The San Diego World Affairs Council Presents
The Distinguished Speakers Series
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Location of Event:
UCSD Division of Extended Studies
8980 Villa La Jolla Drive
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About this Program:
This program, presented by Ben Moore, Chief Global Affairs Officer for the City of San Diego, will explore how cities are increasingly shaping global outcomes through subnational diplomacy. Ben will highlight San Diego’s international engagement strategy and Mayor Todd Gloria’s global priorities, including elevating the region’s international profile, expanding economic development, and strengthening cross-border collaboration—particularly as Mayor Gloria prepares to assume the presidency of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
The lecture will examine San Diego’s unique position at the U.S.–Mexico border and its partnership with Tijuana and the broader Cali–Baja region as a model of place-based diplomacy. Topics will include economic cooperation, infrastructure, workforce development, and environmental resilience, illustrating how cities can advance shared prosperity while addressing transboundary challenges.
Situating San Diego within the broader rise of subnational diplomacy, Ben will discuss how municipalities are stepping into leadership roles on issues such as climate action, migration, and inclusive growth—often moving faster and more pragmatically than national governments. The session will conclude with reflections on what San Diego’s approach offers other cities seeking to engage globally, and how city-led diplomacy provides a practical pathway for navigating today’s complex global moment.
About the Speaker:
Ben Moore
Chief Global Affairs Officer
Office of the Mayor | City of San Diego
Ben Moore serves as Chief Global Affairs Officer for the City of San Diego, where he supports the Mayor’s international engagement priorities, including: elevating San Diego’s global status, expanding economic development and embracing global initiatives. Ben recently completed an 18-year career as a Senior Supervisory Foreign Affairs Officer with the U.S. Department of State, culminating in his selection to launch and lead State’s pioneering subnational diplomacy program in San Diego. Prior to this, Ben served as Division Chief covering all U.S. foreign assistance in the Middle East. Ben also served as the Political Unit Chief in the Office of Israel and Palestinian Affairs, as well as a Stabilization Operations Officer in the Bureau for Conflict and Stabilization Operations where he supported the Syrian opposition from roles in Turkey, Jordan and Washington, DC. Ben has worked in State Department offices in Los Angeles and New York City; for the United Nations in Jordan and Haiti; and with NGOs in the West Bank & Gaza, Zambia and Burma, primarily focused on relief projects, peacebuilding, and conflict analysis. Ben is a Boren Fellow for Arabic study and holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles.
