From May 18 to May 20, 2025, Foreign Policy for America hosted its annual Leadership Summit at the Hilton Washington DC National Mall – The Wharf, convening a dynamic coalition of diplomats, policymakers, and civic leaders to address the most pressing challenges in international affairs. Against the backdrop of a shifting global landscape, the summit underscored the importance of principled leadership and bipartisan dialogue in guiding the United States’ foreign policy.
The three-day gathering included a blend of plenary sessions, expert panels, and interactive workshops designed to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and grassroots advocacy. Attendees also engaged directly with members of Congress during the summit’s Capitol Hill day, advocating for a more just, strategic, and democratic U.S. role in world affairs.
Key Themes: Security, Climate, and Human Rights
The summit’s agenda reflected the multifaceted nature of today’s foreign policy environment. Participants explored topics ranging from great power competition and international security threats, to climate diplomacy, humanitarian crises, and digital authoritarianism.
One of the standout sessions featured a panel on “Redefining National Security,” which brought together experts from the Brookings Institution, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and former intelligence officials. The panel emphasized the need for a broader definition of national security—one that includes pandemic preparedness, climate resilience, and economic stability alongside traditional defense concerns.
Another prominent topic was climate change, framed not only as an environmental issue but also as a geopolitical and humanitarian threat. Experts discussed how rising sea levels, food insecurity, and forced migration are increasingly shaping global power dynamics and influencing diplomatic agendas.
Engaging the Next Generation of Foreign Policy Leaders
A central focus of the Leadership Summit was empowering the next generation of foreign policy thinkers and advocates. The summit offered specific programming for students and early-career professionals, including mentoring sessions and networking events with seasoned diplomats, ambassadors, and NGO leaders.
“We believe that informed and inclusive foreign policy starts with engaged citizens,” said Andrew Albertson, Executive Director of Foreign Policy for America. “This summit is about equipping advocates with the tools and access they need to help shape our nation’s direction on the global stage.”
Workshops on effective advocacy strategies, media engagement, and public diplomacy provided attendees with practical skills to amplify their voices in support of human rights, democracy, and multilateral cooperation.
Capitol Hill Day: Advocacy in Action
A hallmark of the summit was its Capitol Hill day, during which participants met with lawmakers and their staff to discuss key legislative priorities. Among the main issues raised were:
- Reaffirming U.S. commitments to NATO and other alliances
- Increasing humanitarian aid to regions affected by conflict and climate disasters
- Supporting congressional oversight of arms sales and foreign military assistance
- Promoting transparency and ethics in foreign lobbying
These conversations highlighted the critical role that civil society plays in holding policymakers accountable and ensuring that U.S. foreign policy reflects democratic values.
A Call for Principled Leadership
The Leadership Summit made clear that principled leadership—grounded in facts, diplomacy, and democratic ideals—is more essential than ever. In a time when isolationism and misinformation challenge public understanding of global affairs, the summit served as a rallying point for those committed to reestablishing America’s credibility and leadership on the world stage.
In closing remarks, keynote speakers including former Ambassador Susan Rice and retired Admiral James Stavridis called for unity and persistence in advocating for a foreign policy that prioritizes peace, security, and human dignity.
As global challenges grow more interconnected, Foreign Policy for America’s Leadership Summit reinforced the belief that informed and engaged citizens can—and must—help steer the United States toward a more ethical and effective international role.
