Dialogue With Diplomats 2025

What an inspiring morning at our Dialogue with Diplomats program, hosted in celebration of Earth Day and our collective commitment to a sustainable future!

The United Nations Association – Houston Chapter, in partnership with Houston Community College, welcomed a dynamic group of leaders, diplomats, and changemakers to the West Loop Campus to explore how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr. Rima Adil, President of UNA-Houston, opened the program, followed by a heartfelt welcome from Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher, Chancellor of HCC. Keynote speaker Dr. Sunny Zhang, founder of TrueLeap, delivered an insightful talk on the intersection of AI and sustainable impact, setting the tone for meaningful engagement.

Facilitated by Dr. Marie Caekebeke, UNA-Houston Board Member, the event featured interactive table discussions with members of the Houston Consular Corps. Each group examined selected SDGs, exchanged ideas, and shared innovative approaches for driving global progress.

We were honored by the participation of consular representatives from Germany, Indonesia, the Philippines, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Austria, Cyprus, and Ethiopia—reinforcing the global spirit of the day.

Program Co-Chairs Hon. Marty McVey and Hon. Dr. Bandula Wijay concluded the event with powerful closing remarks that underscored the importance of diplomacy, innovation, and international collaboration in achieving a more sustainable world.

A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors—Rupani Foundation and Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages—for making this impactful gathering possible.

Together, we are building bridges for global cooperation, sustainability, and a better tomorrow.