Penn Global and Perry World House Introduce New Guidelines for Hosting International Dignitaries at Penn

Penn Global, in collaboration with Perry World House, introduced new guidelines for members of the University community interested in hosting high-level international dignitaries at Penn.

High-level international dignitaries include current or former heads of state, sitting vice heads of state, and royalty. These guidelines are designed to support any member of the Penn community—whether from schools, departments, centers, institutes, administrative units, or student groups—who wishes to bring such dignitaries to Penn, either on or off campus.

The guidelines offer a comprehensive overview of visit preparation and planning, covering key areas such as itinerary preparation, stakeholder engagement, event planning, safety and security, and protocol and etiquette. Although intended for those who are bringing senior international dignitaries to Penn, anyone from the Penn community involved in hosting high-level guests are welcome to use these guidelines as a reference.

Additionally, Penn Global and Perry World House launched an intake process to streamline and prioritize requests to host international dignitaries. All Penn community members interested in hosting a dignitary are asked to first contact Penn Global. Prospective hosts will then be asked to complete an intake form, enabling Penn Global to gather necessary information, consult with University leadership, and advise on visit requirements and next steps. If recommended, Penn Global will work closely with the host to extend an invitation and coordinate the visit.

Further details about the guidelines and the intake process, including the intake form, are available on the Penn Global website.

Over the past ten years, Penn Global and Perry World House have supported a number of visits by international dignitaries to Penn. Earlier this year, President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, former South African President Kgalema Petrus Motlanthe,  former Peruvian President Francisco Sagasti, and President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana visited Penn, participating in events around campus centered on topics including healthcare and democracy. In 2018, Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol of Thailand visited campus to meet with Penn’s heath schools to discuss partnerships in science and health research and education; and in 2016, the President of Mongolia, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj gave a public lecture on democracy, in conjunction with the opening of Perry World House. In 2015, Perry World House hosted German President Joachim Gauck who delivered a keynote address at Houston Hall on the importance of Germany’s deep and evolving relationship with the United States.

Penn Global is the University of Pennsylvania’s go-to for all things global. Its mission is to bring the world to Penn and Penn to the world. We leverage our broad and deep expertise to advise the University on its global activities. Comprised of seven divisions including Perry World House, Penn Global collaborates with Penn’s schools, centers, communities, and partners to deliver a comprehensive suite of global programming that generates positive impact around the world.

Perry World House is a center for scholarly inquiry, teaching, research, international exchange, policy engagement, and public outreach on pressing global issues. Perry World House’s mission is to bring the academic knowledge of the University of Pennsylvania to bear on the world’s most pressing global policy challenges and to foster international policy engagement within and beyond the Penn community.

Review the New Guidelines