City of San Diego to Host International Affairs Board Forum on ‘The Power of Partnerships’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, Oct 29, 2025

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SAN DIEGO - The City of San Diego's International Affairs Board will host a forum on Thursday to bring together international diplomats, regional leaders, and global experts to explore how partnerships across borders strengthen San Diego's competitiveness, identity, and leadership on the world stage.

The 2025 International Affairs Board Annual Forum: The Power of Partnerships, will feature keynote remarks from Mayor Todd Gloria, highlighting his efforts to elevate the City's profile on the global stage to benefit all San Diegans. Mayor Gloria will also reflect on the City's leadership in promoting pragmatic, partnership-driven global engagement - aligned to enduring American values of collaboration, innovation, and progress.

Mayor Gloria will be joined by a panel of San Diego's top regional thinkers and doers representing academia, business, and civic life, who will share insights on how global partnerships drive opportunity and growth for San Diegans.

"While national politics can often feel strained, San Diego continues to demonstrate a model of global leadership rooted in pragmatism and partnership," said Mayor Todd Gloria. "Our City's ability to work across borders and cultures reflects the best of American values - and it's paying dividends for San Diegans as we grow our economy, attract investment, and strengthen our global identity."

Prior to the forum, members of the Southern California-based diplomatic corps will take part in VIP tours at Cross Border Xpress and the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, showcasing two of the region's unique cross-border and international strengths.

The Forum will also welcome a delegation from Germany's leading think tank, Atlantik-Brücke, led by former Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, who will be in San Diego to explore opportunities for collaboration in the areas of economic development and defense innovation.

"San Diego's global reach is one of our greatest assets - and it's built on the power of partnership," said Hampton Brown, chair of the City of San Diego's International Affairs Board. "From our airport to our port, our universities to our innovation economy, San Diego thrives because we engage globally and act collaboratively. The IAB Annual Forum is an opportunity to celebrate that spirit and continue charting a course for globally minded growth."

The IAB Annual Forum serves as a platform for civic and global engagement, offering an opportunity to explore how international collaboration benefits local communities - from economic growth and education to sustainability and cultural exchange. As San Diego's global profile continues to rise, events like this underscore the City's commitment to building partnerships that deliver real results for residents.

The 2025 IAB Forum is sponsored by Cross Border Xpress, the Port of San Diego, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. It takes place on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd.

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