The GGD Experience
September 15, 2026
The Georgetown Global Dialogues bring together writers and public intellectuals for a more inclusive, international conversation about ways forward in a divided world.
The Georgetown Global Dialogues launched in Washington, DC, in April 2024 with a week-long gathering devoted to the theme of “Ways Forward in a Divided World.” In June 2025 GGD brought leading novelists and public intellectuals to Rome to explore the theme of human fraternity, with a focus on the legacy of Pope Francis. The third installment of GGD took place in Barcelona in partnership with the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB) in November 2025 on the theme “Human Frailty and Global Solidarity.” In March 2026 GGD returned to Barcelona for a convening at CCCB focused on “Futures for Hope in a Broken World.”
The videos below highlight the experience of each of the convenings and how they further GGD’s interrelated goals of Learning from the Global South, Advancing a Global Vision of Human Equality, Elevating Youth Perspectives on Global Challenges, and Building a Culture of Encounter.
Questioning Fundamental Assumptions in Global Conversations
GGD DC offered a unique opportunity for public engagement with leading thinkers and writers from the Global South. The fellows reflected on the importance of truly global conversations.
Moving Forward in an Asymmetric World
A key theme in DC was growing social inequality and the obstacles it presents for shared action around common global challenges. Human equality remains a powerful and necessary ideal.
Finding Hope in the Younger Generation
GGD DC was an opportunity for the fellows to interact with Georgetown students. The younger generation has an acute sense of the global challenges we face and need for new approaches.
Strengthening Connection in a Globalized World
Globalization brings people into greater contact with one another, but too often leads to misunderstanding and division. Advancing what Pope Francis called a “culture of encounter” is a critical way forward.
Advancing Human Fraternity in a Divided World
GGD in Rome explored how we can expand solidarity beyond our communities and nations to the global level. Writers bring tremendous cultural, ethical, and spiritual resources to the task.
Engaging the Legacy of Pope Francis
GGD gathered in Rome just weeks after Pope Francis passed away. The fellows had an opportunity to reflect on his legacy, including his call for a “culture of encounter.”
A Different Kind of Dialogue
Rome was the second edition of the dialogues and an opportunity to take stock. Fellows reflected on the experience of spending time together and building community in interaction with one another and with a wider public.
The Evolution of GGD
GGD Barcelona expanded on conversations held in DC and Rome to advance new visions for global solidarity. GGD fellows reflected on their experience with the dialogues so far.
The Role of the Arts in Global Solidarity
Art and literature are invaluable tools for moving forward in times of crisis and despair. A key theme of the dialogues is how the humanities help to address frailty and build community.
Deepening Cross-Cultural Engagement
GGD Barcelona offered an opportunity to interact with a remarkable host city’s context and identity. Being at a cultural crossroads enriched the GGD experience on multiple levels.
Finding Sources of Hope Amid Crisis
In March 2026, GGD returned to Barcelona, where speakers and fellows came together to consider shared responses to a world in crisis—how to both acknowledge existential threats and to look forward with hope.
The Impact of Dialogue
By bringing together the same group at different times, in different places, and around different agendas, GGD has built a sense of community and shaped the fellows' thinking in new ways.
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