San Diego World Affairs Council upcoming events

Distinguished Speakers Series: "Subnational Diplomacy in this Global Moment: San Diego’s International Engagement Strategy” with Ben Moore (May 09, 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

The San Diego World Affairs Council Presents

The Distinguished Speakers Series

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Location of Event:

UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies

8980 Villa La Jolla Drive

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About this Program:

This program, presented by Ben Moore, Chief Global Affairs Officer for the City of San Diego, will explore how cities are increasingly shaping global outcomes through subnational diplomacy. Ben will highlight San Diego’s international engagement strategy and Mayor Todd Gloria’s global priorities, including elevating the region’s international profile, expanding economic development, and strengthening cross-border collaboration—particularly as Mayor Gloria prepares to assume the presidency of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

The lecture will examine San Diego’s unique position at the U.S.–Mexico border and its partnership with Tijuana and the broader Cali–Baja region as a model of place-based diplomacy. Topics will include economic cooperation, infrastructure, workforce development, and environmental resilience, illustrating how cities can advance shared prosperity while addressing transboundary challenges.

Situating San Diego within the broader rise of subnational diplomacy, Ben will discuss how municipalities are stepping into leadership roles on issues such as climate action, migration, and inclusive growth—often moving faster and more pragmatically than national governments. The session will conclude with reflections on what San Diego’s approach offers other cities seeking to engage globally, and how city-led diplomacy provides a practical pathway for navigating today’s complex global moment.

About the Speaker:

Ben Moore

Chief Global Affairs Officer

Office of the Mayor | City of San Diego

Ben Moore serves as Chief Global Affairs Officer for the City of San Diego, where he supports the Mayor’s international engagement priorities, including: elevating San Diego’s global status, expanding economic development and embracing global initiatives. Ben recently completed an 18-year career as a Senior Supervisory Foreign Affairs Officer with the U.S. Department of State, culminating in his selection to launch and lead State’s pioneering subnational diplomacy program in San Diego. Prior to this, Ben served as Division Chief covering all U.S. foreign assistance in the Middle East. Ben also served as the Political Unit Chief in the Office of Israel and Palestinian Affairs, as well as a Stabilization Operations Officer in the Bureau for Conflict and Stabilization Operations where he supported the Syrian opposition from roles in Turkey, Jordan and Washington, DC. Ben has worked in State Department offices in Los Angeles and New York City; for the United Nations in Jordan and Haiti; and with NGOs in the West Bank & Gaza, Zambia and Burma, primarily focused on relief projects, peacebuilding, and conflict analysis. Ben is a Boren Fellow for Arabic study and holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles.

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.

Engage San Diego: Tough Topics. Real Conversations "After Extremism: Building Bridges and Strengthening Community" Presented by OneSD (June 13, 2026)

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

The San Diego World Affairs Council Presents

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Location of Event:

UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies

8980 Villa La Jolla Drive

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About this Program:

This program is part of Engage San Diego: Tough Topics. Real Conversations - a new collaborative initiative from the San Diego World Affairs Council and our partners at OneSD. The series will create space for thoughtful, constructive dialogue on some of the most complex and pressing issues facing the San Diego region today. The series is designed to build bridges across differences, reduce polarization, and empower participants to engage in more informed, constructive conversations. Join us in co-creating a more connected and solutions-oriented San Diego community.

The first of three topics in the series is: After Extremism: Building Bridges and Strengthening Community

In an era marked by rising polarization, political violence, and deep social divisions, communities across the United States are searching for ways to heal, overcome divisions, and rebuild trust. After Extremism: Building Bridges and Strengthening Community brings together two powerful voices whose lived experiences demonstrate that transformation, dialogue, and reconciliation are possible—even in the face of profound conflict.

This special Engage San Diego program will feature a conversation with former white nationalist turned peace activist, Arno Michaelis, and peace advocate Tasreen Khamisa, whose life’s work has been dedicated to preventing violence and promoting restorative justice following the tragic loss of her brother.

Together, they will explore the roots of extremism, the pathways individuals take toward radicalization, and, most importantly, the transformative power of empathy, dialogue, and connection in preventing violence, fostering reconciliation and strengthening our communities.

Through candid storytelling and thoughtful discussion, this program will examine how communities can confront difficult truths, while creating opportunities for healing, accountability, and constructive change.

What We’ll Explore

• The psychological and social dynamics that contribute to radicalization and extremism

• Personal journeys of transformation and the possibility of redemption

• The role of dialogue, empathy, and restorative practices in addressing violence and division

• Strategies communities can use to rebuild trust, prevent violence, and strengthen social cohesion

About the Speakers:

Arno Michaelis

Arno Michaelis is a former white supremacist who spent years involved in extremist movements before leaving thta world and dedicating his life to peacebuilding and coutnering violent extremism. Today, he is an internationally recognized speaker, author, and activist working to prevent radicalization and promote compassion and understanding. Learn more here.

Tasreen Khamisa

Tasreen Khamisa is a peace advocate and CEO of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation, an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of youth violence through restorative justice, education, and community engagement. Following the tragic murder of her brother Tariq in 1995, Tasreen chose forgiveness and reconciliation, transforming personal tragedy into a powerful movement for peace. Learn more here.

Andrew Blum, Moderator

Andrew Blum is the Senior Program Director at the Burnham Center for Community Advancement, where he leads the OneSD initiative. OneSD is a growing coalition 50+ organizations devoted to creating a San Diego region where all our welcome and all can thrive. Previously he has served as Executive Director of the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego, where he led the growth of the Institute into San Diego’s leading research center on peacebuilding and violence prevention. Learn more about the work Andrew is doing at OneSD here.

***This event is free to the public, but seating is limited

and pre-registration is required. ***

Annual Members Meeting & Luncheon: “Reimagining Border Infrastructure: Lessons from CBX" with Jorge Goytortua (June 27, 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 19:00:00 GMT

The San Diego World Affairs Council Presents

Join us for a special luncheon event featuring a keynote address by Jorge Goytortua, CEO of Cross Border Express (CBX). This year’s Annual Membership Meeting will center on the timely theme, “Reimagining Border Infrastructure: Lessons from CBX.”

As the leader of one of the most innovative cross-border transportation projects in the world, Jorge Goytortua will share insights on how CBX has transformed regional connectivity by linking San Diego directly to Tijuana International Airport through a unique binational terminal. His remarks will explore what the CBX model can teach us about the future of border infrastructure, mobility, economic integration, and cross-border collaboration.

With deep experience in infrastructure development and binational engagement, Goytortua has helped position CBX as a powerful example of how smart, forward-looking design can strengthen regional ties and create practical solutions to shared challenges. His keynote promises to offer valuable lessons for anyone interested in the future of the U.S.-Mexico border region.

We hope you will join us for this engaging luncheon and conversation as we reflect on the Council’s work, connect with fellow members and supporters, and hear from a visionary leader shaping the future of cross-border infrastructure.

To purchase your tickets, and to learn about sponsorship opportunities, please click here!