International delegates visit U of A Scottsdale Center for roundtable on U.S. foreign policy

Global Ties Arizona and the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations hosted a roundtable discussion with visiting delegates participating in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program on Feb. 14, which is also Arizona Statehood Day. 

Held at the U of A Scottsdale Center, the group of 20 included eight international journalists and communications professionals as well as board members of Global Ties Arizona (including U of A alumni Christina Mercado-Gonzalez and Barry Wong). 

Participants shared their perspectives on U.S. foreign policy and Arizona’s role in global affairs. Visiting delegates represented media outlets in Austria, Denmark, Italy, Latvia and the United Kingdom. 

Following the roundtable discussion, delegates had a virtual session with U of A researcher Sharon Megdal, director of the University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center, to discuss global water issues.

The International Visitor Leadership Program is a premier professional exchange initiative designed to foster mutual understanding and strengthen relationships between the U.S. and current and emerging leaders from around the world. Global Ties Arizona implements the program for central and northern Arizona, working closely with community partners to create tailored agendas that align with the visiting delegation’s areas of interest and expertise.