About
About GSDC
The Global Subnational Diplomacy Council is a nonpartisan institution advancing the theory and practice of subnational diplomacy.
We believe every person deserves capable public institutions and the opportunity to live with dignity.
GSDC strengthens the ability of subnational governments to use international knowledge, relationships, and cooperation to better serve their communities.
Our Mission
Strengthening Governments in Service of the People They Serve
To strengthen subnational governments so they can solve challenges, expand opportunity, and improve the lives of the people they serve through effective global engagement.
Our Vision
Capable Leadership. Meaningful Cooperation. Human Dignity.
A world in which every community benefits from capable subnational leadership, meaningful global cooperation, and public institutions that help people live with dignity.
What Guides Us
How We Work
Public Purpose
People and communities are the ultimate beneficiaries of our work.
Local Agency
Subnational governments should speak for themselves, contribute their expertise, and help shape the global conversations that affect their communities.
Access
Global knowledge and opportunity should not be limited to the wealthiest or most internationally connected jurisdictions.
Practice
Our work reflects the realities of governing and the experience of people who understand public institutions from the inside.
Evidence
We connect research, practitioner knowledge, and implementation.
Collaboration
We partner where expertise already exists and focus GSDC where we can add distinct value.
Nonpartisanship
We work across political and ideological differences in service of effective public institutions.
Fiscal Sponsorship
Our Institutional Status
The Global Subnational Diplomacy Council is a fiscally sponsored project of Forward Global.