What's Next for Global Cooperation?
How can institutions work across traditional boundaries to respond more effectively to shared challenges?
The Global Bridgebuilders Gala
Where Global Leadership Meets What Comes Next
Wednesday, September 23, 20266:30 p.m.New York City
Hosted by the Global Subnational Diplomacy Council and Global Partners NYC during United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week.
Early bird through September 14, 2026 — individual tickets $1,500 · tables of ten $15,000
The Global Bridgebuilders Gala
An Evening for Global Leadership
During UN General Assembly High-Level Week, New York becomes the meeting place of the world.
The Global Bridgebuilders Gala brings together leaders from the diplomatic community, international institutions, national and subnational governments, global business, philanthropy, and civic life for an evening focused on the relationships, ideas, and partnerships shaping the next era of global cooperation.
The Gala combines a distinguished seated dinner, the Bridgebuilders Honors, and a forward-looking leadership conversation designed for meaningful engagement across sectors.
The evening recognizes individuals whose leadership demonstrates the power of building bridges across borders, institutions, markets, and communities.
Date & Time
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
New York City
Reception | 6:30 p.m.
Bridgebuilders Honors | 8:00 p.m.
“What's Next?”
A Global Leadership Fireside Conversation
The world is changing faster than the institutions created to govern it.
Geopolitical realignment, emerging technology, economic transformation, climate pressures, and shifting expectations of government are redefining how leaders must work together.
“What's Next?” brings together perspectives from international institutions, government, cities and regions, and business for a candid conversation about the next era of global leadership.
The Conversation
The conversation will explore:
What's Next for Cities and Regions?
How can mayors, governors, and regional leaders use global relationships to strengthen their economies, institutions, and communities?
What's Next for Business?
What role should private-sector leadership, investment, innovation, and economic diplomacy play in building stronger international partnerships?
What's Next for New York?
How can New York continue to serve as the place where diplomacy, business, capital, culture, and global leadership intersect?
Bridgebuilders Honors
Recognizing Leadership That Connects the World
The Bridgebuilders Honors recognize individuals whose careers demonstrate the enduring value of building relationships across borders, institutions, sectors, and communities.
The 2026 Gala will recognize distinguished leadership across international affairs, subnational government, economic diplomacy, business, philanthropy, and civic life.
2026 honorees will be announced shortly.
The Evening
A Distinctive Evening of Global Engagement
6:30 p.m.
Reception
Guests arrive for an opening reception ahead of the evening's program.
7:00 p.m.
Seated Dinner
A curated dinner bringing together leaders from across government, diplomacy, business, philanthropy, and civic life.
7:30 p.m.
“What's Next?” Fireside Conversation
A focused conversation on the relationships and leadership shaping the future of global cooperation.
8:00 p.m.
Bridgebuilders Honors
Recognition of the 2026 Bridgebuilders honorees.
8:45 p.m.
Closing Reflection
A brief closing moment to conclude the evening's program.
Who Will Be in the Room
A Carefully Curated UNGA Gathering
The Global Bridgebuilders Gala is designed as a carefully curated UNGA gathering bringing together leaders across:
- Diplomatic missions and international institutions
- National governments
- Cities, states, provinces, and regions
- Global business and finance
- Investment and economic development
- Technology and innovation
- Real estate and infrastructure
- Philanthropy
- Universities and think tanks
- Civil society
- Culture and media
The setting is intentionally designed to encourage substantive conversation and meaningful relationships across sectors.
Join Us
Access the Gala
Purchase Tickets
Secure your seat or table for The Global Bridgebuilders Gala. Tickets and tables may be purchased securely online by credit or debit card, subject to availability.
Individual ticket — $1,500
Table of ten — $15,000
Early bird rates through September 14, 2026. After that, tickets are $2,500 and tables are $25,000.
Invited Guest RSVP
This RSVP option is exclusively for invited guests. Please enter the invitation code included with your invitation to submit your RSVP. Submissions are reviewed and confirmed by the host committee.
- Opening reception
- Seated dinner
- Bridgebuilders Honors
- “What's Next?” fireside conversation
Sponsorship
The Global Bridgebuilders Gala offers institutions an opportunity to participate in a high-level platform during one of the most important weeks on the international calendar.
To discuss sponsorship and partnership opportunities, please contact us at info@globalnyc.org.
Contact Us About SponsorshipAbout the Hosts
Convened in Partnership
The Global Bridgebuilders Gala is presented during UN General Assembly High-Level Week by two organizations working to connect global leadership with local and regional impact.
Hosted By
Global Subnational Diplomacy Council
The Global Subnational Diplomacy Council strengthens the capacity and global engagement of mayors, governors, and other local and regional leaders. Through convening, professional development, research, knowledge exchange, and international partnerships, GSDC helps subnational leaders build stronger institutions and deliver greater impact for the communities they serve.
GSDC is a fiscally sponsored nonprofit project of Forward Global.
Learn more about GSDCGlobal Partners NYC
Global Partners NYC connects New York's business and institutional leadership with governments, international organizations, cities, and decision-makers from around the world.
Through high-level convening, international engagement, and strategic relationships, Global Partners NYC creates opportunities for collaboration, investment, economic development, and partnerships that strengthen New York's position as a global city.
Learn more about Global Partners NYCGlobal Leaders Come to New York. Global Bridgebuilders Shape What Comes Next.
The Global Bridgebuilders Gala · September 23, 2026 · New York City
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