Passport To Diplomacy
About this Event
This collaborative event brings together the San Diego World Affairs Council (SDWAC), San Diego Diplomacy Council (SDDC), and House of Pacific Relations International Cottages for an immersive afternoon of discovery, dialogue, and global connection in the heart of Balboa Park.
More than a cultural festival, Passport to Diplomacy celebrates San Diego’s extraordinary international character and demonstrates how diplomacy extends beyond governments. Through conversation, cultural exchange, education, and shared experiences, the event encourages every attendee to become a citizen diplomat and contribute to a more peaceful, connected, and globally engaged community.
The Passport Program
A signature feature of the event is the Passport Program, a San Diego World Affairs Council tradition that encourages attendees to experience the rich cultural diversity represented by the International Cottages.
Upon check-in, all pre-registered participants will receive an official event passport. Guests are invited to visit the participating cottages, meet cultural ambassadors, learn about countries from around the world, and collect a unique passport stamp from each participating nation.
Visitors who complete their passport by collecting stamps from every participating cottage may submit it for entry into an opportunity drawing for a $500 airfare gift card, generously sponsored by Bright Light Volunteers International.
The drawing will take place at 4:30 PM. Be sure to complete and submit your passport before the drawing to be eligible.
Exhibits, Activities, and Performances
Throughout the afternoon, attendees can enjoy:
- Interactive exhibits hosted by the International Cottages and globally focused organizations
- Live cultural performances celebrating music, dance, and traditions from around the world
- Educational displays presented by universities, nonprofits, exchange organizations, and international partners
- Family-friendly activities designed to engage visitors of all ages
- Networking opportunities with internationally minded professionals, educators, students, and community leaders
- Informal conversations with diplomats and foreign affairs professionals
Chat with Diplomats | 3:00–4:00 PM
Visit the Diplomatic Tent for informal conversations with former diplomats and international affairs professionals. Guests are encouraged to ask questions about diplomatic service, international development, international careers, and current global issues.
Julia Rauner Guerrero
Julia developed her extensive international business expertise through 35 years of leadership with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s U.S. Foreign Commercial Service. She led diverse, cross-cultural teams at U.S. embassies and through worldwide industry initiatives across the United States, Europe, Latin America, and Africa.
Now retired in her hometown of San Diego, Julia volunteers with immigration and environmental organizations and serves on the San Diego Diplomacy Council Advisory Board.
Christopher Nyce
Chris is Director of Economic Competitiveness at the Institute of the Americas and previously served as the Institute’s Diplomatic Fellow. During more than 20 years as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer, he held leadership roles across Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe.
Most recently, Chris served as the first Climate Officer at the U.S. Mission to the African Union, where he led U.S.–Africa climate cooperation initiatives. A San Diego native, he also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Uganda and worked with the U.S. Forest Service.
Dennis Wesner
Dennis is a Senior Advisor specializing in partnerships, organizational change, and private-sector participation in foreign assistance. During nearly 16 years as a Foreign Service Private Enterprise Officer with the U.S. Agency for International Development, he directed programs and cross-sectoral teams across seven overseas missions and USAID/Washington.
His assignments included leadership roles in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, Sri Lanka, Rwanda, Timor-Leste, Albania, and Afghanistan. Dennis began his international development career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in North Macedonia.
Performance and Program Schedule
- 1:15 PM: Welcome remarks by Juan Carlos Rivas, International Affairs Board, City of San Diego
- 1:45 PM: The San Diego Beamers Band — 65-minute performance
- 3:10 PM: Elizabeth Grub — 10-minute performance
- 3:20 PM: Martin Crespo — 10-minute performance
- 3:30 PM: Vydelka — 30-minute performance
- 4:30 PM: Opportunity drawing for the $500 airfare gift card
Please note that Chat with Diplomats will take place in the Diplomatic Tent from 3:00–4:00 PM, concurrently with the cultural performances.
What to Bring
- A water bottle
- A lawn chair or blanket if you would like to relax on the lawn and enjoy the performances
Location and Parking
The event will take place at the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages in Balboa Park, near the Hall of Nations.
Address:
2191 Pan American West Road
San Diego, CA 92101
Parking Options
- Palisades Lot — Closest option: Free for verified City of San Diego residents; $10 per day for non-residents.
- Organ Pavilion Lot — Nearby premium lot:
- Residents: $5 for up to four hours or $8 for the full day
- Non-residents: $10 for up to four hours or $16 for the full day
- Lower Inspiration Point Lot: Free parking for everyone for the first three hours. A free Balboa Park shuttle is also available.
View the City’s complete Balboa Park parking map and information.
Registration
Participation in Passport to Diplomacy is free, but advance registration is required.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Bright Light Volunteers' mission is to make the world a brighter place by providing educational service opportunities that cultivate compassionate global citizens, ethical leaders, and lifelong changemakers. Their generous sponsorship reinforces the shared belief that meaningful international experiences build understanding, strengthen communities, and inspire service.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
