Global Knowledge. Stronger Governments. Better Local Outcomes.
The Global Subnational Diplomacy Council strengthens cities, states, regions, and other subnational governments so they can better serve their communities through effective global engagement.
Join GSDCWhat We Do
Build Knowledge
We advance the knowledge base for subnational diplomacy and connect research with the realities of governing.
Build Capacity
We strengthen the people and institutions responsible for international engagement through education, professional development, and applied learning.
Build Trusted Pathways
We connect governments directly with peers, experts, researchers, international institutions, and mission-aligned partners.
The Global Subnational Diplomacy Council is a nonpartisan institution strengthening local and regional governments’ capacity to better serve communities, expand opportunity, and help people live with dignity.
Learn MoreJoin the Council
GSDC brings together governments, practitioners, experts, and institutions committed to strengthening subnational diplomacy in service of communities.
Government Membership
For cities, states, provinces, regions, and other subnational governments seeking stronger international capacity, peer learning, and global engagement.
Explore Government Membership →Individual Membership
For accomplished and emerging practitioners, former public officials, researchers, academics, executives, and other professionals contributing to the field. Membership is selective and available by application or invitation.
Explore Individual Membership →Corporate Membership
For companies that want to contribute expertise, understand the priorities shaping subnational governments, and participate responsibly in the global conversation around cities, states, and regions.
Explore Corporate Membership →Leadership Circles
The Mayors Circle and Governors Circle provide trusted spaces for senior leaders to exchange experience, work through shared challenges, and learn directly from peers.
Explore the Leadership Circles →Strategic Initiatives
Where Stronger Subnational Leadership Can Make a Meaningful Difference
Democratic Resilience
Strengthening trusted, responsive, and effective democratic institutions closest to communities.
Emerging Technology
Helping governments understand emerging technologies, anticipate their impact, and prepare their institutions and communities for change.
Women's Leadership & Representation
Expanding pathways for women to lead, advance, and shape subnational diplomacy and global governance, with particular attention to historically underrepresented women.
Indigenous Leadership & Diplomacy
Strengthening opportunities for Indigenous leadership, governance experience, and knowledge to inform relevant subnational and global conversations.
Invest in Stronger Public Institutions
Your support helps governments access knowledge, strengthen institutions, develop future leaders, and connect communities to opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach.
GSDC is a fiscally sponsored project of Forward Global.