The Dinner Diplomacy Program is a small grants initiative launched in 2024 with founding support from Marriott International to advance peace and cultural understanding through travel. The program helps Global Ties Network member organizations expand opportunities for people in their communities to participate in dinner diplomacy events with global leaders traveling to the United States on international exchange programs.
In its first year, the Dinner Diplomacy Program served 20 U.S. communities and seeded almost three dozen local activities centered on building community and relationships through shared meals with international visitors. In 2025, the program will scale its impact by 50% and reach Global Ties Network members in 30 communities across the United States.
The Global Ties Network welcomes more than 4,000 current and future world leaders to their communities on international exchange programs each year and engages thousands more volunteers across the United States in community service to support this work. The opportunity to break bread together is one of the most memorable parts of exchange programs for international visitors and the Global Ties Network alike. By setting the table for exchange, the Dinner Diplomacy Program helps the Global Ties Network showcase their community and their excellence and commitment to citizen diplomacy, building lasting connections and greater cultural understanding between U.S. and international counterparts.
