Global Ties U.S.
The Largest, Most Established Citizen Diplomacy Network in the Country
Since its founding in 1961, Global Ties U.S. has fostered connections that break down borders, shatter stereotypes, and create a more peaceful, prosperous world.
Global Ties U.S. is a non-partisan nonprofit organization that works closely with the U.S. Department of State to promote international exchange and citizen engagement in foreign policy. Global Ties U.S. leads a nationwide network of cultural ambassadors—encompassing over 90 organizations representing all 50 U.S. states and Washington, DC—eager to build an international community of peace and prosperity. These local community-based organizations across the country are dedicated to global diplomacy and cultural exchange and include The International Center.
Founded in 1961 by the Kennedy Administration, Global Ties U.S. was built on the belief that international exchange is the foundation of trust, respect, and cooperation between our various governments and societies. In fact, Global Ties U.S. was originally created to support the implementation of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)—the nation’s premier professional exchange program.
International Center CEO Martin Baier presents Katherine Brown of Global Ties U.S. with the 50 for 50 award.
Since 1940, the IVLP has introduced more than 225,000 business, government, and nonprofit leaders to their counterparts here in the United States, fostering connection and collaboration across a variety of industries. The success of the IVLP has also led to other educational, cultural, and professional exchange programs implemented by the Global Ties Network in recent years.
Global Ties U.S. provides its members with the connections and resources they need to implement effective cross-cultural exchange programs, while advocating for citizen diplomacy at both the national and international levels. As part of its mission to promote excellence and build community, Global Ties U.S. hosts myriad professional development programs and events. These include members-only leadership events and resources designed to cover complex topics such as foreign policy, nonprofit management, and professional practices in the world of international affairs, as well as their signature public event, the National Meeting, which takes place annually in the Washington, DC area and brings together more than 700 international exchange leaders and supporters in the United States and abroad.
Global Ties U.S. also hosts smaller regional events each year, including the Diplomacy Begins Here Regional Summits and Career Connections events—the latter of which The International Center hosted in April 2023. These regional events are designed to engage international exchange leaders, supporters, and alumni from a range of sectors to connect and explore how exchange programs support U.S. foreign policy goals, communities, and citizens.
Through programs like these, Global Ties U.S. helps invest in the future of the United States, as well as communities like Indianapolis. By emphasizing the importance of international exchange, they create new opportunities for collaboration and serve as a catalyst for cross-cultural dialogue—inspiring progressive change and transformative action on a plethora of transnational issues.
