Utah Global Diplomacy and Global Ties U.S., in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, will convene national and local leaders in security and technology for the Diplomacy Begins Here Regional Summit, held at the Little America Hotel on July 18, 2025.
In an era where national security is deeply intertwined with technological advancement, this summit will examine how diplomacy—particularly citizen diplomacy and international exchange programs—plays a critical role in fostering a safer, stronger, and more prosperous United States.
“Global Ties U.S. is excited to partner with Utah Global Diplomacy to host this timely discussion regarding our country’s national security and economy, ” said Katherine A. Brown, Ph.D., President & CEO of Global Ties U.S. “U.S. citizens and communities play a vital role in advancing our nation’s technological innovation. This regional summit is a natural extension of our shared mission to expand global dialogue around critical issues and support U.S. foreign policy through citizen diplomacy.”
Summit topics include:
- Tech and Security for the 2034 Winter Olympics
- Biotechnology and Security
- Anticipatory Intelligence
- Security in the Middle East
- Cybersecurity and AI’s Role in the Future
- The Geopolitics of Low-Earth Orbit
- Advancing Next-Generation Civil Nuclear Energy
- The Rise of Robotics
The morning keynote address will focus on Utah’s preparation to host the 2034 Winter Olympics and the intersection of technology and sports diplomacy. The global spotlight will shine not only on athletic excellence but also on digital infrastructure, international cooperation, and cybersecurity. Tech diplomacy will play a critical role in securing large-scale global events through collaboration on cyber defense, data protection, and crisis response. From protecting athlete data to preventing cyberattacks that could disrupt transportation, communications, or public safety, cybersecurity is increasingly viewed as a form of peacebuilding. By engaging scientists, engineers, diplomats, and policymakers, tech diplomacy ensures that the Games serve not only as a symbol of unity in sport, but also as a model for global cooperation, trust-building, and digital peace.
The afternoon keynote address will explore the complex security challenges in the Middle East. Leaders from the Quincy Institute’s Better Order Project will discuss how the Administration’s willingness to rethink the U.S. approach to the region may contribute to a more resilient and inclusive regional security architecture. In collaboration with U.S. and international partners, Middle Eastern nations can assume greater responsibility for their own security through peacebuilding and multilateral reform.
“As the State of Utah prepares to welcome the world for the 2034 Winter Olympics, we are honored to convene the nation’s top leaders along with local business, academic, and government officials around topics essential to global security and prosperity,” said Felecia Maxfield-Barrett, President & CEO of Utah Global Diplomacy. “Utah continues to lead on the global stage, and this summit will provide Utahns with the knowledge and experience to become even more impactful citizen diplomats.”
The Diplomacy Begins Here Regional Summit is open to the public, but registration is required. Register online at www.utahglobaldiplomacy.org by July 11, 2025, or until capacity is reached.
