Climate change is a global issue that affects everyone, but its impacts are not felt equally. Vulnerable communities, including low-income households, indigenous people, and people of color, are disproportionately affected by the changing climate.

On August 21st and 22nd, the Vermont Council on World Affairs, in partnership with Global Ties U.S. and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, hosted the 2023 Diplomacy Begins Here Summit, Building an Inclusive Climate Movement at Hula Lakeside. This two-day event explored how an inclusive and global approach to climate change can help address these disparities and create a more sustainable future for all. We welcomed expert speakers who shared their insights and provided practical solutions that can be implemented at the community level.

This event also served as an opportunity for community members to deepen their understanding of U.S. foreign policy, public diplomacy, how to approach problems with a global lens, and how exchange programs, such as the International Visitor Leadership Program, play a role in each.

The Summit consisted of two days of programming:

Day 1: Summit - Open to the public
Day 2: Learning Lab for the Global Ties Network – this portion is closed to the public

Meet the Speakers

Agenda

FAQ

This Diplomacy Begins Here Regional Summit and Learning Lab was sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government, administered by Global Ties U.S., and implemented by Vermont Council on World Affairs.