WASHINGTON, DC — Global Ties U.S. is excited to announce the locations of the 2024 Diplomacy Begins Here Regional Summits.
Held annually in cities across the United States, Diplomacy Begins Here Summits bring together leaders from the business, government, and nonprofit sectors to raise awareness of the value of international exchange programs and their benefits to communities and people across the United States.
The 2024 hosts, dates, and themes are:
July 11-12 | Kalamazoo, MI
Hosted by Global Ties Kalamazoo
Theme: Global Challenges: Building Locally Driven Solutions in Kalamazoo
September 23-24 | New Orleans, LA
Hosted by Global New Orleans
Theme: Crescent City Connections: Creativity Through Exchange
“The Diplomacy Begins Here Regional Summits are a dynamic platform for our members to cultivate partnerships and community within their cities, and across the Global Ties Network,” said Katherine A. Brown, Ph.D., President & CEO of Global Ties U.S. “We’re thrilled to work this year with Global Ties Kalamazoo and Global New Orleans to elevate the vital role of Global Ties Network members as local hubs for global engagement.”
The Diplomacy Begins Here Regional Summits are funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by Global Ties U.S. in collaboration with local Community-Based Members. These gatherings provide a valuable opportunity to forge connections, build professional networks, and deepen understanding of U.S. foreign policy, the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), and the benefits of exchange programs to the people and communities that host them.
Since 2014, the Summits have connected thousands of international exchange practitioners and supporters in more than 20 U.S. cities, including Albuquerque, NM; Burlington, VT; Cleveland, OH; Huntsville, AL; Louisville, KY; and Miami, FL. This will be the first time in eight years that a regional Summit is coming to Michigan (not since 2015 with Global Ties Detroit), and the first time that Global Ties Kalamazoo and Global New Orleans will each host this signature event.
Each Summit also includes a Learning Lab, a full day of professional development for Global Ties Network members to share their knowledge and expertise with each other.
Registration and more information about the sessions and speakers at the Diplomacy Begins Here Regional Summits will be available two months prior to each event. Updates will be forthcoming on our website. For questions, contact Membership@GlobalTiesUS.org.
About Global Ties U.S.
Global Ties U.S. is the national leader for connecting people and communities in the United States with global leaders through international exchange programs. Since 1961, Global Ties U.S. has powered a community-based network of 80+ nonprofit organizations that serve all 50 U.S. States and implement the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and a wide variety of other international exchange and public diplomacy programs. The work of Global Ties U.S. advances U.S. strategic priorities abroad and boosts prosperity at home by harnessing the diplomatic potential of our country’s greatest asset: our people.