The Young Diplomats Program empowers Arizona high school students with the knowledge and skills to succeed and lead in a globally interconnected world.

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.

Explore Global Careers

Gain Real-World Insights

Engage with Local Leaders

2025 Young Diplomats Summer Institute

Thirty-four students from across Greater Phoenix participated in the 2025 Young Diplomats Summer Institute, a week-long program designed to inspire the next generation of global leaders. Through interactive workshops, cultural exchanges, and collaborative activities led by local and international experts, participants explored real-world issues, developed leadership and cross-cultural communication skills, and connected with peers who shared their passion for global affairs. The program fostered a dynamic, supportive environment where students gained confidence, broadened their perspectives, and left with a renewed commitment to making a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

2025 Program Partner:

Themes & Topics:

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 & Global Ties AZ Board Member

Roy Nelson

Senior Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, Thunderbird School of Global Management

Michael L. Zirulnik, Ph.D.

Assistant Vice President for Phoenix Development & Associate Professor of Medical Humanities, Creighton University Health Sciences Campus

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 Official Supporters of the Young Diplomats Program:

2024 Young Diplomats Summer Institute