McCain Institute | Leadership Matters. Character Matters.

At the McCain Institute, we are fighting for democracy, human dignity, and security for a world that is free, safe, and just for all people.
As the McCain Institute’s premier annual event, the Sedona Forum provides an unmatched opportunity for U.S. and world leaders to have informal, face-to-face discussions about solutions to the problems facing the world. It is held to bring about positive change globally.
Human rights work is dangerous—and often isolating. Across the globe, courageous activists risk their lives to speak truth to power, defend the vulnerable, and uphold democratic values. The Human Rights Defenders Program provides critical financial support, protection, and training to those facing harassment, detention, and violence for standing up to injustice. It serves as a vital lifeline for those on the frontlines of human rights struggles—reminding them they are not alone. It supports those who refuse to be silenced.
There was no other U.S. statesman who advocated for Ukraine more than Senator John McCain. In 2014, as Russia began its takeover of Crimea Senator McCain said, “We are all Ukrainians,” as he urged America and the world to oppose Vladimir Putin’s theft of land from a sovereign Ukraine. Senator McCain believed a free and democratic Ukraine would be a bulwark against Putin’s authoritarian regime in Russia and something that emerging states around the world could aspire to. As a senator, he rallied with protesting Ukrainians in Kyiv and constantly pressed his colleagues in Washington to support the Ukrainian people economically and militarily to help defend against Russian aggression. With Ukraine currently under attack – again by Vladimir Putin and Russia – we are driven by Senator McCain’s want of freedom and democracy for Ukraine to support them in defense of their homeland. The Ukrainians are standing up for a cause greater than themselves – the cause of freedom, epitomizing what it means to defend democracy.
“We are custodians of those ideals at home, and their champion abroad.”
“We are a country with a conscience.”
“It is your character, and your character alone, that will make your life happy or unhappy.”
©2026 Arizona Board of Regents
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