The Dinner Diplomacy Program is a new collaboration with founding support from Marriott International to advance peace and cultural understanding through travel. Through small grants, the program helps Global Ties Network member organizations expand opportunities for people in their communities to participate in dinner diplomacy events with global leaders traveling to the United States on international exchange programs.
Each year, the Global Ties Network welcomes more than 4,000 current and future world leaders to their communities on international exchange programs and engages thousands more volunteers across the United States in community service to support this work. The opportunity to break bread together is one of the most memorable parts of exchange programs for international visitors and the Global Ties Network alike, and provides an opportunity for all involved to exchange stories and experiences while sharing a meal. Often, these meals are served by community members who can host people in their homes, purchase groceries, and make the necessary preparations.
In summer 2024, Global Ties Network members in 20 U.S. cities implemented events that brought together members of their communities and global leaders traveling to the United States on exchange programs, setting the table for more local engagement in global affairs.
