Military strength and economic influence shape international affairs, but so do relationships.
This session explores the role of people-to-people diplomacy in building trust across borders and strengthening the long-term relationships that formal diplomacy often depends upon.
Featuring perspectives from Sister Cities International, Fulbright, the Peace Corps, and international development organizations, the panel will examine how exchanges, educational programs, volunteer service, civic partnerships, and development initiatives create lasting connections between communities and nations.
Panelists will discuss how these programs build understanding at the individual level, create networks that often endure for decades, and contribute to a country’s reputation, credibility, and influence abroad.
The conversation will also consider how the practice of soft power is evolving. As geopolitical competition increases and public trust in institutions becomes more complicated, what role can citizens, students, educators, volunteers, nonprofits, and local governments play in strengthening international relationships?
At its core, this session asks: How do we build global trust when diplomacy is not only government-to-government, but increasingly person-to-person?
