FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2024
San Diego, CA – The San Diego Diplomacy Council (SDDC) is proud to announce the release of its 2024 Fiscal Year Annual Report. This document highlights the profound impact of SDDC’s programs in fostering international understanding, cultural exchange, and citizen diplomacy. Over the past year, the organization has been celebrating their 45th anniversary of connecting San Diego to the world. SDDC has achieved some remarkable milestones during this outstanding year and has strengthened San Diego’s role as one to watch on the global stage.
The report offers a comprehensive look at San Diego Diplomacy Council’s accomplishments, showcasing inspiring stories and impressive program metrics, alongside a vision for future growth.
- SDDC hosted 673 visitors from 124 countries, through 56 programs in 2024 and led three outbound programs to Romania, Panama, and Mexico.
- “Participating in the exchange program Sports for Social Change was a transformative experience for me,” says Sports for Social Change program alumni, Erika Garnier with Motivation Romania. “I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the San Diego Diplomacy Council team for the incredible opportunity to participate in this exchange program… Every detail, from the selection of activities and speakers to the event logistics, was managed with great care and a remarkable commitment.”
- In 2024, SDDC programs directly added over $2.5 million in revenue to the San Diego economy. Research from Global Ties U.S., the Washington DC-based nonprofit network of which San Diego Diplomacy Council is a contributing member, shows an 11:1 return on investment in U.S. communities through international exchange programs.
“Our Annual Report reflects the heart of the San Diego Diplomacy Council’s mission – to connect people and improve the world,” says Executive Director, Heidi Knuff. “Through the diligent work of our team and the generosity of our supporters, we have seen time and again how our programs create lasting personal and professional relationships that shift mindsets, build peace, and benefit San Diego and the world.”
Among the many achievements featured in the report is SDDC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, as seen in programs like the SDDC Binational Youth Summit. A one-day event for high school students and educators from the Cali-Baja megaregion, SDDC convened over 220 future changemakers to engage in international affairs and diplomacy. “It was imperative that we removed as many barriers to participation as possible, to ensure that all students felt welcome and confident to participate in the SDDC Binational Youth Summit,” say Senior Manager of Community Engagement, Lulu Bonning. “Not only was the Summit free of charge, but all materials and sessions were offered in both English and Spanish.”
The full report is now available for download on the San Diego Diplomacy Council website: https://sandiegodiplomacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/SDDC-Annual-Report-2024.pdf
SDDC is grateful for the many partner organizations who fund, support, and help implement the work that they do in citizen diplomacy. With over 25 current partner organizations that they work with, SDDC recognizes that citizen diplomacy is only as effective as its stewards. The organization is always looking for more partners to support their work. Recently, UC San Diego Global Initiatives joined as a partner organization, through a sponsorship of the Diplomacy Council’s upcoming fundraiser event.
San Diego Diplomacy Council invites community members, supporters, and the media to explore the report and learn more about how they can join in supporting its mission.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
Lulu Bonning
Senior Manager, Community Engagement
San Diego Diplomacy Council
lulu@sandiegodiplomacy.org
About the San Diego Diplomacy Council
The San Diego Diplomacy Council creates inclusive professional, cultural, and educational experiences that connect local and global changemakers, fostering convergence in a divergent world. For over 45 years, SDDC has worked to foster global understanding and build relationships that promote peace, collaboration, and cultural exchange.
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