Cultural Exchange for Diplomats

08/26/2026

We can wait to see all our wonderful volunteers!

08/25/2026

Cultural Exchange for Diplomats (CED): Upcoming Programs

07/27/2026

07/22/2026

🌍 FUN FACT!
Did you know that Cultural Exchange for Diplomats (CED) has been welcoming diplomats to Washington, DC since 1961? For more than six decades, we've been creating opportunities for international friendships that last a lifetime.
Every connection begins with a warm welcome. We can't wait to welcome this year's newest diplomats!


https://www.culturalexchangefordiplomats.org

07/17/2026

✨ SAVE THE DATE! ✨
Our Volunteer Welcome Back Reception is almost here!
📅 Thursday, September 10, 2026
Join us as we celebrate the amazing volunteers whose dedication and kindness make our mission possible. We can't wait to welcome you back, reconnect, and begin another year of building friendships across cultures.
💙 Invitation to follow.

06/09/2026

NoVA Cultural Exchange Celebrated Mother's Day
Our end-of-season Mother’s Day Tea was the perfect way to wrap up the 2025–26 CED program year! The tea party was our way of honoring the remarkable mothers we cherish and celebrate. Volunteers and diplomats shared laughter, friendship, and plenty of special moments while enjoying a lovely time together. To make the day even more memorable, everyone took home souvenirs to remember this wonderful celebration.

06/09/2026

Experts Shared Secrets about the White House’s Architecture

The latest installment of the Architectural Salon Series brought together diplomats, CED members, and distinguished guests, for an engaging exploration of the White House. Presented by Tatyana Swift, AIA, and Elena Newland, PhD, the program traced the evolution of America’s most iconic building, examining its architectural development, historical transformations, and enduring symbolic significance. Through lively discussion, participants gained a deeper understanding of how the White House reflects the history, values, and aspirations of the nation. The evening concluded with thoughtful conversation and cultural exchange in the salon’s warm and intimate setting. The next Architectural Salon will take place on October 22, and will explore the magnificent Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building—its history, architecture, art, symbolism, and some of its lesser-known stories and treasures.
Program Chairs: Tatyana Swift and Elena Newland
Visit our website: https://www.culturalexchangefordiplomats.org/events/photos/experts-shared-secrets-about-the-white-houses-architecture

06/09/2026

CED Afternoon Tea Held for Ambassadors at Meridian House
On May 12, Cultural Exchange for Diplomats hosted a special tea for ambassadors at Meridian House in Washington, DC, bringing together distinguished members of the diplomatic and international community for an afternoon of cultural exchange, dialogue, and relationship building. The gathering welcomed 23 guests, including ambassadors, diplomatic spouses, senior embassy representatives, former US ambassadors, former foreign ambassadors, and cultural leaders Participating countries and diplomatic missions included Algeria, Armenia, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, Indonesia, Iraq, Kenya, Lebanon, Moldova, Pakistan, Singapore, and Türkiye. Twelve volunteers participated.

The purpose of the tea was to strengthen connections within the diplomatic community and to explore the opportunity to create an Advisory Board of ambassadors and ambassadors’ spouses. The afternoon featured discussions about future collaboration opportunities, and the evolving needs of today’s diplomatic corps. Guests also shared perspectives on how cultural programming, embassy engagement, and community partnerships can further strengthen international relationships in Washington.

A slideshow presentation showcased CED’s programs and cultural exchanges from the past year and cross-cultural activities offered. Several diplomats shared that they had not realized how engaging the cultural exchanges are. Guests expressed interest in supporting CED through embassy participation in future programs and events, as well as strengthening connections between CED and Washington cultural and civic leaders. Several participants saw value in bringing DC officials to future CED events to further encourage dialogue and collaboration. The event reflected the spirit of inclusion and dialogue that has guided CED for more than six decades.
Photos courtesy of Patricia McDougall.
To view additional photos from this event, visit our website https://www.culturalexchangefordiplomats.org/about/news/afternoon-tea-held-for-ambassadors-at-meridian-house

06/02/2026

CED Completed Program

Flower-Arranging Workshop Engaged Children in Glen Echo:
Eleven eager children, aged 6 to 12 years, created origami fans and butterflies to incorporate into Ikebana flower arrangements they created during CED’s two-hour workshop, using plant and natural materials, participating children learned basic skills and the concept of ikebana – oriental floral arranging. The program inculcated an appreciation of nature, creativity and composition, use of color combinations as well as Ikebana’s cultural background. For each arrangement, the containers were customized using origami paper folding technique. Twenty participated, including eleven diplomats from four embassies, along with nine guests and two volunteers. The instructor was Motoko Shimizu, an internationally certified Ikebana instructor.
Co-Director of Programs: Dorothy Hsiao

03/19/2026

Upcoming CED Event:

Exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery
Wednesday, March 25
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
(Washington, D.C.)
To register for upcoming events or programs, please log in to the Cultural Exchange for Diplomats account.