Expo 2020 Dubai, which ran from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, was the first World Expo (formerly, World’s Fair) held in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region. It served as a global platform for unveiling inventions, ideas, and inspirations for positive change and a sustainable future.

The USA Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai highlighted the rich talent of the United States through the Youth Ambassadors and Cultural Performers programs. In partnership with the U.S. Department of State and Global Ties U.S., Global Ties San Francisco — along with other members of the Global Ties U.S. Network — helped bring to life the USA Pavilion’s theme, Connecting Minds, Creating the Future. By showcasing the nation’s history, innovation, and vibrant geographic and cultural diversity through its people, the USA Pavilion demonstrated how collaboration and the exchange of ideas spark innovation and progress in new and exciting ways.

From September 2020 to March 2021, we collaborated with Global Ties U.S. to support grassroots recruitment efforts by identifying individuals in our local community to serve as Youth Ambassadors and Cultural Performers at the USA Pavilion and guiding them through the application process. While Youth Ambassadors — the Faces of America — served as guides and cultural representatives of the United States and its territories to millions of Expo visitors, Cultural Performers showcased their talents across a variety of disciplines in reflection of the cultural diversity of the nation.

Together, Global Ties U.S. and its nationwide Network recruited 75 Youth Ambassadors representing 37 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, along with 310 Cultural Performers representing 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.