Summit in September Features Innovation-themed Experiences on Both Sides of Border

San Diego CA— San Diego Diplomacy Council has spent the last 40 years creating professional, cultural and educational experiences that connect people and organizations to drive positive change in their communities and around the world. To celebrate, San Diego Diplomacy Council, in partnership with Global Ties U.S. and the U.S. Department of State, is holding a Cali Baja regional summit and anniversary celebration from September 19-21.
Diplomacy Begins Here Regional Summit: Innovation in the Cali Baja Region and Beyond features speakers, panel discussions and an exhibitor fair with international experts from both sides of the U.S-Mexico border.
“We are thrilled to invite friends and colleagues from across the region and around the world to help us mark this milestone and engage in important and enlightening conversations about innovative solutions impacting the region and beyond,” said Fabienne Perlov, executive director of the San Diego Diplomacy Council.
Now more than ever, she said it is “vital to foster community and celebrate the critical role that public and citizen diplomacy play in building a more peaceful and prosperous world.”
The events kick off on September 19 with the Diplomacy Rocks! 40th Anniversary Party at Park and Rec in San Diego’s University Heights neighborhood. The legendary ‘80s tribute band Rock of Ages will perform and Mexican-inspired food and beverages will be served.
On September 20, participants of the Diplomacy Begins Here Regional Summit will learn from experts and exchange program alumni about the role of international exchanges and collaboration in spurring prosperity in the Cali Baja region and beyond. The day’s programming includes a presentation on binational collaboration at the government level with speakers Mexican Ambassador Carlos Gonzalez-Gutierrez; consul general of Mexico in San Diego Sue Saarnio; Denise Garcia, director of international affairs for the City of San Diego; and City of Chula Vista Mayor Mary Salas.
Also on the agenda is a panel discussion on the role of innovation and collaboration across the business, philanthropy and academic sectors in the Cali Baja region and a session on advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in Mexico and the U.S., featuring Ivan Enrique Gomez Durand, director of YAAY Mexico, an alumnus of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, and Fernando Z. Lopez, executive director of San Diego LGBT Pride.
In addition, participants can tour the world’s busiest land border crossing and visit the innovative Cross Border Xpress for a close-up look at the challenges and opportunities that the border provides from a security, human rights and commerce perspective.
The activities wrap up on Saturday, Sept. 21 with a gastro diplomacy tour through Tijuana’s vibrant culinary scene led by Turista Libre.
San Diego area university and high school students are also invited to participate in the Diplomacy Begins Here Summit by attending a special youth track that includes an interactive border security simulation and a discussion on careers in public diplomacy and foreign affairs.
In addition, members of the Global Ties Network can take part in an exclusive Learning Lab on September 19 with tailored workshops on International Visitor Leadership Program best practices, fundraising, and other relevant topics to nonprofit management.
To learn more and register for programs and events, check out www.sandiegodiplomacy.org or its social media accounts.

About San Diego Diplomacy Council

For 40 years, the San Diego Diplomacy Council has focused on creating professional, cultural and educational experiences that connect people and organizations to drive positive change in their communities and around the world.
The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization is one of more than 90 national organizations designated by the U.S. Department of States to deliver programs and services that allow San Diego to participate in the international diplomacy sphere and extend its influence around the globe. The San Diego Diplomacy Council also offers custom programs and services, including month-long fellowship programs with international business and academic partners.
Learn more about San Diego Diplomacy Council efforts to empower local and global leaders to promote a more peaceful, prosperous and stable world at www.sandiegodiplomacy.org, Facebook and Twitter.

About Global Ties U.S.

Global Ties U.S. is a Washington, DC-based nonprofit that works to make international exchange programs more effective. Global Ties U.S. oversees a network of 120-plus nonprofits in the U.S. and abroad and provides them with connections, leadership development and professional resources so that they are the most effective organizations they can be. San Diego Diplomacy Council is a proud Community-Based Member of the Global Ties Network.

About the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

As part of America’s larger story of respect for – and interest in – all cultures and faiths, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)’s range of programs exist to encourage mutual understanding as well as international, educational and cultural exchange, and leadership development. From artists, educators and athletes to students and the youth in the United States and from almost every other country and territory throughout the world – we engage rising leaders through academic, cultural, sports and professional exchanges.