Global Ties U.S. is pleased to announce the recipients of our 2025 Citizen Diplomat Award: Daniel Van Sant, Director of Disability Policy at The Harkin Institute, and the Smithsonian Institution.
Daniel Van Sant is a disability rights attorney with extensive experience in inclusive education and development. At The Harkin Institute, Daniel leads the Institute’s disability policy work, which includes organizing the Harkin International Disability Employment Summit, an annual event that brings together stakeholders and champions from around the world to increase the employment of people with disabilities.
Nominated by the Iowa International Center, a Global Ties U.S. Community-Based Member organization, Daniel meets regularly with individuals traveling to Des Moines on international exchange programs, including many cohorts of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). He has also encouraged IVLP alumni and their institutions to participate in The Harkin Disability Summit, enriching discussion and promoting action around accessibility.
“Daniel Van Sant has been an invaluable resource for the IVLP, particularly in disability rights programming. His ability to connect with participants across focus areas and relate their interests to his expertise creates impactful exchanges,” said Hannah Huisman, International Programs Manager at the Iowa International Center on nominating Daniel for this award. “His leadership in initiatives like the Harkin International Disability Summit, which gathers advocates and leaders from over 40 countries, exemplifies his dedication to global collaboration and inclusion.“
We are honored to present this award to Daniel for his commitment to advancing cross-cultural understanding and engagement.
A nonpartisan federal educational institution, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge. Composed of 21 museums and the National Zoo, the Institution preserves and shares the cultural and scientific heritage of humanity. Its mission fosters curiosity, inspires learning, and promotes understanding of our shared world and its diverse cultures. Located in Washington, DC, the Institution welcomes millions of U.S. and international visitors each year to explore its extensive collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.
The 2025 Citizen Diplomat Award celebrates the Smithsonian Institution’s significant contributions to citizen diplomacy through its long-standing commitment to advancing international exchanges, which includes welcoming many of the 4,000+ International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) participants whose visits to the United States are facilitated by the Global Ties Network each year. By opening its doors to IVLP exchange participants, the Smithsonian Institution connects with emerging leaders from around the world, creating opportunities to share ideas and perspectives. Participants leave the Smithsonian with a deeper appreciation for its mission and an enriched understanding of how cultural and scientific institutions contribute to international dialogue and mutual understanding
The 2025 Citizen Diplomat Award will be presented on Thursday, February 20, during the Global Ties U.S. National Meeting Stronger Communities Plenary session, which celebrates how local engagement in global affairs strengthens U.S. communities, workforces, and partnerships.
Registration for the Global Ties U.S. 2025 National Meeting: Stronger Alliances, Stronger Communities, is open to the public and available until February 7. The National Meeting is the premier annual gathering of international exchange leaders and public diplomacy supporters and brings together more than 600 representatives from government agencies, the private sector, nonprofit organizations, and academia. Learn more and RSVP now.
ABOUT THE AWARD
The annual Global Ties U.S. Citizen Diplomat Award honors individuals and institutions for outstanding achievements that advance the cause of international understanding and global engagement. Nominees are motivated by a deep understanding of world issues and committed to the exchange of people and ideas. Awardees are selected from a broad range of fields, including the arts, culture, government service, science, media, business, and education.