November 7, 2025
HC Medveckis Hosts Latvian Ambassador to Special Luncheon at the Philadelphia Club
John Medveckis, Honorary Consul of Latvia, hosted Elita Kuzma, Latvian Ambassador to the U.S. and her husband to a private luncheon at the Philadelphia Club. The event featured the distinguished British author Max Egremont who commented on his newest book – “The Glass Wall – Lives on the Baltic Frontier” – which was named Best Book of the Year by the Times (UK). Ambassador Kuzma is the first female Latvian Ambassador to the U.S. and has previously served as Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Austria.
November 6, 2025
CCAP President Bard Attends Special Briefing by FIFA on Preparations for 2026 World Cup
Krista Bard, Honorary Consul General of Lithuania and CCAP President, traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend a special briefing organized by the Washington Consular Corps titled “FIFA and the Upcoming World Cup 2026; Getting Ready; What Consuls and FIFA Leadership Need to Know and How to Prepare”. The event was hosted by the Mexican Cultural Center and the featured speaker was Alexandra Sopko, FIFA Director, Government Relations and Public Engagement. Bard will be sharing the details of this presentation to CCAP Members who are also welcome to participate in other Washington Consular Corps events. World Cup watchers are now focused on December 5, 2025 when the tournament schedule will be officially announced.
November 1, 2025
Dominican Consulate General Hosts “Conecta DR” Community Fair in Philadelphia
The Consulate General of the Dominican Republic in Philadelphia hosted a Community Fair titled “Conecta DR – Migración, Salud y Finanzas para el bienestar de nuestra comunidad”. The well-attended event filled the expansive Gran Salon of the Esperanza Art Center in North Philadelphia with members of the local Dominican community. In addition to its dynamic networking opportunity, the fair provided valuable information relating to legal immigration issues, preventative health programs, financial education and consular services.
October 28 – 29, 2025
CCAP Organizes Life Science Regional Tour for Delegation of Member Country Representatives
The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia and various economic development agencies of southeastern Pennsylvania partnered to organize a two-day conference focused on the Life Science industry and attended by representatives of fourteen CCAP Member countries. During the first day, the delegation toured corporate, laboratory and medical facilities in Chester and Montgomery Counties. The second day focused on Philadelphia opportunities for Life Science incubation and acceleration at the University Science Center and the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The conference culminated with the group’s attendance at the “Business Attraction and Expansion Reception”, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia and including major economic development players from the state and region.
October 29,2025
Mexico’s Ambassador to the US Highlights Pan American Association 85th Membership Meeting in Philadelphia
The Pan American Association of Philadelphia celebrated its 85th Membership Meeting and presentation of the William J. Clothier II Award in a lively luncheon which filled Lincoln Hall at the Union League of Philadelphia. The Award was presented to David M. Vahos, President and CEO of PECO, Pennsylvania’s largest electric and natural gas delivery company. The Keynote Speaker was H.E. Esteban Moctezuma Barragan, Mexico’s Ambassador to the United States, who provided unique insights regarding his country’s new President and her relationship with the current administration in Washington, D.C. The Pan American Association of Philadelphia is an Associate Member of CCAP.
October 24, 2025
HC Schwartz Hosts Hungarian Violin Virtuoso Performance at Union League of Philadelphia
Edith Schwartz, Honorary Consul of Hungary, and the Hungarian Ministry of Culture and Innovation hosted high-energy entertainment by world famous Hungarian violin virtuoso Zoltán Mága and his ten piece ensemble at the Union League of Philadelphia. Mága thrilled the audience with his unique crossover style, mingling classical, folk, pop and jazz. The musical program was followed by an elegant reception in which prominent members of the local Hungarian community, diplomatic representatives and friends mixed with the musicians themselves in a delightful social event.
October 22, 2025
Immigration Theme Featured at CCAP Quarterly Members Meeting and Reception
The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia (CCAP) convened its Third Quarterly Members Meeting & Reception of 2025 at the One Logan Square Conference Center – an amenity of Brandywine Realty Trust’s Center City Philadelphia Campus, where CCAP’s new offices are also located. Following the busy association business agenda, consular attendees received an informative presentation regarding immigrant impact on the region by Anuj Gupta, President of The Welcoming Center and CCAP Associate Member. The Reception portion of the program included the usual dynamic networking as well as remarks by Charlie Elison, Executive Director of Philadelphia’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, who emphasized Philadelphia’s status as a “Welcoming City”.
October 21, 2025
Wistar Institute Honors Dr. Svetlana Mojsov with Helen Dean King Award in Philadelphia Ceremony
The Wistar Institute presented its Helen Dean King Award to Dr. Svetlana Mojsov, Lulu Chow Wang and Robin Chemers Neustein Research Associate Professor at the Rockefeller University, for her work with glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) which has been translated into commonly used treatments for diabetes and weight loss. The ceremony featured a conversation between Dr. Mojsov and Dr. Amelia Escolano, Assistant Professor at Wistar’s Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, and a select group of supporters at the Institute’s Philadelphia headquarters. The Helen Dean King Award is a centerpiece of Wistar’s Women & Science Program and is presented each year to a nationally recognized scientific scholar. The Wistar Institute is a CCAP Associate Member.
October 6, 2025
Spain Celebrates National Day with Flag Raising Ceremony at Philadelphia City Hall
Madeline Bell, Spain’s Honorary Consul in Philadelphia, and Offices of the City Representative and of Immigrant Affairs organized an elegant celebration of Spain’s “Dia de la Hispanidad” or National Day outside of Philadelphia City Hall. Attendees enjoyed the beautiful weather and a program including engaging remarks by dignitaries, the flag raising itself and presentation of a Mayoral Proclamation, which expressed appreciation for Spanish impact on Philadelphia’s history and culture.
October 3, 2025
Diplomatic Field Trip Celebrates Georgian Cultural Heritage
In her role as President of New York’s Society of Foreign Consuls, Maia Bartaia, Consul General of Georgia, and Bishop Saba, Ruling Bishop of the Georgian Diocese in North America, Georgian Apostolic Orthodox Church, organized a “Diplomatic Field Trip” to the St. Hieromartyr Grigol Peradze Georgian Cultural Center in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania. Consular colleagues from New York and Philadelphia celebrated the Georgian harvest with traditional chacha distilling, wine pressing, song and dance.
October 2, 2025
Swiss Technology Transforms Phoenixville, PA into Clean Energy Leader
Swiss Consuls from New York and Philadelphia organized an event with local officials in the Borough of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania to showcase Swiss technology provided by GRegio Energy AG in development of America’s first municipally-owned hydrothermal carbonization facility that transforms waste into renewable energy. The program treated members of the business community to a tour of the PXVNEO wastewater treatment facility and a panel discussion on Swiss-American collaboration in clean energy innovation.
September 30, 2025
Flag Raising Ceremony at Philadelphia City Hall Celebrates The People’s Republic of China’s 76th Independence Day
Philadelphia’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and the Pennsylvania United Chinese Coalition (PUCC) co-hosted a flag raising ceremony to celebrate The People’s Republic of China’s Independence Day at Philadelphia City Hall. Several community-based cultural organizations entertained the large turnout with dramatic dance performances prior to the day’s formal program. City, diplomatic and community representatives then delivered remarks, a Mayoral Proclamation was presented and the national flag was raised. The Consulate General of The People’s Republic of China in New York is a CCAP Member.”
September 27, 2025
Local Community Welcomes Kosovo President to Philadelphia
In a ceremony of welcome organized by Bijte e Shqipes and other associations, Philadelphia’s Kosovan and Albanian communities welcomed Kosovo’s President Dr. Vjosa Osmani and her husband, First Gentleman Prindon Sadriu, with great enthusiasm. Following an intimate interaction with performing children’s groups and other cultural organizations, President Osmani spoke eloquently to the large audience and was joined by state and city officials with remarks regarding the importance of Philadelphia’s Kosovo diaspora.
September 26 – 27, 2025
West African North America Trade Summit Connects Leaders and Highlights Opportunities
Hosted by the Djigui Corporation and the US – Mali Chamber of Commerce, the 2nd Annual West Africa North America Trade Summit was held at the Hilton Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia. The two-day conference included panels and discussions on a range of subjects related to trade and investment opportunities in West Africa. CCAP Members participated as panelists and attended this dynamic event.
September 26, 2025
HC Pfister Highlights Swiss Cuisine and Culinary Traditions at Alliance Francaise
The Alliance Francaise hosted an evening of gastronomic discovery led by Christine Pfister, Honorary Consul of Switzerland, and featuring a tasting workshop with four Swiss products – wine, cheese, cured meat and chocolate – explored through sight, smell, touch and taste.
September 25, 2025
Namibia’s President Embraces Philadelphia with Vibrant Official Visit
H.E. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, made her first visit to Philadelphia with an absorbing agenda organized by Michael Griffin, Honorary Consul of Namibia. On arrival at Philadelphia International Airport, she was greeted by Mayor Cherelle Parker and other dignitaries and her non-stop schedule included meetings with a lineup of strategic relationships, Philadelphia City Council and the local Namibian diaspora. The President’s day concluded with a delightful reception at the Union League of Philadelphia, hosted by Frank Giordano, Honorary Consul of Malta and father of John Giordano, nominee as U.S. Ambassador to Namibia.
September 24, 2025
Welcoming Center Releases Report on Immigration in Greater Philadelphia
The Welcoming Center released a significant report (LINK) on the socio-economic position of immigrants across Greater Philadelphia at a public forum hosted by WHYY. A panel of County officials discussed this comprehensive analysis of immigrant impact on the region. The Welcoming Center is an Associate Member of the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia (CCAP).
September 22, 2025
Kazakhstan Awards $4.2 Billion Locomotive Contract to Pennsylvania Company Wabtec
Wabtec Corporation, a Pennsylvania-based manufacturer, has announced a landmark $4.2 billion locomotive contract with National Company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), as detailed in the following link. The Consulate General of Kazakhstan, New York is a member of the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia (CCAP).
September 19, 2025
St. Kitts & Nevis Celebrates Independence with Philadelphia City Hall Flag Raising
The Honorary Consulate of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Philadelphia Offices of the City Representative and Immigrant Affairs co-hosted a flag raising ceremony to celebrate St. Kitts and Nevis 42 years as an independent nation. Diplomats, City officials and community leaders provided stirring comments, national anthems were sung, the country’s flag was raised and a Mayoral Proclamation recognizing this historic date was presented.
September 15, 2025
Mexico Celebrates 215th Independence Day with Cultural Display at Philadelphia City Hall Ceremony
The Consulate of Mexico, the Mexican Cultural Center and the Philadelphia City Representative’s Office staged a dramatic celebration of Mexico’s 215th anniversary of independence from Spain. To the delight of an enthusiastic crowd, the program showcased Mexico’s rich culture, highlighted by live marimba music and traditional dances and costumes. Speeches were delivered, the Mexican flag was raised and Carlos Obrador, Mexico’s Head Consul, received a Mayoral Proclamation from Kyle Harris, Deputy City Representative.
September 14, 2025
Christopher Chaplin, Philadelphia’s HC of Jamaica, Honored at New York Gala
The Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations, which has assisted thousands of students through the years, hosted its 35th Anniversary Gala in New York. Christopher Chaplin, Honorary Consul of Jamaica in Philadelphia and former President of the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia (CCAP), was presented the prestigious Diaspora Representation Award for his loyal and effective work with Jamaica’s Philadelphia community. Congratulations, Christopher!
September 12, 2025
Nicaraguan Independence Day Celebrated with Flag Raising Ceremony at Philadelphia City Hall
Philadelphia’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and Eli Gabay, Honorary Consul of Nicaragua, co-hosted a celebration of Nicaragua’s independence from Spain in September, 1821. The Philadelphia City Hall ceremony attracted members of the local Nicaraguan community who enjoyed a program that included comments by diplomats and government officials, the flag raising itself and presentation of a Mayoral Proclamation, recognizing this historic date.
September 11, 2025
Uruguayan Fashion Brands Meet with Urban Outfitters Buyers in Philadelphia
A delegation of nine fashion brand companies from Uruguay presented their products and engaged in “shop talk” with members of the Urban Outfitters Sourcing Team at the company’s extraordinary Navy Yard headquarters complex in Philadelphia. The meeting was arranged by Elisa Schroeder, Uruguay’s Export Promotion Specialist for the Fashion Business, and Gokul Krishnan, Chief Sourcing and Global Trade Compliance Officer for the URBN family of companies. Following their Philadelphia visit, the Uruguayan group will participate in the Brand Assembly trade show in New York.
September 10, 2025
AJC Celebrates 60th Anniversary of Nostra Aetate – a Foundational Document Impacting Jewish-Catholic Relations
In 1965, the Second Vatican Council’s “Nostra Aetate” declaration of the Catholic Church’s relationship with non-Christian religions made possible a renewed and positive relationship with the Jewish people. To recognize the importance of this document, the American Jewish Committee of Philadelphia/South Jersey hosted a conversation between Monsignor Gregory J. Fairbanks, Dean of the School of Diaconal Formation, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, and Rabbi Noam Marans, AJC’s Director of Interreligious Affairs. The gathering occurred at the home of Richard Berkman and Toni Seidl where the stimulating discussion between the featured speakers was followed by questions from the absorbed audience of AJC members and guests. AJC is an Associate Member of CCAP.
September 5, 2025
Trinidad and Tobago Celebrates Independence with Flag Raising Ceremony at Philadelphia City Hall
The Consulate General of Trinidad and Tobago in New York, Philadelphia’s Office of the City Representative and the American Caribbean Alliance Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago joined forces to produce a dynamic celebration of the country’s independence from Great Britain in 1962. J. Andre Laveau, Consul General of Trinidad and Tobago in New York, local officials and community representatives provided comments regarding the country’s creation and its important diaspora in Philadelphia. The ceremony culminated with the flag raising and presentation of a Mayoral Proclamation. The CG of Trinidad and Tobago in New York is a dedicated CCAP Member.
September 4, 2025
Namibia’s Ambassador Meets Philadelphia in Preparation for Presidential Visit
Margareth N. Mensah-Williams, Namibia’s Ambassador to the U.S., spent a busy day in Philadelphia preparing for the September 25 visit of her President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Michael Griffin, Honorary Consul of Namibia in Philadelphia, organized a schedule that included conversations with City officials, a review of venues for the Presidential Visit and constructive conversations with Krista Bard, Honorary Consul General of Lithuania and CCAP President.
September 4, 2025
Brazilian Community Celebrates Independence Day with Flag Raising Ceremony at Philadelphia City Hall
Philadelphia’s Office of the City Representative and Project Capoeira joined forces to host a flag raising ceremony to celebrate Brazil’s independence from Portugal in 1822. Project Capoeira is a cultural organization which leverages the Brazilian martial art of capoeira to connect with its local community. The ceremony included live music, dance and the flag raising, as well as comments by Nara Cardoso Barado, Deputy Consul General of Brazil, and a presentation of a Mayoral Proclamation by Jazelle Jones, Philadelphia City Representative. Brazil’s Consulate General in New York is a CCAP member.
September 3, 2025
Global Philadelphia Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Philadelphia’s World Heritage City Designation
The Global Philadelphia Association (GPA) hosted a gala event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Philadelphia’s designation as the first World Heritage City in the United States. The evening united civic leaders, cultural partners and community members in recognizing this important milestone. The guests particularly enjoyed a dynamic “fireside chat” between David L. Cohen, former U.S. Ambassador to Canada, and NBC News’ Andrea Mitchell, as well as memorable cultural performances that celebrated the city’s diversity. GPA is an Associate Member of CCAP.
September 3, 2025
Ambassador Canepari Returns to Pennsylvania with Important Academic Responsibilities at Penn State and Penn
Amb. Andrea Canepari – former Consul General of Italy in Philadelphia, Member of the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia (CCAP) and Italy’s Ambassador to the Dominican Republic – has returned to Pennsylvania to assume important teaching duties at Penn State School of International Affairs, Penn State Dickinson School of Law and the University of Pennsylvania. Technically on leave from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Canepari brings an extraordinary educational and diplomatic background to his new academic assignments. CCAP looks forward to interacting with an old friend.
August 22, 2025
Ukraine Celebrates 34th Anniversary of Independence in Philadelphia City Hall Ceremony
The Honorary Consulate of Ukraine in Philadelphia organized an emotional, impressive ceremony to celebrate 34 years of Ukrainian independence and to support the country’s continuing battle for survival. Speakers, including Ukraine’s Honorary Consul Iryna Mazur, CCAP President Krista Bard, government officials and community leaders delivered stirring remarks to honor the courage of the Ukrainian people. In a “united under one flag” gesture of support, the program concluded with the formation of a “unity chain”, as the audience surrounded a giant Ukrainian flag.”
August 15, 2025
India Celebrates 78th Independence Day with Flag Raising Ceremony at Philadelphia City Hall
Philadelphia’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Council of Indian Organizations in Greater Philadelphia (CIO) and several other community groups joined forces to host a flag raising celebration of India’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1947. The Philadelphia City Hall event included comments by city officials, diplomats and community leaders to a robust, enthusiastic audience. The flag raising and the singing of national anthems culminated with the presentation of a Mayoral Proclamation recognizing this historic date and the importance of the large Indian diaspora to Philadelphia’s economic and cultural fabric.
August 8, 2025
Jamaica Celebrates 63rd Anniversary of Independence in Flag Raising Ceremony and Reception at Philadelphia City Hall
The Consulate of Jamaica and the City of Philadelphia joined forces to present an engaging celebration of Jamaica’s independence from Great Britain in 1962. The event was staged in beautiful weather outside of Philadelphia’s historic City Hall where representatives of City government, diplomatic service and the Jamaican community made stirring comments about the country’s history and current relevance to Philadelphia. Shaneka Anderson sang a particularly moving rendition of the Jamaican National Anthem, the country’s flag was raised and a Mayoral Proclamation was presented. A lively Reception featuring Jamaican cuisine and entertainment then followed in elegant Conversation Hall.
July 27, 2025
Drexel University Hosts Mandela Washington Fellows to Leadership Training in Philadelphia
Established in 2014 by the U.S. State Department, the Mandela Washington Fellowship has brought 7,200 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States for six weeks of academic and leadership programs. Each year, 700 Fellows are hosted by 28 educational institutions across the country. In Philadelphia, a Drexel University team led by Rogelio Miñana, Vice Provost for International Engagement, welcomed a cohort of Fellows from 20 African countries to their Leadership Institute. Drexel University is a CCAP Associate Member.
July 24, 2025
Liberia Celebrates 178th Independence Day with Philadelphia City Hall Fag Raising Ceremony
The Liberian Association of Pennsylvania, Inc., and the Office of Immigrant Affairs of the City of Philadelphia, joined forces to host a dynamic celebration of Liberia’s 178th Independence Day at Philadelphia City Hall. The “Empowerment in Unity” themed event included a full agenda of speakers, cultural performances, the singing of national anthems, the flag raising and a Philadelphia Mayoral Proclamation. The Liberian diaspora is one of the region’s largest and many members of that community turned out for this exciting program.
July 21, 2025
Presidential League Luncheon Series Features “The Road to 250: A Semiquincentennial Preview”
Robert M. Cavalier, Esq., President of the Union League of Philadelphia, hosted the latest Presidential League Luncheon Series titled “The Road to 250:A Semiquincentennial Preview” in Lincoln Hall at the Union League. A capacity audience received informative comments from a panel of federal, state and local experts on plans for America’s 250th Birthday in 2026. President Cavalier led a program which included panelists’ remarks and responses to questions from him and the audience. The Law firm of Lucas & Cavalier is an Associate Member of the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia and the event was well attended by CCAP Members.
July 20, 2025
International Chess Day Celebrated with Matches through Electronic Portals in Philadelphia, Lithuania, Ireland and Poland
In October, 2024, an electronic Portal was launched in Philadelphia and its bidirectional screen is currently located in City Hall courtyard. The international art installation provides a real-time, unfiltered livestream between public spaces in Vilnius, Lithuania; Dublin, Ireland; and Lublin, Poland; as part of a program to foster connection and understanding between people of diverse cultures and across geographical distances. Later in the year, the Portal will add connectivity to cities in England, the Philippines and Brazil.
A recent use of this unique resource was a celebration of International Chess Day with a series of matches on electronic boards between teams from the four cities connected by the Portal. The local competitors included representatives of Philadelphia After School Activities Partners (www.phillyasap.org) and the Lithuanian American Community.
July 15, 2025
British Official Hosts Farewell Celebration to Thank and Recognize Retiring Honorary Consul Franklin
Alan Gogbashian, His Majesty’s Deputy Trade Commissioner for North America, hosted a retirement celebration, recognizing and honoring the long-time service of Oliver St. Clair Franklin CBE as Honorary Consul of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Philadelphia. The intimate event gathered Franklin’s family, friends, consular colleagues and members of Philadelphia’s British community at the Trumbauer’s Restaurant in the Union League of Philadelphia. Appreciative comments by Commissioner Gogbashian and the honoree offered brief formalities to the enthusiastic attendees.
July 14, 2025
Alliance Francaise Hosts Bastille Day Celebration at Valley Green Inn in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s French and Francophile community gathered at the Valley Green Inn in Philadelphia’s picturesque Fairmount Park to celebrate Bastille Day in a festive guinguette dinner hosted by the Alliance Francaise de Philadelphie (ADP). Philippe Poirier, ADP’s Executive Director, provided welcoming remarks and the evening’s festivities included delicious food and wine, lovely live entertainment and a rousing sing-along version of “La Marseillaise”.
July 9, 2025
CCAP President Bard Addresses Business Conference for Liberia and Welcomes New Trade and Investment Office to Philadelphia
Krista Bard, Honorary Consul General of Lithuania and President of the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia (CCAP), welcomed attendees to the Business Conference of Liberia, with congratulations on the opening of the Liberian Trade and Investment Office in Philadelphia by Ambassador Gurly Gibson Schwarz. The daylong conference described investment opportunities in Liberia and was highlighted by the historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Laborers District Council of Philadelphia to train young Liberians in the trades.
July 1, 2025
Madeline Bell Appointed Honorary Consul of Spain for Philadelphia
Madeline Bell, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), was recently appointed Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Spain for Philadelphia. CHOP is, of course, one of the top-ranked children’ hospitals in the United States and Ms. Bell has led this great institution since 2015. Given CHOP’s world-wide activity, Ms. Bell is an advisor to numerous international hospitals and healthcare systems. She has also played an important role in the local business community and is a former Board Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. CCAP is delighted to welcome Madeline Bell and Spain as our newest consular members.
June 26, 2025
WAC “Diplochat” Features Brazil Consul General Ganem
The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia (WAC) hosted its latest Satell Family Foundation-sponsored “Diplochat” program, featuring a conversation with Ambassador Adalnio Ganem, Consul General of Brazil in New York, at the law offices of Morgan Lewis in Philadelphia. Ambassador Ganem opened the session with comments regarding US – Brazilian relations and then joined Lauren Swartz, WAC President and CEO, in a wide-ranging conversation. The program closed with the Ambassador fielding a number of lively questions from an engaged WAC audience. The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia is an Associate Member of CCAP.
June 25, 2025
Italian Consulate General Hosts CCAP Quarterly Members Meeting & Reception in New Philadelphia Offices
The Consulate General of Italy hosted the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia’s second Quarterly Members Meeting and Reception of 2025 at its new offices in Center City Philadelphia. Following the busy association business agenda, CCAP consular members received informative reports from the Area Port Director’s Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and from the Independence National Park in Philadelphia. The dynamic networking Reception was highlighted with comments by leaders of Philadelphia’s tourist sector, with a focus on plans for the country’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
June 24, 2025
Caribbean American Heritage Month Closes with PECO Reception
Caribbean American Heritage Month (CAHM) is celebrated in June of each year and recognizes the outstanding contributions of Caribbean Americans to the fabric of American life. CAHM 2025 concluded with a reception hosted by PECO and its Caribbean Employee Resource Group – CADERA – in Philadelphia. Attendees from the business, non-profit and diplomatic sectors enjoyed keynote remarks by Team Jamaica Bickle representatives and Blaine Stoddard, founder of the Young Caribbean Professional Network.
June 21, 2025
CCAP Members Enjoy Africatown Food Tour
Africatown is an ambitious project to redevelop a major portion of Southwest Philadelphia as a destination for African culture and business. Led by two Philadelphia-based nonprofits – African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA) and African Caribbean Business Council (ACBC) – the plan is to develop an environment which will attract Philadelphia’s African diaspora and rebrand the region as Africatown. With that background in mind, a group of CCAP Members and friends also enjoyed an afternoon of culinary delight, touring a variety of restaurants in the Africatown neighborhood.
June 18, 2025
Norwegian Delegation Makes First Trade Visit to PA
Cecilia Myrseth, Norway’s Minister of Trade and Industry, and her delegation made their first trade visit to Pennsylvania in a busy schedule organized by Susan Satkowski, Honorary Consul of Norway. Their itinerary included meetings in Harrisburg, the State Capital, and a tour of Norsk Hydro’s aluminum extrusion plant in Cressona, PA. Hydro is, of course, a huge, Oslo-based multinational with over 30,000 employees in 42 countries. The Pennsylvania plant converts aluminum chips into massive rods, bars and specialty products for a variety of industries.
June 16 – 18, 2025
Lithuania Hosts Consular Conference in Vilnius
Krista Bard, Honorary Consul General of Lithuania and CCAP President, joined over 150 other Lithuanian Honorary Consuls from around the world in a three-day conference hosted by the country’s government in the capital city of Vilnius. The program opened at the magnificent Presidential Palace with welcoming remarks by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda. A busy agenda followed, including meetings, briefings and receptions with the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Economy and Innovation, other government officials and representatives of the private sector. There are 25 Lithuanian Honorary Consuls in the U.S. and 250 HCs worldwide and this conference created a wonderful opportunity to refresh contacts, compare best practices and enjoy each other’s company.
June 11, 2025
Local Diplomats Connect with North American Lithuanian Business Forum in Boston
Following initial programs in Philadelphia, Chicago and New York, the fourth annual North American Lithuanian Business Forum (www.nalbforum.com) was held this year at MIT Media Labs in the Boston area. Lithuanian President Gitana Nauseda and Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey were official patrons of the event which included seminars and panels on life sciences, IT innovation and defense industries, with entrepreneurs and officials from both the U.S. and Lithuania. Philadelphia’s Lithuanian diplomats played active roles in this wide-ranging discussion: Krista Bard, Honorary Consul General in Pennsylvania, served on the organizing committee and Ira Lubert, Honorary Consul for New Jersey, participated on a “shark tank” panel advising Lithuanian companies on U.S. market strategies.
June 6 – 7, 2025
Jamaica HC Chaplin Featured in Delaware Celebrations of Caribbean American Heritage Month
Caribbean American Heritage Month (CAHM) is celebrated in June of each year and recognizes the outstanding contributions of Caribbean Americans to the fabric of American life, dating back to St. Kitts & Nevis native Alexander Hamilton’s important role in the founding of America. This year, Christopher Chaplin, Honorary Consul of Jamaica and former CCAP President, was a featured speaker at several CAHM events in Delaware: a flag raising ceremony in New Castle County, a Gala Dinner for young Caribbean Professionals and a CACCNE sponsored conference at Opera Delaware in Wilmington.
June 6, 2025
Mexico City Inaugural Flight Celebrates PHL’s Newest International Connection
After months of anticipation, the Aeromexico-Delta alliance launched its inaugural flight between Philadelphia and Mexico City. A brief departure ceremony included comments by Carlos Obrador, Mexico’s Head Consul in Philadelphia, and by PHL and City officials, prior to takeoff. The direct daily flight will strengthen the economic and cultural ties between the two cities and countries, particularly as Philadelphia prepares for a full calendar of events in 2026, the United States’ 250th birthday.
June 5 – 8, 2025
African & Caribbean Business Council Hosts Round Tables at Odunde Festival’s 50 Year Celebration
The Odunde Festival was founded in Philadelphia in 1975 and is the largest African American street festival in the country – with about 500,000 participants and $30 million of economic impact. Scheduled annually for the first week in June, the mega-event includes a series of sessions to address a wide variety of African themes and culminates with a dazzling procession showcasing African culture through the streets of Philadelphia. As part of this year’s 50th Odunde Festival, the African & Caribbean Business Council hosted a VIP-Diplomatic Reception at the Comcast Technology Center, Caricom and African Business Forums at the University of Pennsylvania Museum and tours of Africatown and the Port of Philadelphia.
June 3, 2025
Wistar Institute Opens HIV Cure and Viral Disease Center in Philadelphia
Wistar Institute hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception to celebrate the opening of its HIV Cure and Viral Disease Center at 3675 Market Street in University City, Philadelphia. Wistar is a global leader in biomedical research and this new facility will focus on the worldwide challenge of HIV and other viral diseases. Wistar President Dario Altieri welcomed the audience and the new center’s leadership commented on the importance of their mission. The reception included networking and tours of the laboratories. Wistar Institute is an Associate Member of CCAP.
June 2, 2025
American Philosophical Society Hosts Tour and Reception for CCAP Members
The American Philosophical Society (APS) was founded in 1743 in Philadelphia by Benjamin Franklin to honor extraordinary accomplishments in a wide variety of academic disciplines. Since then, APS membership has included 260 Nobel Prize winners and iconic names like Thomas Jefferson, Charles Darwin, Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein. In another delightful, educational event organized by Krista Bard, Honorary Consul General of Lithuania, and John Medveckis, Honorary Consul of Latvia, a group of Consular Members was treated to a “tour” of the APS Library and its remarkable collection of original documents, authored by some of the most prominent figures in U.S. history.
June 2, 2025
Consul General of Italy Celebrates “Festa Nazionale” at Historic Location on the Delaware River
Cristiana Mele, Consul General of Italy in Philadelphia, hosted another delightful celebration of her country’s “Festa Nazionale” at the 1799 Lazzaretto Interpretive Museum in Essington, Pennsylvania. The museum is housed in a building with a long and varied history, including roles as a quarantine station (1801-1895), a riverside resort and a military seaplane base. The sylvan site and sunny weather perfectly suited the evening event, highlighted by Consul General Mele’s comments, an enthusiastic turnout and delicious Italian food.