Global Ties Miami

Home
United States
Coral Gables, FL
Global Ties Miami

Global Ties Miami - Bringing the World to You Global Ties Miami, a member supported 501(c)(3), plays a unique role in international relations.

We connect rising global leaders, invited by the U.S. Department of State and other organizations, with their counterparts in South Florida. These meetings where people exchange ideas, information and experience ultimately provides a more complete and nuanced view of the other’s perspective. It’s a valuable and important way to build stronger international ties. This is citizen diplomacy.

10/07/2026

The “Freedom 250: Cultural Heritage Preservation and Celebration” delegation concluded their Miami program with a visit to the Deering Estate, exploring how historic preservation, archaeology, and environmental conservation contribute to protecting and sharing South Florida’s heritage.

During a discussion and tour, representatives from the Deering Estate, Miami-Dade Office of Historic Preservation, and Florida Public Archaeology Network shared how partnerships between cultural organizations, researchers, and public agencies help preserve historic sites, artifacts, and landscapes.

Participants also explored the Estate’s unique role as both a cultural and environmental preserve and visited the special exhibition Family History is America’s Story, commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary through personal and shared histories.

Thank you to Tamara Macdonald, Jeff Ransom, Dianely Cabrera, the Deering Estate, Miami-Dade Office of Historic Preservation, and Florida Public Archaeology Network for sharing their expertise and showcasing the importance of preserving cultural and natural heritage. And special thank you to Ana Rojas for her support in coordinating the visit and helping make this meaningful exchange possible.

10/05/2026

The “Freedom 250: Cultural Heritage Preservation and Celebration” delegation met with Jonathan Zwibel, Professor at the University of Miami School of Law, for a discussion on the intersection of law, trade, and cultural heritage protection. Drawing on his experience with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Professor Zwibel shared insights into customs procedures, legal tools, and enforcement approaches used to address the movement of cultural property and antiquities across borders.

The conversation examined the complexities of cultural property regulation, including ethical repatriation practices, international cooperation, and the challenges of preventing the illicit trafficking of cultural goods.

Thank you to Professor Zwibel for sharing valuable insight into the legal mechanisms that help protect cultural heritage in an increasingly interconnected world.

10/02/2026

The “Freedom 250: Cultural Heritage Preservation and Celebration” delegation visited the Museum of Miami for a tour and discussion on the preservation and interpretation of South Florida’s cultural and historical heritage. Participants learned how the museum uses collections, exhibitions, community outreach, and institutional partnerships to share the region’s diverse history and engage the public.

The visit included an exploration of the museum’s permanent exhibition, Tropical Dreams: A People’s History of South Florida, as well as the Freedom Plane National Tour, a traveling exhibition featuring founding-era documents from the National Archives. The session highlighted the role of museums in preserving cultural property, expanding public access to history, and fostering community connections.

Thank you to Mr. Knoll and the Museum of Miami team for welcoming the delegation and providing insight into the museum’s work in cultural preservation, education, and heritage interpretation.

09/25/2026

Next, the “Freedom 250: Cultural Heritage Preservation and Celebration” delegation met with Dade Heritage Trust to learn about the organization’s efforts to preserve Miami-Dade County’s architectural, environmental, and cultural heritage. The discussion focused on preservation strategies, community education initiatives, and advocacy efforts to protect historic sites while navigating the challenges of growth and redevelopment. Participants gained insight into how Dade Heritage Trust documents historic resources, engages the public, and works with community partners to promote responsible preservation and awareness of South Florida’s unique heritage.

Thank you to Lucia Meneses for sharing her expertise and highlighting the importance of community-driven preservation efforts.

09/24/2026

For our next program, Global Ties Miami welcomed 5 international leaders to South Florida to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary by highlighting American innovation in cultural heritage preservation. This program emphasizes U.S. leadership in protecting history, combating the trafficking of conflict antiquities, and strengthening global stability through law enforcement, education, and cross-sector partnerships.

For their first meeting, the delegation traveled to South Beach to meet with Meg Lousteau, Executive Director of the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL), for a discussion on historic preservation and community engagement. Participants learned how MDPL helped secure the designation of the Miami Beach Architectural Historic District as the first 20th-century district listed on the National Register of Historic Places and explored the organization's role in advocating for preservation through local, state, and national policy. The session concluded with a walking tour of the Art Deco Historic District, led by Julie Fornary, where delegates examined preservation efforts firsthand and discussed how community involvement, public policy, and advocacy work together to protect Miami Beach's architectural and cultural heritage.

Thank you to Meg Lousteau, Julie Fornary, and the Miami Design Preservation League for sharing their expertise and for leading an engaging tour of one of Miami Beach's most iconic historic districts.

09/21/2026

For their last meeting, the “International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA) and Safe Return Judicial Process in the United States” delegation met with Tim Arcaro, Attorney and Professor at Arcaro Law Group, for a discussion on international parental child abduction, cross-border family law, and efforts to strengthen legal responses to these complex cases. Drawing on his experience in family and international law, Professor Arcaro shared insights into parental reunification efforts, the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, and the importance of international cooperation in protecting children and supporting families.

The conversation explored the legal challenges involved in resolving international custody disputes and the role of attorneys, foreign counsel, government agencies, and other stakeholders in facilitating safe returns and reunification.

Thank you to Tim Arcaro for sharing his expertise and perspectives on advancing international cooperation and child protection in cross-border family law matters.

09/18/2026

For their next meeting, the "International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA) and Safe Return Judicial Process in the United States” delegation met with Michelle Littleton, a left-behind parent advocate, for a deeply personal discussion on the realities of international parental child abduction. Drawing from her own experience, Michelle shared the steps she took to pursue reunification with her children, highlighting the legal, emotional, and practical challenges families face throughout the process.

The conversation also explored her ongoing advocacy efforts to raise awareness of international parental child abduction, strengthen prevention initiatives, and improve support systems for affected families. Participants gained valuable insight into the human impact of Hague Convention cases and the importance of collaboration among governments, legal professionals, and advocacy organizations.

Thank you to Michelle Littleton for courageously sharing her story and for her continued dedication to supporting families affected by international parental child abduction.

09/16/2026

For our next program, Global Ties Miami welcomed a delegation of 10 experts from Poland for a project on “International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA) and Safe Return Judicial Process in the United States.” Participants engaged with U.S. legal and judicial professionals to learn about family court processes, child custody and welfare, and approaches to cross-border cooperation and case resolution.

For their first engagement, the delegation visited 17th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida to observe a live court hearing before Judge Jose Izquierdo. Following the hearing, Judge Izquierdo discussed how cases under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction are identified, filed, and managed within the court system, as well as the judiciary’s role in protecting children’s best interests while meeting international legal obligations.

Thank you to Judge Jose Izquierdo and the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida for welcoming the delegation and providing valuable insight into Florida’s family court system and its approach to international child abduction cases.

09/14/2026

For their final meeting, the “Strengthening Mechanisms for Combatting Trafficking in Persons” delegation attended a panel discussion with the Broward Human Trafficking Coalition, bringing together representatives from law enforcement, the legal system, and direct service organizations. The session explored how coordinated partnerships across sectors help strengthen prevention efforts, improve identification of trafficking cases, and expand access to support services for affected individuals.

Panelists shared perspectives on how ongoing collaboration and information-sharing among community stakeholders contribute to a more integrated and responsive approach to combating human trafficking. The discussion highlighted the value of aligning legal, enforcement, and social service frameworks to support both prevention and survivor assistance.

Thank you to the Jumorrow Poitier, the Broward State Attorney's Office - 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida, Broward Human Trafficking Coalition and all panel participants for their time and for contributing to this important exchange on cross-sector collaboration. A special thank you to the Nancy J. Cotterman Center for hosting our meeting.

09/11/2026

Next, the delegation met with Dr. JoNell Efantis Potter, Founding Director of the THRIVE Program at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine along with clinic staff, as well as Victor Williams, Founder and President of Quest2Freedom, for a discussion on trauma-informed care for survivors of human trafficking. The session provided an overview of how the clinic integrates medical services, behavioral health support, and advocacy within a coordinated care framework.

The conversation also highlighted collaboration with law enforcement, shelters, and community organizations to support continuity of care from crisis response through long-term recovery. Participants gained insight into how interdisciplinary teams work together to address the complex needs of survivors in a clinical setting focused on healing and recovery.

Thank you to Dr. JoNell Efantis Potter, the THRIVE Clinic team, and Victor for their time and for sharing their perspectives on collaborative, patient-centered care for vulnerable populations.�

Address

2850 S. Douglas Road, Suite 201
Coral Gables, FL
33134

Telephone

+13054216344

Website

http://www.globaltiesmiami.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Global Ties Miami posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Global Ties Miami:

Want your organization to be the top-listed non profit organization in Coral Gables?