global perspectives.
This non-partisan program is designed to encourage thoughtful dialogue and will be followed by a moderated Q&A.
About the Speaker: Bogdan“Bogey”Matuszynski
Bogdan“Bogey”Matuszynski is a Rotary Peace Fellow, Fulbright Award recipient, and international educator whose work focuses on human security, conflict management, and global education. A first-generation Polish-Mexican American and San Diego native, he graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in International Security and Conflict Resolution, with minors in Islamic and Arabic Studies and Latin American Studies .
He has traveled to more than 50 countries for research, field engagement, and educational initiatives, including work in post-conflict and politically sensitive regions.
His recent travels include China, Turkey, Syria, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, and Socotra, where he has engaged with communities to better understand local perspectives and challenges.
As a Fulbright grantee in Spain, Bogdan developed bilingual education and community-based programs, and later completed advanced training in conflict management as a Rotary Peace Fellow at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. He has designed and led international education initiatives both in-person and online, organizing programs and workshops across the United States, Mexico, Spain, Egypt, Indonesia, and Afghanistan, helping students and professionals access educational and career opportunities.
His distinctions include the Ambassador Charles Hostler Fellowship, the “Quest for the Best” Vice Presidential Service Award, Congressional Certificates of Recognition, the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Rotary Paul Harris Fellow distinction for contributions to peacebuilding.
Bogdan also contributes to San Diego Weekly and recently co-founded the San Diego Standouts fellowship, which develops community members’ skills in responsible storytelling and media to promote positive engagement and elevate diverse voices across communities.
Most recently he was appointed to the Rotary District 5340 Peace Committee.Bogdan's work centers on building understanding, expanding opportunity, and helping individuals navigate complex global environments through education, service, and connection.
Through his work, Bogdan focuses on practical ways to build understanding, expand opportunity, and connect people across cultures through education, service, and dialogue.
