Global Ties Arizona invites rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders in the Greater Phoenix region to join our Young Diplomats community! Throughout the year, we offer programs and events that provide opportunities for local youth to engage with international and local professionals, connect with like-minded students from across Greater Phoenix, and attend workshops that teach essential skills in diplomacy, leadership, and more.
The Young Diplomats Program empowers Arizona high school students with the knowledge and skills to succeed and lead in a globally interconnected world.
Young Diplomats Summer Institute
This week-long program introduces high school students to essential concepts in diplomacy, leadership, and international affairs.
Over the course of five half-day sessions, students will engage in interactive workshops, group activities, and discussions led by local professionals and international experts. Together, they’ll explore current global challenges, practice cross-cultural communication, and build foundational skills for future leadership in international spaces.
Participants will learn in a collaborative and dynamic environment, connecting with peers who share a passion for global issues and civic engagement.
2025 Program Partner:
2025 Program Speakers
Director of Global Conservation & Sustainability Learning Initiatives, Arizona State University Learning Enterprise
Orlando Cazarez
Director General, Dean, and Professor of Global Digital Transformation, Thunderbird School of Global Management
Charla Griffy-Brown
Suzanne Lawrence
Former U.S. Diplomat. U.S. Department of State
Senior Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, Thunderbird School of Global Management
Roy Nelson
Assistant Vice President for Phoenix Development & Associate Professor of Medical Humanities, Creighton University Health Sciences Campus
Michael L. Zirulnik, Ph.D.
The Honorable Kate Gallego
Mayor of Phoenix
Dr. Lily McElwee
President & CEO Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations
Christina Mercado-Gonzalez
Chair of the Board, Global Ties Arizona
Thank You to our Young Diplomats Program Official Supporters
2024 Young Diplomats Summer Institute
2023 Young Diplomats Summer Institute
Day 1 | Diplomacy 101
Day 2 | Cross Cultural Understanding with NAU
Day 3 | Conflict Resolution & Peacebuilding
Day 4 | Sources of Information
Day 5 | Advocating for Arizona's Global Role & Certificate Ceremony