International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles

Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue. It’s a global priority shaping diplomacy, business, and everyday life. 🔐

ICDLA was honored to welcome an incredible IVLP delegation to Los Angeles to explore cybersecurity innovation, cybercrime response, and international cooperation efforts shaping today’s digital world. 💻

Throughout their program, the international professionals explored U.S. approaches to cybercrime legislation, systems designed to support organizations and communities impacted by cyber threats, and global cybersecurity partnerships that are becoming increasingly important in our interconnected world. 🌐

And honestly, just look at the global representation in this exchange. ✨ The program brought together professionals from Algeria, Australia, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Brazil, Chile, Croatia, Djibouti, Estonia, Ghana, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, the Philippines, Poland, Thailand, Venezuela, and Vietnam. 🌎

That’s the power of ICDLA’s citizen diplomacy: bringing global leaders together to tackle challenges no country can solve alone. 🤝

ICDLA was honored to welcome our IVLP delegation from India 🇮🇳 for a behind-the-scenes look at the future of sports, technology, and global mega-events in Los Angeles. ⚽🚀

One of the highlights of their program was an incredible visit to BMO Stadium with Christian Lau, whose passion, expertise, and generosity made a lasting impression on the group. From cutting-edge crowd management systems and next-generation connectivity to cybersecurity 🔐 and seamless fan experiences, the conversation revealed the level of innovation powering one of Los Angeles’ most forward-thinking venues. 🏟️

But beyond the tech, what made the visit memorable was the energy, openness, and passion behind it. Leaders like Christian remind us that citizen diplomacy is built through real conversations, shared expertise, and people willing to open doors and exchange ideas across borders. 🌍🤝

We’re grateful to our resources, such as the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC)/ BMO Stadium team, for helping our visitors experience Los Angeles not just as spectators but from the inside out. ✨

Some evenings stay with you, and this was one of them! ✨

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible local partners, community leaders, and friends who joined us. You are the reason our international visitors are able to experience Los Angeles beyond the surface, through real conversations, personal insights, and genuine exchange. 🤝

We’re especially grateful to MudTown Farms and the Watts Labor Community Action Committee for welcoming us into such an inspiring, community-driven space. What’s growing there goes far beyond food - it’s opportunity, education, and a vision for a stronger, more connected future.🌱

This is exactly how global understanding deepens, not in big statements, but in shared tables, honest dialogue, and places that bring people together with purpose. 🌎

At ICDLA, we believe global connection starts right here at home, in our neighborhoods, our communities, and the spaces we choose to care for together. 🤝

From urban gardens and community farms in Los Angeles to international conversations on sustainability, Earth Day reminds us that small local actions can create global impact. 🌎

Today, we celebrate the people and organizations turning care for the planet into community, opportunity, and connection, because protecting our Earth connects us all, across borders. 🌱

It was a pleasure to be part of an engaging conversation on the future of hydrogen energy at Loyola Marymount University.

The conversation explored the future of hydrogen energy and its growing real-world applications. We’re grateful for the opportunity to join this dialogue and to connect with such a dynamic and diverse community of partners and innovators. 🌐

A special thank you to our members and friends who joined. We always appreciate seeing our community show up, connect, and contribute to these conversations. 💡

Looking forward to continuing the dialogue and strengthening these partnerships. 🤝

With thanks to our partner chambers and organizations, including: Swiss American Chamber of Commerce Southern California; Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West; GABA Southern California - German American Business Association; United States Mexico Chamber of Commerce California Regional Chapter; Czech Western US Chamber of Commerce; European Business Association LA; The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce - Los Angeles; The British American Business Council of Los Angeles (BABC-LA); IBES LMU; LMU Center for International Business Education.

Today, we reflect on leadership. Presidents’ Day honors the vision, courage, and service that have shaped the United States. 🇺🇸

It is also a reminder that leadership is rooted in civic engagement, dialogue, and a commitment to the greater good. 🤝

At ICDLA, we see leadership in action every day, in the international visitors who build bridges across cultures, in the community members who open their doors to our delegates, and in the partners who believe in the power of citizen diplomacy. 🌐

Happy Presidents’ Day from all of us at ICDLA. 🎉

Alumni Insights: From Los Angeles to South Punjab 🌏

When Filza Mumtaz arrived in Los Angeles as an IVLP participant, she didn’t just attend meetings. She reimagined what’s possible for her community back home. 💡

From conversations with local entrepreneurs to exploring innovation ecosystems in L.A., Filza discovered new ways to connect heritage, sustainability, and women-led enterprise. 🚀

Now, she’s turning inspiration into action. ✨

We’re proud to spotlight Filza’s journey in our February newsletter and how global exchange continues long after the program ends. 🌐

Read her full story in our latest Citizen Diplomacy News: 📰 https://conta.cc/4a5oH98

Black History Month is a time to celebrate excellence, resilience, and impact.



At ICDLA, our work is rooted in people-to-people exchange, and we are proud to recognize the Black voices and contributions which have shaped diplomacy, culture, leadership, and social change, both locally and globally.



This month, we honor history, amplify stories, and reaffirm our commitment to dialogue and mutual respect.

At ICDLA, our work is all about people, stories, and connection. 🤝So we gave our website and newsletter a fresh new look. ✨

Brighter. Simpler. Easier to explore. 💻

Take a peek at the new website https://www.icdla.org/ + our February newsletter https://conta.cc/4a5oH98 and let us know what you think.

We’d love to hear from you!

We loved starting 2026 together at ICDLA’s Open House! 🎉

Seeing our members, friends, and partners gathered in one room catching up and sharing stories, meant more than we can say. After a challenging year, those simple moments of connection reminded us why this work matters and how strong this community truly is. 🤝

Thank you to everyone who showed up for us and continues to support ICDLA and our mission to build understanding between cultures around the globe. Your encouragement, generosity, and belief in people-to-people exchange carried us through. 🌍

We’re stepping into 2026 with renewed energy and hope for brighter days ahead, filled with meaningful conversations, new friendships, and bridges built across borders. ✨