Connect with 10 Azerbaijani sports officials, including Olympic Committee representatives, over a casual hosted dinner at Doc Manget Memorial Aviation Park (hanger) at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK).

In addition to the Olympics and overall athletics, the professional exchange participants represent volleyball, boxing, judo and basketball sports federations and are participating in a U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) focused on sports management models for economic development. During their exchange, the visitors aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. sports industry and examine the economic impact of major sporting events, such as the FIFA World Cup.

Azerbaijan, part of the former Soviet Union, is bordered by the Caspian Sea, Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Iran and Turkey. The country is approximately the same size as the state of Maine or slightly smaller than Indiana. The capital city Baku has unsuccessfully bid to host two Summer Olympic Games. Azerbaijan athletes won two gold medals in judo and two silver medals in taikwondo and boxing at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. 

Other than meeting fascinating international exchange participants, Dinner Diplomacy also provides an opportunity to get to know other GCIV members and volunteers who share international interests. Complimentary dinner (including vegetarian options) generously provided by Supreme Burger. Event capacity is limited, please RSVP as soon as possible to hannah@gciv.org.