Diplomacy is no longer confined to traditional government challenges. Increasingly, individuals in key sectors—scientists, artists, athletes, business leaders, governors, mayors, and more—are participating in the solutions that shape our global future. This modern approach is called Open Diplomacy - investing in leaders across to forge more resilient international partnerships, accelerate solutions to global challenges, and strengthen American leadership in today’s volatile world.
Open diplomacy refers to both formal and informal, nongovernmental interactions among individuals, networks, and institutions that seek to foster mutual understanding and collaborate on global challenges. Unlike traditional diplomacy, where there are typically bilateral and/or multilateral channels, Open Diplomacy's core framework centralizes leaders from business, science and technology, sports and culture, cities and states—leaders with fresh insights and real-world experience. By expanding the diplomatic ecosystem to include these dynamic voices, challenges are no longer left for a single government or organization to manage alone.
Open diplomacy is not confined to cultural exchange or soft power; it plays an increasingly strategic role in shaping how the world responds to complex challenges. It offers space for dialogue and collaboration that is often more flexible and imaginative than traditional diplomatic channels. By drawing in voices from across society, open diplomacy fosters the kinds of conversations that can surface new ideas, build trust, and help prevent conflict before it escalates.
It helps translate public insight into actionable policy and brings together those who are often left out of formal processes. Whether navigating the ethics of artificial intelligence or managing global health risks, this form of diplomacy expands who gets to participate in shaping the future and how. Ultimately, open diplomacy strengthens the international system not by replacing traditional diplomacy, but by complementing it.
Governments need diplomatic partners; the challenges are too complex, resources are stretched, and short-term global conflicts interfere with long-term strategies. And Open Diplomacy is an expansive, resilient way of approaching global problems, connecting leaders across borders, industries, and political parties to tackle the world’s toughest challenges. Think of it like open-source software or blockchain—decentralized, resilient, and designed to withstand political disruptions.
The 2026 FIFA Club World Cup is one example of open diplomacy in action. With 48 teams competing across three countries, it will bring together fans, players, media, and communities from around the world. Events like this are not just entertainment; they're powerful opportunities for cultural diplomacy. When people from different countries meet, cheer together, and share their cultures, it builds mutual understanding and breaks down stereotypes. Those positive interactions can lay the groundwork for stronger relationships between nations in the long term.
But open diplomacy doesn’t just happen at sports events. It’s also alive in places like the 2025 Geneva Science Diplomacy Week, where global leaders in science, policy, and international relations came together to discuss how emerging technologies will reshape global cooperation. By including both technical experts and diplomats, these conversations ensure that future technologies are guided by shared values, not just competitive interests.
The Private Sector
Multinational companies are no longer just economic players—they’re diplomatic ones too. Through transparent, socially responsible initiatives, businesses can build global trust and contribute to solving shared challenges. Corporate diplomacy allows companies to align their values with their actions and become key partners in international cooperation.
Artists and Athletes
Cultural and sports diplomacy are powerful forms of open diplomacy. Artists, musicians, and filmmakers foster connection through creativity, offering new spaces for dialogue that transcend politics. Athletes often act as national ambassadors, promoting teamwork, resilience, and unity on the global stage. From exhibitions and film festivals to World Cups and community sports programs, these efforts bring people together across borders.
Scientists and Technologists
Global problems demand global collaboration, and science leads the way. Whether it’s space or AI ethics, scientists and technologists work across borders, sharing knowledge and building trust. Open diplomacy thrives on this kind of transparent, cross-border cooperation.
City and State Leaders
Diplomacy isn’t just for national governments. Local and state leaders are forging international ties through city partnerships, sustainability initiatives, and cultural exchanges. Their work brings diplomacy closer to everyday people, making global engagement more inclusive and grounded in local realities.
Open diplomacy is not a replacement for traditional diplomacy, but it is a vital addition. Whether through sports, science, culture, or technology, individuals around the globe are already participating in international relations, sometimes without even realizing it.
In a time of political polarization and rising global tensions, open diplomacy offers a hopeful path forward. It invites us to see one another not just as citizens of different countries, but as fellow human beings with shared hopes, challenges, and dreams. It reminds us that the most powerful form of diplomacy is often not what happens in a conference room, but what happens when people come together to listen, understand, and connect.
