Event Highlight: Global Social Hour – July 2025

On July 31, 2025, Global Ties San Francisco hosted our Global Social Hour, a Dinner Diplomacy event for 45 local community members and 12 international visitors on the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) focused on Advanced Battery Chemistries and Economic Development and the Bioeconomy.

Thanks to the support of Marriott International and Global Ties U.S., this unforgettable evening was full of meaningful conversations over delicious food from San Francisco staple La Méditerranée, and greater awareness of our Home Hospitality program — with a 28.5% larger turnout than last year.

The event offered the community a chance to experience the power of citizen diplomacy and see firsthand how international exchange benefits us all: by strengthening cross-cultural understanding, workforce and business development, and our local economy.

We brought the world to the table and demonstrated local diplomacy in action.

Most of the local attendees had not heard of Global Ties San Francisco before the event but left inspired and eager to engage globally afterward. As further testament to the event’s success, several community members expressed interest in getting involved with us, especially as Home Hospitality Hosts.

One International Visitor from the Czech Republic remarked that he was struck by the warmth of the nation’s hospitality. Having traveled widely and experienced the traditions of many countries known for their hospitality, he shared that America left a lasting impression. His experience echoed throughout the evening, as stories highlighted how exchanges like the IVLP build bridges, balance perspectives, and foster mutual understanding across cultures.

Attendee reflections captured during the event reveal more about the transformative impact of international exchange, travel, and cross-cultural engagement:

• “Challenged my own perspectives and helped me think beyond my own bubble.”
• “Exposed me to different opinions and cultures that I don’t have the chance to engage with normally.”
• “Helped me understand that people have different ways of interpreting situations, which is a way to develop your empathy skills. Plus I have friends in almost all corners of the world!”
• “It’s the most enriching experience that connects one person to another from a global perspective of humanity.”
• “Always enlightening and reminder of our shared humanity.”
• “Has challenged my perspective on what global citizenship means and continues to drive my curiosity and willingness to support others’ global education.”

Travel and cross-cultural engagement are some of the most powerful tools for peace. By stepping outside our own borders, we gain new perspectives that challenge assumptions, foster empathy, and remind us of our shared humanity.

At Global Ties San Francisco, we are committed to expanding access to enriching global engagement opportunities right here in the Bay Area. We have the unique ability to bring the world to your doorstep, creating meaningful international experiences in an easy and low-stakes way. Cross-cultural interactions have a profound impact on everyone involved, and it’s important to us that more people in our community can experience these benefits.

A community-based nonprofit and partner of the U.S. Department of State, Global Ties San Francisco engages in international diplomacy at the local level to promote peace and cross-cultural understanding.

Each year, we welcome over 700 current and future world leaders and changemakers to the San Francisco Bay Area on international exchange programs and engage hundreds more volunteers in community service to support this work. These Citizen Diplomats who help power our work are civic and business leaders, athletes, scientists, educators, students, entrepreneurs, stay-at-home parents, and more.