Over 60 years of handshakes

Our mission is to forge cultural, educational, and business relationships between the Greater Pittsburgh Region and the global community through citizen diplomacy.

What is Citizen Diplomacy?

Citizen diplomacy is the concept that an individual has the right, even the responsibility, to help shape U.S. foreign relations “one handshake at a time.” Everyday, people can bring countries and cultures together, contribute to peace and stability to the world, and connect us all as a global community. GlobalPittsburgh's programming encapsulates this idea by facilitating such dialogues right here in Pittsburgh which enriches both local and global communities.

Each professional meeting, homestay, and event organized by GlobalPittsburgh allows an exchange of ideas and perspectives, making citizen diplomats out of everyone involved.

Our History

GlobalPittsburgh was founded in 1959, then as the Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors (PCIV), in response to the rise in U.S. support for international programs post-WWII.

In 1961, the U.S. Department of State declared PCIV as the designated regional liaison for its International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), launching one of the organization's most fruitful partnerships continuing through today.

Other professional programs for international leaders visiting Pittsburgh that GP has managed over the years include the Congressional Office for International Leadership's Open World program, Fulbright, Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI), Young Leaders of the Americas (YLAI), Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), Saudi Young Leaders Exchange Program (SYLEP), Business for Russia, the Professional Fellows Program, and Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.

In addition to international professional exchanges, GP has also focused on community-building initiatives such as their Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards Ceremony, and homestays and home hospitality for international students and professionals. In 2009, PCIV changed their name to GlobalPittsburgh and is operating with this name today.
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Leadership

Nadya Kessler

Director
nkessler@globalpittsburgh.org

Axelle Sterkendries

International Business Analyst

2022 Impact

91

Countries
Represented

344

Visitors
Welcomed

> 400

Local Professionals
Engaged

> 6,200

Homestay Nights Arranged

> $630K

Infused into the
Local Economy

Pittsburgh
at a Glance

Pittsburgh is a Renaissance city which emerged from its steel industry-focused past into a rebirth through education, medicine, and innovation. Visitors are inspired by the city's leading research in medicine, artificial intelligence and robotics, its significant number of higher education institutions, its numerous green spaces and characteristic bridges over three rivers, and its strong presence of arts and culture through various theaters, music halls, and museums. Maybe the most impactful part of visitors' experience is the welcoming nature of Pittsburghers and their pride for their city, rooted deeply in the "Yinzer" culture. Due to natural divisions by rivers and hills, each neighborhood in Pittsburgh has developed a unique culture with endless places to explore in the city. For these and many other reasons, Pittsburgh has consistently been ranked as one of the "Most Liveable" cities in the United States. 

Watch our virtual tour of Pittsburgh below:
Welcome to Pittsburgh Video Screen

Pittsburgh at a Glance

Pittsburgh is a Renaissance city which emerged from its steel industry-focused past into a rebirth through education, medicine, and innovation. Visitors are inspired by the city's leading research in medicine, artificial intelligence and robotics, its significant number of higher education institutions, its numerous green spaces and characteristic bridges over three rivers, and its strong presence of arts and culture through various theaters, music halls, and museums. Maybe the most impactful part of visitors' experience is the welcoming nature of Pittsburghers and their pride for their city, rooted deeply in the "Yinzer" culture. Due to natural divisions by rivers and hills, each neighborhood in Pittsburgh has developed a unique culture with endless places to explore in the city. For these and many other reasons, Pittsburgh has consistently been ranked as one of the "Most Liveable" cities in the United States. 

Watch our virtual tour of Pittsburgh below:
Welcome to Pittsburgh Video Screen