Coffee & Conversation: Global Dialogues on Governance, Law Enforcement, and the Arts
This summer, the World Affairs Council – Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky proudly hosted three dynamic delegations through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) as part of our invite-only Coffee & Conversations. These private gatherings brought international leaders and local changemakers together to discuss key global challenges and solutions in an open, informal setting.
May 29 | Transparency and Accountability in Governance
We welcomed 12 international leaders representing Georgia, Belize, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Montenegro, Poland, North Macedonia, Morocco, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Tunisia, and Uganda.
These visitors, ranging from public officials to civil society leaders, explored how democratic institutions, media, and citizens can work together to promote open governance and ethical leadership.
Project Objectives:
- Enhance understanding of ethical systems for accountability and transparency in the U.S.
- Explore the role of citizens, media, academia, and civil society in promoting good governance.
- Examine the economic impact of transparency on trade and investment.
- Address global strategies to strengthen government integrity.
June 19 | Leadership in Law Enforcement
This Coffee & Conversation featured seven professionals with expertise in public safety, counterterrorism, corrections, and community policing. Delegates joined us from Australia, Estonia, Germany, Philippines, Liberia, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia.
These leaders engaged in thoughtful discussion with local stakeholders on modern policing strategies and community-driven public safety initiatives.
Project Objectives:
- Examine the relationship between law enforcement practices and crime prevention.
- Observe rural and urban policing models.
- Explore how communities plan for public safety, communicate with diverse populations, and engage volunteers.
Local Engagements Included:
- Citizens Complaint Authority
- Metropolitan Area Religious Coalition of Cincinnati
- Cincinnati Police Department
- Cincinnati Police Training Academy
- Cultural experiences: Cincinnati Reds game and a hospitality dinner with local volunteer families.
June 27 | Economic Development through the Arts
We hosted a vibrant 14-member delegation of mid-level professionals focused on the intersection of the arts and economic development. The delegation included actors, producers, festival managers, arts administrators, and visual artists from: Algeria, Angola, Eswatini, Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa.
This delegation highlighted the role of the creative economy in revitalizing communities, generating jobs, and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Project Objectives:
- Understand U.S. cultural policy and how the arts are supported at all levels of government.
- Examine intellectual property rights and their importance in fostering a creative economy.
- Explore the role of partnerships—public, private, and nonprofit—in arts ecosystem development.
- Review trends in arts management, marketing, distribution, and promotion.
- Assess the impact of arts and culture on tourism, job creation, and local economic growth.
Local Site Visits Included:
- Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation
- 21C Museum Hotels
- Visionaries + Voices
- CincyPlay
- Wyoming Arts Center
- Cincinnati Urban Appalachian Community Coalition
Building Global Understanding, One Conversation at a Time
At the World Affairs Council – Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky, our mission is to connect our region with the world. Through IVLP Coffee & Conversation events, we foster meaningful relationships that deepen international understanding and showcase the power of community engagement.
We extend our sincere thanks to our local partners, volunteers, and attendees for their generous hospitality and global-minded spirit. Stay tuned for future delegations and opportunities to take part in this powerful citizen diplomacy program.
