The San Diego World Affairs Council

&

The San Diego Diplomacy Council

Present:

Passport to Diplomacy

About the Program

Passport to Diplomacy is an exciting annual celebration of international engagement, cultural exchange, and citizen diplomacy that showcases San Diego's unique role as one of America's most globally connected regions.

This collaborative event brings together the San Diego World Affairs Council (SDWAC), the San Diego Diplomacy Council (SDDC), and the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages to create an immersive afternoon of discovery, dialogue, and global connection in the heart of Balboa Park.

A signature feature of the event is the Passport Program, a longtime San Diego World Affairs Council tradition that encourages attendees to experience the rich cultural diversity represented by the International Cottages. Upon checking in, all pre-registered participants receive an official event passport. Throughout the event, guests are invited to explore the participating cottages, meet cultural ambassadors, learn about countries from around the world, and collect a unique passport stamp from each participating nation.

Visitors who complete their passport by collecting stamps from every participating cottage may submit it for entry into an opportunity drawing for a $500 airfare gift card, generously sponsored by Bright Light Volunteers International.

In addition to the Passport Program, attendees can enjoy:

• Interactive exhibits hosted by the International Cottages and globally focused organizations
• "Chat with a Diplomat" stations, offering informal conversations with diplomats and foreign affairs professionals about diplomacy, international careers, and global issues
• Live cultural performances celebrating music, dance, and traditions from around the world
• Educational displays from universities, nonprofits, exchange organizations, and international partners
• Family-friendly activities designed to engage visitors of all ages
• Networking opportunities with internationally minded professionals, educators, students, and community leaders

Participation in Passport to Diplomacy is free, but advance registration is required.

More than a cultural festival, Passport to Diplomacy celebrates San Diego's extraordinary international character and demonstrates how diplomacy extends beyond governments. Through conversation, cultural exchange, education, and shared experiences, the event encourages every attendee to become a citizen diplomat and contribute to a more peaceful, connected, and globally engaged community.

Registration for this specific event is on Eventbrite and not on the SDWAC website. Click on the link below to register! 

REGISTER HERE

TABLING INFORMATION HERE

Program Partners:

Financial Sponsor 

SDWAC & SDDC thank the sponsor of our airfare gift card, Bright Light Volunteers, a celebrated nonprofit provider of Global Service Learning (GSL) programs that connect people and communities. Bright Light's mission is to make the world a brighter place by providing educational service opportunities that foster the development of global leaders and citizens

The San Diego World Affairs Council Presents

The Distinguished Speakers Series

About the Program:

The Middle East is undergoing one of the most significant geopolitical transformations in decades, shaped by regional conflicts, shifting alliances, and the emergence of a more multipolar world. At the center of these changes is the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a nation that has emerged as one of the region's most influential middle powers through its economic strength, diplomatic engagement, and increasingly independent foreign policy.

This program explores how Abu Dhabi is navigating evolving relationships with the United States, China, India, Russia, and its Gulf neighbors while balancing competing strategic interests. From the Abraham Accords to its evolving role in regional security and energy policy, the UAE has demonstrated a pragmatic approach that reflects both growing geopolitical ambition and a desire for greater strategic autonomy.

Join us as we examine how the UAE is shaping the future of the Gulf and the broader Middle East—and what its evolving role means for regional stability, global power competition, and the future of international diplomacy.

About Giorgio Cafiero:

Giorgio Cafiero is the CEO of Gulf State Analytics, a Washington, DC-based geopolitical risk consultancy. He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Georgetown University and an Adjunct Fellow at the American Security Project. Mr. Cafiero is a frequent contributor to Arab Gulf States Institute, Gulf International Forum, Stimson Center, Atlantic Council, and The New Arab.  Throughout Mr. Cafiero’s career, he has consulted many public and private sector entities, briefed diplomats of various countries on regional and international affairs, and worked as a subject matter expert for multinational law firms. Mr. Cafiero holds an M.A. in International Relations from the University of San Diego.

The San Diego World Affairs Council does not endorse any specific political ideology or viewpoint. As a nonpartisan organization, we are committed to presenting a wide range of perspectives to promote informed, respectful dialogue on complex global issues. The opinions expressed by speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Council, its board, or its partners.