Celebrating Muir Woods on International Day of Forests

International Visitors enjoying Muir Woods National Monument

The United Nations International Day of Forests is recognized on the 21st of March to raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. The 2025 theme, Forests and Foods, highlights the vital role of forests in food security, nutrition, and livelihoods. Beyond providing sustenance and income, forests support ecosystems, protect water and soil, and offer habitats for biodiversity, among other benefits.

Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, Muir Woods National Monument — proclaimed a National Monument in 1908 to protect and preserve the land — is one of the last remaining forested areas of coast Redwood trees. These giant evergreens can stand up to 79 meters tall and average between 600 and 800 years old, with the oldest being at least 1,200 years old. The park is home to 380 different plants and animals, ranging from bats that find refuge in tree cavities to Coho salmon and steelhead trout that swim in the clear waters of Redwood Creek.

Known for its towering stand of old-growth coast Redwood trees, Muir Woods attracts visitors from all over the world to experience this unique breathtaking ecosystem. Beyond its natural beauty, Muir Woods is also a site of profound historical significance, where nature, diplomacy, and the pursuit of peace intersect.

Did you know San Francisco is the birthplace of the United Nations, and Muir Woods played a symbolic role in its founding?

During a pivotal time in history, as World War II neared its end, world leaders convened in San Francisco for the United Nations Conference on International Organization (UNCIO) from April 25 to June 26, 1945, to draft and sign the UN Charter. Relatively equidistant between Asia, Europe, and Latin America, picturesque San Francisco was well positioned for a global gathering.

As preparations for the San Francisco Conference were underway, it was proposed that the delegates visit the serenity of Muir Woods to reflect in “a ‘temple of peace’ [where] the delegates would gain a perspective and sense of time that could be obtained nowhere in America better than in a forest.” U.S. Secretary of the Interior Harold Ickes described Muir Woods as a natural cathedral, where trees older than the Magna Carta stood as enduring witnesses to history.

When U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt — who had championed the creation of a new international system to maintain peace — passed away two weeks before the conference began, the retreat to Muir Woods took on additional significance.

In tribute to his legacy, over 500 delegates from 46 nations gathered in Muir Woods Cathedral Grove on May 19, 1945, to honor the late president and reaffirm their commitment to building a more peaceful world. This commemoration cemented Muir Woods’ place in global history, making it not only a site of natural wonder but also a symbol of international cooperation, diplomacy, and the enduring pursuit of peace.

Today, as we celebrate the UN International Day of Forests, we are reminded that forests are even more than ecological treasures — they are also places of inspiration and unity, where people from different nations come together, as they did in 1945, to contemplate a shared future.

Through our work with the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and other custom exchanges, Global Ties San Francisco continues this tradition by bringing international visitors to experience the majesty of Muir Woods. In doing so, we reinforce San Francisco’s role as a center for global engagement, fostering the same spirit of global exchange and mutual understanding that underlined the founding of the United Nations nearly 80 years ago.

#ForestDay

Author: Song Held
Editor: Alannah Crandall

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IVLP Highlight: Approaches to Urban Search and Rescue in the United States | Türkiye

In collaboration with the Institute of International Education and the Office of International Visitors at the U.S. Department of State, Global Ties San Francisco had the privilege of implementing an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) project for Türkiye entitled, Approaches to Urban Search and Rescue in the United States.

During their stay in the San Francisco Bay Area from January 23-28, 2025, our four distinguished emergency management professionals — firefighters and city planning experts from İstanbul — connected with their local professional counterparts to exchange best practices and address shared challenges related to urban search and rescue (USAR) operations, specialized USAR training, and the integration of earthquake science into disaster management strategies.

Professional Highlights

A key focus of the meetings was the history of earthquakes in the Bay Area and the broader state of California, with particular attention to the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. The 6.9-magnitude earthquake, which struck approximately 56 miles (90 kilometers) south of San Francisco along the San Andreas fault, marked a turning point in California’s approach to safe transit infrastructure and disaster management protocols. This event, along with the 7.9-magnitude San Francisco earthquake in 1906, which also occurred along the San Andreas fault, were defining moments in the region’s seismic preparedness and response strategies.

The group’s discussions highlighted the shared seismic risks between our communities, drawing remarkable similarities between California’s San Andreas fault and Türkiye’s East Anatolian fault—the geological location of two massive 7.8- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes that devastated Türkiye and Syria on February 6, 2023. The parallels between our two earthquake zones give local and global seismologists much to learn from one another, offering a window for “earthquake diplomacy” between nations.

Further topics explored included the critical role of statewide earthquake data collection and dissemination systems, such as the ShakeAlert® earthquake early warning system, and how these technologies are used to inform and protect Californians. These discussions provided valuable insights that can enhance earthquake resilience both locally and globally.

A discussion on emergency planning with the City of Oakland Fire Department’s Emergency Management Services Division highlighted shared challenges cities face during emergencies and demonstrated the value of exchanging best practices to maximize collective impact.

Cultural Experiences

Beyond their professional appointments, the visitors further enriched their understanding of the U.S. through a visit to the California Academy of Sciences, a group favorite due to its interactive shake room that simulates real earthquake experiences. Visitors particularly enjoyed this opportunity to explore a local earthquake preparedness and awareness center geared toward the public.

In addition, the international visitors enjoyed a special guided tour of San Francisco led by The Platinum Concierge, which took them through the City’s most iconic landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Alamo Square and its famous Painted Ladies, Fisherman’s Wharf including Ghirardelli Square and the sea lions at Pier 39, Twin Peaks, Chinatown, North Beach, City Hall, Lombard Street, and Haight-Ashbury. One of the tour’s highlights was a visit to Ocean Beach, where participants had the chance to relax in the sand and take in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

International Collaboration

Overall, during their brief stay in the Bay Area, the international visitors engaged in productive professional discussions and enriching cultural activities. These interactions underscored the invaluable role of people-to-people exchange in addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by the international community, particularly in fostering resilient communities that can withstand the impacts of environmental change and urban disasters.

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IVLP Highlight: American Foreign Policy Delegation from Germany

From December 7-11, 2024, Global Ties San Francisco hosted the American Foreign Policy, Economic Security, and the People’s Republic of China delegation from Germany on behalf of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and in partnership with World Learning.

During their stay in the San Francisco Bay Area, thirteen German academics, policy experts, journalists, and business representatives met with local Bay Area organizations to better understand American foreign policy and factors that shape economic security, to gain a West Coast perspective on U.S.-China trade relations, to engage with the local Chinese diaspora, and to ultimately bring back valuable insights to their respective regions in Germany.

Professional Highlights

A standout experience for the international visitors was their meeting with Mr. Ron Brown, a Maritime Marketing and Commodities representative at the Port of Oakland. Drawing upon Mr. Brown’s in-depth knowledge of local trade and commerce channels, our visitors explored how the Port of Oakland contributes to the economic viability and strength of the region by serving as one of California’s largest container ports and a critical export gateway for agricultural and refrigerated products from the region.

Visitors explore the Port of Oakland with Ron Brown

The discussion inspired insightful questions from the visitors, such as how the pandemic affected the Port’s operations, global trade partner relations, and the Port’s efforts to make operations more sustainable.

The visitors also enjoyed a tour and first-hand look at the Port’s efforts to become a zero-emissions seaport, with notable sights including state-of-the-art hybrid electric cranes.

Another professional meeting was the group’s discussion with Mr. Douglas Wallace, Director of the U.S. Export Assistance Center at the U.S. Commercial Service – San Francisco Office. The meeting examined the role of the U.S. Commercial Service in supporting local businesses’ efforts to expand internationally, particularly in the areas of economic development and security. Additionally, participants gained exposure to the greater U.S. Commercial Service ecosystem, which includes more than 100 U.S. Commercial Service offices nationwide and more than 70 international offices. Overall, the meeting helped contextualize economic services provided by the U.S federal government on the local level in California.

Other professional highlights included connecting the international visitors with the local Chinese diaspora and Asian American community artists through a visit to a cultural center, a meeting with notable scholars from the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, and a discussion with SEMI—a global microelectronics industry association.

Cultural Experiences

Beyond professional appointments, the visitors further enriched their understanding of the U.S. by sharing a meal with San Franciscans through Global Ties San Francisco’s Home Hospitality program.
“An unforgettable experience!”

In addition, the visitors also attended a Guided City Tour of San Francisco, exploring the beauty and most iconic sites that make San Francisco the famous “City by the Bay!”

Supporting People-to-People Diplomacy

Through successful IVLP programming like this project for Germany, Global Ties San Francisco aims to fulfill the mission of the Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program by connecting emerging foreign leaders to the United States to engage in people-to-people diplomacy, foster professional international relationships, and inspire strong global partnerships.

Authors: Karin Krisdiva, Fall 2024 Intern; Oli Vorster, International Program Coordinator

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IVLP Highlight: Empowering Women Leaders in STEM in the Quad

This November, Global Ties San Francisco was honored to host the Empowering Women Leaders in STEM in the Quad delegation for a U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) project administered in partnership with Meridian International Center. The group consisted of ten exceptional women leaders from Australia, India, and Japan representing diverse sectors united by a drive to advance women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

During their three weeks in the United States, the International Visitors explored strategies to expand women’s roles in STEM innovation ecosystems and how they can institutionalize opportunities for women in their respective countries. From November 19 to 23, their journey culminated in Silicon Valley and Oakland, where Global Ties San Francisco organized notable meetings with industry leaders dedicated to driving equity and innovation.

Arrival Day

After an early arrival, the delegation enjoyed a late lunch in downtown San Francisco before walking to San Francisco City Hall, affectionately known as the People’s Palace. Its majestic beauty left the visitors in awe. The evening continued with a classic San Francisco experience: a cable car ride to Fisherman’s Wharf, where the group took in the twinkling lights of the City.

Meeting Highlights

SEMI: Advancing Women in the Microelectronics Industry

The delegation’s first stop was in Milpitas at SEMI, a global microelectronics industry association with programs, communities, initiatives, products, and advocacy to help members grow their business and address top challenges worldwide. Serving as the voice of the sector, SEMI represents the collective interests on a variety of public policy issues ranging from trade and tax to workforce development and R&D funding.

One such membership offering are SEMI’s Women in Semiconductors (WiS) programs that unpack what constitutes an inclusive workplace and why fostering greater inclusion leads to greater innovation, sense of belonging, and employee success.

The group engaged with three key SEMI leaders:

  • Ajit Manocha, President and Chief Executive Officer, who has driven SEMI to fuel industry growth and foster collaboration on challenges such as geopolitical and sustainability concerns, the talent gap, and supply chain disruptions.
  • Bettina Weiss, Chief of Staff and Corporate Strategy, who advances global strategic initiatives and facilitates thought leadership activities in key strategic areas.
  • Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives and Executive Director of the SEMI Foundation, who leads workforce development programs and fosters Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives that attract more women, people of color, and veterans to the microelectronics industry.

The discussion centered on the importance of women’s involvement in critical and emerging technologies (CETs) such as semiconductors and microelectronics; efforts to advance DEIB and close the gender gap in the industry, especially at leadership levels; and the role of allyship and language in these efforts.

Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E): Equitable Access and Inclusive Economies

In Oakland, the group met with Tina Lee, Principal Product Manager of Utility Partnerships and Innovation at Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), one of the largest combination natural gas and electric utilities in the United States.

In this role, Tina’s work is rooted in advancing solutions to accelerate the clean energy transition while ensuring equitable access for disadvantaged communities. Moreover, as the founder of MotherCoders, Tina has been a trailblazer in helping women with children enter tech careers by providing training, workshops, and events with onsite childcare.

Through heartfelt exchanges, the meeting focused on advancing women’s equity in STEM fields and efforts to build inclusive economies. Visitors also shared their own experiences of fostering equity and related challenges and opportunities.

Cultural Experiences

Beyond professional meetings, the delegation further enriched their understanding of the U.S. by immersing themselves in San Francisco’s vibrant culture and entertainment.

The visitors arrived at Chinatown’s Dragon Gate via a self-driving Waymo — making them one of our first groups to try this exciting new experience.

They visited the Fortune Cookie Factory.

On their final night before returning to their home countries, the visitors enjoyed Red and White Fleet’s San Francisco City Lights Cruise. Despite the cold and rain, the group embraced the experience, capturing selfies, sharing laughter, and playing Heads Up to make the most of their time together.

Later that evening, back at the hotel, two visitors organized an informal awards ceremony with miniature trophies — a sentimental and memorable closure to their program and an apt reflection of the cohesive, adaptable, and dynamic spirit of this group.

Why Exchanges Matter

The Empowering Women Leaders in STEM in the Quad project underscores the profound impact of international exchanges in fostering cross-cultural collaboration and addressing global challenges. By facilitating dialogue between global leaders and local innovators, we contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and interconnected world.

We are proud to have supported this delegation’s journey — one that directly aligns with our own commitment to expanding access to citizen diplomacy right here in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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IVLP Highlight: Strategies to Strengthen Health Security | Egypt

In early August 2024, Global Ties San Francisco hosted a U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) delegation of six Egyptian public health professionals and government officials focused on Strategies to Strengthen Health Security.

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IVLP Highlight: Human and Civil Rights for Marginalized Communities

In late-April 2024, we hosted 21 human and civil rights practitioners and advocates for a U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) exchange for collective social justice.

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IVLP Highlight: Sustainability and Economic Development in the Blue Economy | East Asia

In March, we had the privilege of hosting “Sustainability and Economic Development in the Blue Economy,” a U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) delegation from the Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Vanuatu, dedicated to fostering a sustainable oceanic future.

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IVLP Highlight: Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists – Media Responsibility in an Age of Disinformation | Africa

In February, an IVLP project for Africa brought 13 enthusiastic participants from across Africa to San Francisco to take part in discussions and strategy-development regarding journalistic best practices in today’s increasingly complex information environment.

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Nurturing Global Partnerships: A Successful Start to 2024 with IVLP in San Francisco

From January 24 to 27, 2024, we enthusiastically welcomed to San Francisco our first U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) delegation of the year. This project on Cybersecurity Capacity Building brought together six distinguished guests from Montenegro to explore avenues for strengthening cybersecurity and resilience through local engagements with public and private sector leaders in the field.

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