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Dear Friends,
We're almost at the peak (but not the end!) of fundraising season with our annual Consuls Reception on October 21. Perhaps you're familiar — we surely have been talking it up.
But what's the point? It's that you power our mission.
And that mission? Well, among many other programs, we are pioneering NextGen initiatives to help young people access international engagement. For example, we are thrilled that for the first time, this fall the WorldBoston group at the annual conference of the World Affairs Councils of America in Washington, D.C. will include two stars from our NextGen programs: Brian Moloney, an educator at Nipmuc Regional High School, coach of many Academic WorldQuest teams, and strong advocate for global education; and Savannah Lavigne, a past Green Room Scholar and Bridgewater State University student. Watch for their recaps of this must-do annual gathering of leading analysts, officials, and global leaders.
And, we also offer dozens of high-quality public programs free of charge to thousands in our community every year. This kind of engagement is critical to Boston's ongoing success as a “global city”, to quote from this week's highly relevant Chat & Chowder session. We know you agree: Enrollment popped 25% in 2024 and is set to grow even more this year.
You can learn about sponsorship, and new, enhanced benefits, here. Sponsorships are very accessible, starting at $1000. While program cuts do threaten our work, we are heartened to welcome new sponsors this year, and hope you will join in, too — anytime.
We hope to see you soon.
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Help WorldBoston bring the world to you!
As a non-profit organization, WorldBoston relies on community support to deliver our mission of fostering engagement in international affairs and cooperation between people of all nations.
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This month we bid farewell to WorldBoston Board Members Sanjay Aggarwal and Gita Rao. Sanjay joined the WorldBoston Board in 2023, and Gita joined the Board in July of 2025. Both have been active members of our community.
We wish Sanjay and Gita the best and thank them for their dedication to WorldBoston.
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WorldBoston's 16th Annual Consuls Reception
Tuesday, October 21st
5:00 – 7:00 PM
The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
The Consuls Reception is a festive gathering that honors the Consular Corps serving Boston and New England, and celebrates WorldBoston’s mission of international engagement and global cooperation. The Consuls Reception draws distinguished guests from business, government, academia and the community to mingle with other internationally-minded leaders over delicious light fare and drinks.
This year, the 16th Annual Consuls Reception will take place on October 21st, 2025. We’re honored to host Kendalle Burlin O'Connell, CEO and President of MassBio, who will offer remarks. And, we are thrilled to return the Consuls Reception to the beautiful Harborview Room on the 31st floor of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
Advance registration is required, and this event will likely sell out. We cannot accommodate walk-ins.
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With America 250 celebrations already underway and many more in the works for the semiquincentennial (it's a word!) in 2026, WorldBoston continues to connect international visitors to provide enriching cultural activities that teach visitors about our unique history and heritage. Numerous historical sites in Boston and across Massachusetts play a significant role in MA250 celebrations and are visited by hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
For example, visiting delegations frequently take guided tours on Boston’s iconic Freedom Trail— the 2.5-mile path leading to 16 nationally significant historic sites, each one an authentic treasure. It is a world-renowned, signature tourist experience attracting over 4 million people annually to visit Boston's sites spanning more than 250 years of history.
Each year, WorldBoston brings the Fulbright Visiting Scholars and their family members to Plymouth’s legendary Thanksgiving parade. This activity is designed to introduce the Scholars to America’s colonial history, the tradition of Thanksgiving, and different perspectives on the holiday that have existed throughout history. This outing highlights the role that Plymouth, which was founded by the Pilgrims who arrived in 1620 on the Mayflower, played in American colonial history. Scholars enjoy food and coffee while experiencing the annual celebration of Thanksgiving in Plymouth and the excitement of a small-town Thanksgiving parade replete with marching bands and floats that attract several thousand spectators.
Groups also frequently visit the Massachusetts State House for professional meetings with legislators and guided tours. Over 90,000 visitors walk through the halls of the Commonwealth's capitol building – the oldest in the nation – each year. On these guided tours, delegations learn about the rich history of the State House and the influential role of the Massachusetts Legislature in setting the foundations for American democracy.
WorldBoston is proud to connect international visitors to our shared heritage and celebrate the importance of our region and American history.
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Interested in customizing an international professional exchange with WorldBoston? Our expansive local network and expertise, built over half a century of hosting, ensure high-quality, tailored programming across Eastern Massachusetts that meets your delegation’s needs, from professional meetings and cultural activities to seamless logistics and accommodations. Come see our updated website page and contact our Manager of Citizen Diplomacy Programs, Justin Dynia (jdynia@worldboston.org), for more information.
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We welcome your thoughts and ideas for in-person visitors programming. If you have suggestions, please contact Vice President for Citizen Diplomacy, Sarah Sibley.
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Chat & Chowder with James O'Connell | Boston and the Making of a Global City
Wednesday, October 15th
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Foley & Lardner LLP
Join us for this installment of our popular Chat & Chowder series, featuring James O'Connell, Professor of City Planning & Urban Affairs at Boston University. Dr. O'Connell will discuss his new book, Boston and the Making of a Global City.
Chat & Chowder programs are an excellent opportunity to engage with expert speakers and to network with other globally-oriented participants in an informal environment. Each event features a presentation, audience Q&A, dedicated time for networking, and (of course!) a selection of chowders and beverages.
This program is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required.
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Chat & Chowder with Cass Sunstein | Climate Justice
Thursday, November 6th
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Foley & Lardner LLP
Join us for this installment of our popular Chat & Chowder series, featuring the Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard University, Dr. Cass R. Sunstein. Dr. Sunstein will discuss his new book, Climate Justice: What Rich Nations Owe the World — and the Future.
Chat & Chowder programs are an excellent opportunity to engage with expert speakers and to network with other globally-oriented participants in an informal environment. Each event features a presentation, audience Q&A, dedicated time for networking, and (of course!) a selection of chowders and beverages.
Advance registration is required. We cannot accommodate walk-ins for the in-person program.
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Great Decisions with Rana Mitter | U.S.-China Relations
Thursday, November 13th
6:00 – 7:30 PM
The NonProfit Center
Washington’s relations with Beijing have reached an ominous low ebb. Both American political parties have identified China as the country’s preeminent geopolitical challenger and, in the eyes of many, a systemic threat. What is driving this deterioration of Sino-American relations, and what are America’s strategic options in the face of Chinese power and ambition?
Join us for a timely discussion of this topic with Rana Mitter, ST Lee Chair in U.S.-Asia Relations at the Harvard Kennedy School. This program will feature an expert presentation, live audience Q&A, and time for networking and discussion with other globally-oriented participants.
This program is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required.
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Now more than ever, WorldBoston relies on the support of our community to fulfill our mission. Donors who contribute $25 – $999 are proudly recognized on our website as Community Supporters. (Donors of $1,000 and above are Sponsors and enjoy year-round benefits; learn more here!)
You can also donate to WorldBoston through a Donor Advised Fund!
And we want to thank our new community supporters: Ami Wright, Matthew Ryan, Mark Storella, Mark Libby, Dustin Hecker, Eugene Fullam. and Becca Gould.
We encourage you to contribute to WorldBoston to become a 2025 Community Supporter. Donors will receive this year's special pin to recognize their support!
Thank you all for donating to WorldBoston and helping make our mission possible!
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Asterisks indicate first-time sponsors to WorldBoston.
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Check your inbox every Friday for WorldBoston Recommends – our staff picks for high-quality programs and opportunities on global topics in the coming week.
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Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for updates!
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Wait, Did You Miss Something?
Check our News section for announcements and past newsletters.
And for the latest, be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram!
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WorldBoston is now on Bluesky!
@worldboston.bsky.social
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The International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State's premier professional exchange program and WorldBoston's main citizen diplomacy partner. Launched in 1940, the IVLP is a professional exchange program that seeks to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations through carefully designed short-term visits to the U.S. for current and emerging foreign leaders. These visits reflect the International Visitors' professional interests and support the foreign policy goals of the United States.
The U.S. Department of State's bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs administers the IVLP. In doing so, the bureau enters cooperative agreements with National Program Agencies, a group of private, not-for-profit organizations based in Washington, D.C., that design and implement national IVLP itineraries. In addition to the National Program Agencies, the IVLP relies on the commitment and skills of local community organizations across the U.S., known as Community Based Members (CBMs). Under the professional association of Global Ties U.S., local CBM members develop professional programs, arrange cultural activities, and provide home hospitality for international visitors.
WorldBoston is part of the Global Ties Network of more than 90 CBMs in 45 states.
WorldBoston is a member of the World Affairs Councils of America,
a network of more than 90 independent Councils in more than 40 states.
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