Since 1944, Global New Orleans has been at the heart of community diplomacy in our region. What began as a U.S. Department of State reception center to welcome international visitors has grown into a vibrant, locally-rooted organization that connects people across cultures and borders. Over the years, we've been known by different names-like the Council for International Visitors of Greater New Orleans and the New Orleans Citizen Diplomacy Council-but our mission has remained the same: to build understanding, cooperation, and friendships between New Orleans and the world.

For more than 80 years, we've welcomed international visitors on U.S. Department of State exchange programs to South Louisiana, creating space for shared learning, storytelling, and connection. Today, Global New Orleans continues to offer our community meaningful ways to explore world cultures and celebrate the global spirit that makes New Orleans so unique.