Editor’s note: This article is provided by the Atlanta Global Studies Center (AGSC) leadership team through its partnership with Global Atlanta.
Global challenges are no longer distant. They shape our Atlanta classrooms, workplaces and communities every day.
To discuss ways in which the city can sustain its global edge, the Atlanta Global Studies Center (AGSC) invites the Atlanta community to participate in the 2026 Atlanta Global Studies Symposium on Thurs., April 9.
Taking place at the Historic Academy of Medicine at the Georgia Institute of Technology, the event will be an opportunity for participants to help shape the future of global studies in our city and beyond.
A Critical Moment
The April 9 symposium convenes at an opportune moment, when funding pressures for international education make this a pivotal time for centers like AGSC, which works to keep Atlanta’s perspective broad and forward-looking as a hub of global business, diverse communities and international exchange.
A National Resource Center established in 2018 and funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the AGSC works to ensure Atlanta stays connected, informed and competitive in a rapidly globalizing world. Its mission is to advance global learning, research and engagement and to equip students, educators and civic leaders with the tools of sustainability to navigate international challenges and opportunities.
As global engagement opportunities face uncertainty, students and educators risk losing access to experiences that develop cultural fluency, critical thinking and international collaboration skills.
As global engagement opportunities face uncertainty, students and educators risk losing access to experiences that develop cultural fluency, critical thinking and international collaboration skills.
For Atlanta, scaling back globally focused programs could weaken the city’s competitiveness, its potential for innovation and its cultural connections.
“It’s time for us to come together to strengthen and amplify our communities’ voices in and beyond Atlanta in these moments of uncertainty,” says AGSC Co-Founding Director at Georgia State University Tony Lemieux.
AGSC in Action: Programs Making a Difference
Atlanta’s robust higher education network has been amplified by the AGSC’s various programs and activities. AGSC doesn’t just talk about global learning; rather, it delivers results.
Its international fellowship programs give students hands-on experience abroad, preparing them for careers in international business, policy and nonprofit leadership. Educator workshops for multilingual communities and heritage speakers equip teachers to bring global perspectives into classrooms, enriching local learning for their students, including programs like the 360 Global Learning Experience (GLE), initiatives with the Georgia Department of Education, partners in Michigan and virtual exchanges, among others.
AGSC’s community partnerships connect universities, businesses and civic leaders, such as the Atlanta Global Research & Education Collaborative (AGREC) consortium, the Dutch Consulate program and the Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development (RCE), among others, strengthening Atlanta’s global workforce and fostering inclusive civic engagement.
“The AGSC is a platform for sustainability and global connections that also responds to the needs of diverse communities across our city,” notes AGSC Director at Georgia Tech Juan Rodriguez.
What’s at Stake if We Lose Ground
Without sustained support, cities like Atlanta risk falling behind in attracting talent, building international partnerships and cultivating globally competent leaders.
Investment in global studies ensures that Atlanta remains a hub for innovation, cross-cultural collaboration and economic opportunity.
“Investing in global studies isn’t just about education – it’s about building the talent pipelines Atlanta needs to compete, innovate and lead in a connected world,” adds AGSC Associate Director at Georgia Tech Malaika Serrano.
How the Community Can Help
The upcoming Atlanta Global Studies Symposium is a chance to explore these issues and chart the city’s global future. Through panels, poster sessions and cultural programming, attendees will examine how global learning strengthens universities, supports workforce development and connects local communities to worldwide change.
“With the collective power and wisdom joining forces to think about the future of global studies, this symposium is a continuation of the legacy and impact of AGSC work on multiple partners and communities and beyond ATL, which allows us to come together again for reimagining collective work to address issues at a local level,” says AGSC Associate Director at Georgia State Ethan Trinh.
We invite you to share your perspectives on the future of global studies and the international potential of our higher education ecosystem to prepare emerging talent, foster innovation and create connections and partnerships for a prosperous and sustainable future.
Join the conversation during the upcoming symposium:
Register by April 2 via the Atlanta Global Studies Symposium 2026 website
Date/time: April 9 at 11:00 am – 7:30 pm
Location: Historic Academy of Medicine at Georgia Tech, 875 West Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Program:
11:00 AM – Registration and doors open
12:00 PM – Networking luncheon
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Panel and poster sessions
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Closing panel moderated by Trevor Williams, Managing Editor, Global Atlanta
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Networking Reception
6:00–7:30 PM – International poetry and translation reading
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