2023 marks the 52nd season of Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning’s (SILL) “Global Issues” series. This hard-hitting series, which runs January 10-March 31, features 25 internationally renowned experts discussing a vast range of domestic and global issues. This month’s lectures feature front-page issues examined by leading speakers. Highlights include Martin Walker, acclaimed journalist, former director of the Global Business Policy Council, and author of the “Bruno, Chief of Police” mystery series, exploring the state of affairs in the EU, which faces the double challenge of a combined energy and economic crisis and a new Cold War. Yasmin Sayed, the Community Engagement Manager for the Refugee Resettlement Program at Lutheran Services in Florida, will present an overview of refugee resettlement efforts in SW Florida. Of particular interest are the human stories of the challenges and successes for families from over 10 countries. One of the refugees may accompany Sayed to share the story of their journey to the U.S. Dr. Aron Troen, the director of the Nutrition and Brain Health Laboratory at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, will discuss the latest advances in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease; and Amb. Dennis Ross, William Davidson Distinguished Fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, will discuss the changing Middle East.