Editor’s Note: The Global Ties U.S. Dinner Diplomacy Program is a new collaboration with Marriott International, launched in 2024, to advance peace and cultural understanding through travel. Through small grants, the program set out to support the nationwide Global Ties Network in expanding opportunities for people in their communities to participate in dinner diplomacy events with global leaders traveling to the United States on exchange programs in the summer of 2024. Initiatives like this scale U.S. citizen engagement in global affairs, strengthening local communities, supporting the U.S. economy, and boosting workforce development and business partnerships. From coast-to-coast, this year’s Dinner Diplomacy Program helped Global Ties Network members in 20 U.S. cities set the table for more people in their communities to engage in global affairs. Below are their stories.
Cleveland Council on World Affairs
This summer the Cleveland Council on World Affairs (CCWA), in partnership with Ohio University’s Program of Intensive English, welcomed 39 Brazilian educators for a homestay experience with nearly two dozen families around northeast Ohio. The program kicked off with a picnic and welcome reception at Lakewood Park alongside Lake Erie, introducing the Brazilian visitors to what life is like in a Midwest city, while allowing for the opportunity to share their own culture with their host families. Said CCWA volunteer Ben Sperry: “[W]hat made their visit particularly meaningful was the human connection we made across differences in nationality, language, culture, and other factors.” Travel and homestay programs, such as Fulbright Welcome Weekend, help foster cross-cultural understanding and create connections between international visitors and their U.S. hosts.
Global Santa Fe
Former City Councilor Peter Ives and Patricia Salazar Ives hosted a hospitality dinner for 11 visitors from the Near East and North Africa, along with three interpreters, and a former U.S. Foreign Service Officer who had served in Africa. To accommodate their guests, the Ives ordered halal cuisine from a popular African restaurant, and the visitors dined under vibrant patio umbrellas as the sun set. Patricia was particularly struck by an Algerian woman wearing a stunning black jacket intricately embroidered in gold. Later in the evening, the woman removed the jacket and exclaimed, “It is yours!” Wanting to reciprocate, Patricia pulled a colorfully embroidered Spanish shawl from her wardrobe, which she draped around her guest. “This hospitality dinner was a unifying moment that reminds us of how much we share, despite cultural differences and the distance between us,” said Patricia. “It’s moments like this that make the world feel smaller. If we could only set aside politics and embrace these kinds of connections, what a different world we’d live in! We have so much in common—it’s truly beautiful.”
Global Ties Arizona
Global Ties Arizona hosted a reception on September 13 at the residence of Associate Vice Chair David Sprentall and Karen Beckvar, to welcome 16 law enforcement professionals as part of the U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) “Policing in Multicultural and Multifaceted Communities.” The delegation, representing 16 countries, gathered with local law enforcement officials and community leaders to discuss diverse policing systems and key law enforcement challenges. The event provided an opportunity for participants to gain insights into the complexities of U.S. law enforcement, including the roles of police officers, sheriffs, state troopers, and border control. A notable exchange occurred between an Arizona law enforcement officer and a visitor from South Africa, where both discussed the delicate balance between crime prevention and protecting civil liberties, illustrating the power of dinner diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.
Global Ties Detroit
Global Ties Detroit partnered with the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and FHI 360 to host four environmental leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The group visited Detroit at the perfect time, the Fourth of July, and had the chance to experience a holiday barbecue with Teresa Holderer, a Global Ties Detroit Board Member, and her family. “The opportunity to meet and share with these exceptional visitors is a true blessing,” said Teresa. “We always feel like we gain more than we give. Sharing with one another in a relaxed setting creates warm feelings that hopefully last a lifetime.” Travel fosters understanding and empathy among cultures, breaking down barriers that often lead to conflict. This event exemplified how initiatives like international exchange programs and dinner diplomacy forge personal connections, promoting peaceful dialogue and collaboration.
Global Ties KC
Global Ties KC in partnership with local organization KC Oasis had the opportunity to host nine International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) participants focused on youth in politics for a community potluck. On the menu was Kansas City’s famous barbecue along with sides and desserts provided by community members, with each dish representing the cultural backgrounds of the attendees. One community member brought a Russian salad and another a Sri Lankan curry, and they shared the personal importance of the dishes. Several of the international visitors commented that the potluck was a personal highlight and of critical importance for their entire trip because it gave them the ability to get to know the “true America.” Lizeth, an IVLP participant from Costa Rica, said: “The potluck was a very beautiful and enriching moment of sharing in the community. I had the pleasure of conversing with various neighbors – young people, adults, and retirees that work as a team to create spaces of interest and community development under an integrated approach.” Through travel and global connection, especially over casual meals and coffee, we find common ground in our shared vision for a more peaceful world.
Global Ties Miami
Global Ties Miami hosted three dinner diplomacy community receptions at the Mutiny Hotel in this summer. In June, Global Ties Miami brought together passionate supporters and International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) leaders from the Mekong region for a conversation on biodiversity preservation in Southeast Asia. A memorable moment arose when a Mekong leader spoke about the interconnectedness of water systems and human well-being. It was a reminder of the power of collaboration in addressing climate issues. In August, we hosted seven dynamic women leaders from Peru as part of our “Women United for Equity” IVLP. The women shared their inspiring stories of overcoming barriers in politics and business, including one leader who had successfully advocated for women participating in the mining industry in Peru. The energy in the room was palpable as they engaged with local Miami leaders, reinforcing the vital role of international exchange in advancing equity and democracy. Also in August, we welcomed participants from a human rights program from Mexico. Guests engaged in heartfelt conversations about the challenges faced in advocating for human rights and shared their experiences with local leaders over a sponsored meal. These events allowed our IVLP visitors and local community to come together around food to celebrate differences and find our many commonalities in a relaxed atmosphere. All three events were highly successful at breaking down stereotypes and connecting on deeper meaningful levels.
Global Ties San Francisco
On September 24, Global Ties San Francisco hosted a dinner diplomacy event for 35 community members and 20 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) visitors. This unforgettable gathering was designed to introduce local communities to global engagement opportunities and build connections through meaningful conversations over delicious food. Everybody was happy to be there, meet new people, and learn about how they can get involved in citizen diplomacy right here in our community. Most of the locals had not heard of Global Ties San Francisco before the event, but left inspired and eager to engage globally, three of whom already submitted applications to become home hospitality hosts. This event reinforces why travel and international exchange are important for peace—it brings people together to learn, share, and grow, fostering mutual understanding across cultures. As one attendee shared, the event showed how we can “do a lot of good with only a little investment.” We are committed to expanding access to global engagement opportunities, ensuring more people in our community experience their profound impacts.
International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles
International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles (ICDLA) arranged an informal Sunday afternoon for members of the local community to connect with International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) participants. Three community members, three ICDLA staff members, and four IVLP participants from Uzbekistan, here on a program on Climate-Smart Sesame Cultivation, met in Santa Monica to share lunch. One of our community guests, who was originally from Uzbekistan, shared how special it was to sit down with the participants from her native country: “I immediately felt like I was back home. Being far from my homeland for so long can be difficult, but this was such a wonderful opportunity – not just to meet people from my country, but to share my culture with ICDLA members and friends. It was a rich discussion about how food can connect people in the most unexpected ways.”
The conversation flowed from cultural quirks to observations about life in the United States, with our visitors marveling at LA’s incredible diversity. “It’s amazing to meet people here from all over the world,” they said, clearly impressed by the mix of cultures that is everyday life in the region. As everyone bonded over traditions, family life, and the universal language of food, it was clear the exchange sparked connections far beyond the meal itself. This event demonstrated the power of sharing meals and stories. By breaking down barriers between people from different countries, an atmosphere for building understanding and friendship was created. When we connect across cultures, we realize how much we all share, making travel not just a journey but an important pathway to peace.
International Focus
The Iraqi Youth Exchange Program ended with a farewell dinner with host families, local volunteers, and friends of the program. Every student made a presentation about what impacted them most during the program. It was a great event with an atmosphere of enthusiasm, friendship, and gratefulness to host families and program organizers. Robin Oke, one of the host families wrote “You know how much we love being involved in this program. It fills our hearts with joy.” Meeting new people, sharing a meal and having conversations are essential to building bridges of empathy and understanding around the world.
San Diego Diplomacy Council
On August 16, the San Diego Diplomacy Council hosted a social hour at Key and Cleaver, a vibrant local restaurant. The evening welcomed approximately 60 attendees, celebrating entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan participating in the Uzbekistan Business Leaders Professional Fellows Program. In collaboration with community partner City Heights CDC, the gathering provided a unique platform for networking, fostering connections between San Diego’s local community and our visiting international leaders. Approximately half of the guests were first-time attendees at San Diego Diplomacy Council, and 80% of attendees were new to dinner hospitality. We were thrilled to open this event to so many new people and share the impact of citizen diplomacy through dinner hospitality with such intentionality. The night exemplified how diplomacy can bring together diverse communities and enhance mutual understanding.
Tulsa Global Alliance
Tulsa Global Alliance (TGA) organized three dinner diplomacy events to bring together International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) participants and community members. In July, TGA welcomed four meteorologists from India on the IVLP. The visitors and several Tulsa locals enjoyed dinner at the home of Alejandro and Carla Munozcano, followed by tea at the home of TGA Board Member Dayal Meshri, Ph.D. Said KOKI Fox 23 Meteorologist Mike Grogan about the experience: “Sharing your passion and knowledge with newfound friends around the world is such a thrill. While our day-to-day lives may look different, our shared pursuits can align to help our communities grow into better, more well-rounded experts in our field.”
At the end of August, TGA welcomed six IVLP human rights leaders from Kyrgyzstan. The visitors had dinner at the home of TGA volunteers Edith and Glenn Wilson, where they met locals like Nasiba Chaboya, a Tulsan by way of Kyrgyzstan, who enjoyed reconnecting with her native country and sharing her perspectives on Tulsa with the visitors. In reflecting on the value of these exchanges, Edith said: “Each time that we host international delegates for dinner, we find ourselves astonished by the cultural connections we discover with our guests from far away. Shared travel experiences, common love of books or art, and comparison of our respective cuisines brings us together in a way that is unique to dinner at home with friends.”
In September, European law enforcement officials came to Tulsa for an IVLP on combating international crime. The group enjoyed home hospitality dinners with local families, including Steve and Samantha Heinen, who hosted five members of the group, along with several Tulsa attorneys. Said Samantha about the experience: “We enjoy participating in and hosting these intercultural dinners because it gives us a chance to connect with people from other countries and learn about their lives and cultures. We also want to represent Tulsa in a positive way while showing hospitality.”
World Affairs Council Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky
Dinner diplomacy is a big part of what makes the Council’s international exchanges so meaningful for both our international delegates and our community members. These dinners are hosted by locals who are interested in international affairs, traveling, meeting new people, or who just want to make new friends. Visitors have a chance to experience U.S. culture by spending a night around the dinner table (or at a restaurant) with local Cincinnatians and Kentuckians!
On Monday, August 12, the World Affairs Council welcomed seasoned home hosts, potential home hosts, and 18 youth ambassadors from Cyprus participating in the Digital Literacy program for a dinner diplomacy event. During the event, volunteer Dominique Ellison spoke about how wonderful it was to meet with people from all over the world and have open and honest conversations, as we can’t learn from one another if we don’t ask questions.
Fellow volunteers Linette and Daniel Kuy shared how’ve they’ve built friendships over the many years with delegates from all over the world. The Kuys shared how they had gone to Peru on vacation and met up with one of the visitors they had hosted. Their visitor showed them around their city and hosted the Kuys for dinner in their home. This is the epitome of what dinner diplomacy is all about! These dinners are not one-time experiences, they build long-lasting relationships between hosts and visitors.
The youth ambassadors who attended the dinner were also very impressed with everything the dinner hosts had to say. Although they had only been in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky for a very short time, they expressed how beautiful the region is and how nice everyone was to them. This truly was an incredible experience for everyone to come together for dinner and share their stories.
World Affairs Council Maine
On July 29, the World Affairs Council of Maine hosted a welcome reception for an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) delegation from Canada’s Arctic territories at the Aloft Hotel. Maine shares strong economic, social, and cultural ties with Canada, with over 4,000 cars crossing the Maine-Canada border daily and around five billion dollars in trade each year. Like Canada’s northern provinces, Maine has positioned itself as a gateway to the Arctic. Yet, the lack of direct travel routes has limited opportunities for Mainers to engage with their Canadian partners. This gathering, made possible by Global Ties U.S. and Marriott International’s Dinner Diplomacy grant, was a rare opportunity to bridge that gap.
Held along Portland’s working waterfront, the reception was an impromptu Arctic cooperation mini–summit, bringing together upwards of 30 individuals engaged with different research and business initiatives related to the Arctic. Among the attendees was the Honorary Consul for Canada in Maine, representatives from the Maine Port Authority, Eimskip (the Icelandic shipping company with its U.S. base in Portland), and scholars from institutions like the Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum, the Maine North Atlantic Initiative, the Maine International Trade Center, and the Maine North Atlantic Development Office. The culinary offerings were a nod to our deep maritime connections, featuring lobster rolls, salmon, and a cod dip – all sourced from the Gulf of Maine and the North Atlantic. These dishes symbolized both the ancient seafaring roots and the modern economic ties that link Maine to the Arctic.
A highlight of the evening was a discussion between stakeholders about Maine’s potential role in fostering indigenous collaboration, especially in areas like ocean data collection, sustainable shipbuilding, and tourism. One of the Canadian delegates expressed particular interest in connecting Labrador with Maine by tapping into its efforts to expand North Atlantic shipping routes. The reception succeeded in building new connections and reinforcing existing ones, setting the stage for continued Maine-Arctic cooperation. As one participant put it, “The conversations we had here will shape the future of Arctic partnerships.” This event demonstrated that, while Maine may not be geographically Arctic, its role as a partner to the region is vital. As we wrapped up the evening, the importance of travel in fostering understanding and peace became clear – face-to-face engagement builds bridges that go beyond borders.
World Affairs Council Las Vegas
Mijung Lombardi, a WACLV Board Member, graciously hosted our diverse group of 10 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) delegates from Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Mijung and her friends, all Korean Americans, prepared an array of homemade Korean dishes, including Nokdu bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and Gujeolpan, the traditional Korean platter of nine delicacies. Mijung explained each dish’s name, preparation, and cultural significance. Dinner was followed by lively conversations about a variety of topics, including balancing work and children. The responses were varied and relatable to the other parents. Travel is essential for understanding in a way that reading, watching television, or surfing the internet can deliver. To visit another country, speak with locals, eat their authentic food, and, for a short time, experience their life brings acknowledgment of how similar we are.
World Affairs Council Seattle
In September, the World Affairs Council Seattle was honored to host our first Community Appreciation Mixer. In attendance were community partners who have engaged with international visitors professionally; community members who have welcomed international visitors for dinner diplomacy and those who have never hosted a dinner and were excited to learn more; and international visitors representing more than 20 countries from three separate U.S. Department of State exchange programs.
One of our longstanding local dinner hosts shared how hosting global leaders makes the world feel more connected. Another community member shared how he’d recently traveled to Kyrgyzstan and reconnected with the Kyrgyz visitors he had hosted for a dinner in Seattle. It was truly an example of cross-cultural exchange and dinner diplomacy, as they had shared two dinners: one in Seattle, USA and one in Osha, Kyrgyzstan. Other attendees shared how they had “such a wonderful time with all-over-the world friends” and that “It was great to meet brilliant, motivated people working on big ideas!”
We are grateful to Marriott International and Global Ties U.S. for their support of dinner diplomacy. Through this collaborative grant we were able to celebrate our citizen diplomats who make this work possible, as well as bring together people to connect over a meal.
World Affairs Council St. Louis
On a warm summer evening in St. Louis, after leaving the AC Hotel by Marriott, the air buzzed with anticipation. The Ferguson community was preparing for a special dinner diplomacy event at the Sky Room at the Ferguson Brewing Company that promised to blend local charm with global interaction. Among the guests were visitors from Japan, participating on an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones took the stage, her voice filled with pride. “Tonight is about more than just food and drink,” she began. “It’s about building bridges and understanding each other. It’s about showing the world what Ferguson is truly about – community, resilience, and unity.” People from different corners of the world exchanged stories about travel and other ideas, forging connections over shared meals and mutual respect. The Japanese visitors marveled at the local food, especially the toasted ravioli, which quickly became a favorite. As the guests departed with invitations for the Ferguson hosts to visit Japan, the spirit of dinner diplomacy lingered, a testament to what could be achieved when people from different backgrounds come together with open hearts and minds.
The Boys and Girls Club of St. Louis, a beacon of community support for young people, opened its doors to a group of Pakistani visitors participating in an International Visitor Leadership Program reviewing modern judicial practices in the United States. Among them were lawyers, judges, and law enforcement officers, each bringing a wealth of experience and a desire to learn about a different way of supporting youth. The members of the Boys and Girls Club, ranging from toddlers to teens, arrived first with their families. Flint Fowler, president of the Boys and Girls Club of St. Louis, highlighted the significance of the organization, stating: “You are seeing such a special piece of America tonight, our children…. In this room could be the next mayor, the next doctor, the next chief of police, or the next schoolteacher…” As conversations flowed, one of the more intriguing discussions centered on the differences in childcare practices between the United States and Pakistan. The Pakistani visitors, who were accustomed to a family-centric approach where childcare is primarily the responsibility of mothers or extended family, found themselves reflecting on the concept of the Boys and Girls Club. For them, the idea of a community-based institution dedicated to after-school activities and support was unfamiliar.
Yet, as the night unfolded and discussions deepened, a transformation occurred. The Pakistani guests began to appreciate the unique role that the Boys and Girls Club plays in U.S. society. The conversations highlighted how different cultures address similar needs in varied ways, and by the end of the evening, there was a mutual recognition of the value each approach brings. The community reception brought together two worlds that, though geographically distant, found common ground through shared human experiences. It demonstrated that while our approaches and traditions may differ, our commitment to nurturing the potential in young people is a universal thread that binds us all.
WorldMontana
WorldMontana organized several events, including dinners and a fieldtrip to Glacier National Park. On August 22, several families around Helena invited guests from the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and more countries to dinner. Hosts Dave and Kathy summarized: “These experiences and the hosting of various international guests in our home over the past 40 years has given us a better understanding of different cultures and customs and has given our guests a small taste of culture in the United States. Hopefully, these exchanges will improve mutual respect and understanding between our countries.”
In September, we partnered with the National and International Students Organization (NISO) at Carroll College) on a field trip to Glacier Park, MT. It was one of the biggest trips NISO had ever organized. We enjoyed hiking, campfires, the lake, hotdogs, and s’mores. Camille (France) commented: “I really enjoyed this trip to Glacier, as the 2 days were well organized, and the activities were interesting.” Aidan (USA) shared: “I enjoyed showing the place I grew up around to people that have never seen it. Montana is so beautiful, and the foreign students really see that in Glacier.” Bringing people together from different cultures into the same community shows that dialogue is possible. We can find common ground for cooperation despite all the differences through mutual respect and, thus, promote peace.
WorldOregon
WorldOregon had the opportunity to host International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) participants from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates focused on “Disability Rights – Equal Access for All,” for a citizen diplomacy luncheon with local community leaders and board members. The luncheon allowed local community leaders from the Muslim Educational Trust, Portland State University’s Global Engagement and Innovation, Mobility International USA, and the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO)’s Greater Middle Eastern Center to gather with global leaders and engage in meaningful conversations over a meal. One of the visitors commented: “I truly enjoyed the luncheon and had a wonderful time connecting with members of the community to share our experiences. It’s inspiring to see us breaking down barriers together.” Through travel, our perspectives change as we find commonality in our shared vision for a more peaceful world.
WorldOrlando
WorldOrlando organized two dinner diplomacy events: a networking breakfast and a networking lunch. The breakfast was held at the National Entrepreneur Center on the morning of July 1 and co-hosted with the Orlando chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). While enjoying coffee, fruit, and pastries, International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) participants on the project “Women in Politics and Civil Society” connected with women business owners and community leaders, discussing topics including youth empowerment, women promoting women, and civic engagement. The group enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with peers they otherwise would not have met were it not for international travel and exchanges. Christa Santos, the immediate past president of NAWBO Orlando commented that the event, “brought women from all nationalities and backgrounds to converge together to share tips and resources to advance their businesses and propel the work they do within their countries…. As women business owners, we have the need to be seen and heard and this provided a great opportunity to do just that and lift each other up – no matter the distance or boundaries.”
The lunch event took place at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality and Management on July 26, which is the home of the Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery (HTMS). Programming brought together 19 IVLP participants, focused on combatting human trafficking, and UCF faculty, students, and HTMS board members. This group in particular represented 19 countries. Despite coming from such varied backgrounds, each of the visitors had traveled to the United States for the purpose of learning from and engaging with colleagues to help fight human trafficking. The UCF community members in attendance commented that they were honored to be a part of such an important event. Travel is important for peace because it helps us to see things from a different angle, opening our minds and hearts.
World Partnerships, Inc.
For nearly 25 years, World Partnerships has pursued novel and innovative ways to engage International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) participants with our Tampa Bay community. IVLP programs include professional meetings and cultural activities. It’s a great exchange – Participants experience how people across the United States live, work, learn and play, while U.S. counterparts “travel the world without leaving home” and meet a new generation of global leaders. Often, this includes some type of hospitality – simply, U.S. hosts breaking bread with IVLP groups. Over time, World Partnerships has adapted this into “community hospitality” gatherings – whether at a baseball game or a museum, over coffee, around a potluck dinner, at the beach, or at a backyard BBQ. Our visitors and local hosts have discovered these are great settings in which cultural values are communicated and exchanged, and where long-lasting friendships and professional connections are formed.
In July and August 2024, IVLP participants from India and from Kazakhstan enjoyed food and fellowship when World Partnerships hosted them in two receptions at Thrive DTSP, the co-working community where we relocated our office at the end of 2023, with over 60 invited guests and community members. World Partnerships was able to introduce itself to a new audience and our IVLP visitors to community members from all walks of life. Thrive management embraced the opportunity to feature our organization, our mission, and our IVLP guests – and helped make a pitch to the community to volunteer as hospitality hosts. It has set the stage for a larger collaboration with a women in tech networking association for an upcoming IVLP project in early November. Stay tuned for more!