Mayor Wilson proclaims April 30 to be WorldOregon Day

In accordance with this acknowledgement, we recognize:

WHEREAS, WorldOregon was founded in 1950 to promote respect and understanding between the people of the state of Oregon and other nations;

WHEREAS, the mission over the last 75 years is to broaden and deepen public awareness, engagement, and understanding of international affairs;

WHEREAS, Oregonians are globally minded and serve as a bridge to countries across the world;

WHEREAS, many people in Portland have been or are actively engaged in international study abroad programs and global humanitarian work;

WHEREAS, Portland is a proven leader in international relationship development through citizen diplomacy;

WHEREAS, citizen diplomacy has the power to shape perceptions in Portland, Oregon and the United States of foreign cultures and international perceptions, effectively shattering stereotypes, illuminating differences, underscoring common human aspirations, and developing the web of human connections needed to achieve more peaceful relations between countries;

WHEREAS, WorldOregon believes that everyone has the right, even the responsibility, to help shape U.S. foreign relations by connecting with each other through people to people diplomacy;

WHEREAS, WorldOregon partners with the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program and other exchange programs to welcome hundreds of emerging leaders from around the world to Oregon to meet with professionals, businesses, government agencies, and organizations to exchange best practices and network while highlighting Portland as an economic, cultural, and innovation hub.

WHEREAS, WorldOregon annually hosts approximately 500 international visitors from over 100 countries.

WHEREAS, these international visitors have participated in professional meetings, volunteer activities, school tours, cultural activities, and dinners with Oregon residents.

WHEREAS, WorldOregon helps develop citizens of the world through Global Classroom programs like Young Leaders in Actions with local high school students, as well as cultural activities, curriculum, and trainings for teachers;

WHEREAS, WorldOregon connects Oregonians to the people, ideas, and issues that are shaping our global future through access to Global Conversations public programming with policy insiders, authors, and world leaders;

WHEREAS, WorldOregon is committed to continuing to empower and connect Oregonians with international visitors, global thought leaders, policy makers, and innovative changemakers for another 75+ years;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Keith Wilson, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the "City of Roses," do hereby proclaim April 30, 2025 to be WorldOregon Day in Portland and encourage all businesses and community members to engage with and support WorldOregon and to celebrate their contributions to connecting Oregonians with the world.

For more information about WorldOregon, visit here.