Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has been announced as the keynote speaker at the inaugural "America Leads: An Ideas Summit" in Bentonville, hosted by Gov. Asa Hutchinson.
The summit, scheduled for Oct. 19, aims to bring together thought leaders and policy makers to discuss actionable ideas "with the goal to encourage problem-solving and practical solutions," organizers said in a news release.
Hutchinson worked with Rice under former President George W. Bush as head of the DEA and undersecretary of the Department of Homeland Security. He said Rice's views on national security issues are "essential."
Rice currently serves as director and Thomas Barbara Stephenson senior fellow on public policy at Stanford University's Hoover Institution. She is also founding partner of Rice Hadley Gates & Manuel LLC, an international strategic consulting firm, and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.
In addition to foreign policy discussions, the summit will hear from leading experts on the economy, education and many other challenges facing the country, Hutchinson said in the release.
Other speakers have yet to be announced.
The event is hosted by America Strong and Free Inc., the Republican governor's political action group. The group aims to promote fiscal conservatism and "rational policies" focused on strengthening the economy. It also aims to promote individual liberty while "avoiding the harsh rhetoric that divides our nation," according to its website.
Hutchinson has been considering a run for president in 2024. The summit is set for the final months of the term-limited governor's time in office.
