PHOENIX, AZ — July 5, 2025 — A single dinner in Phoenix last month became a microcosm of global connection when the 100 Cities Project brought together strangers from 12 countries for an evening of shared meals and conversations. Organized by Arizona State University’s Center for Global Engagement and local nonprofits, the event—titled “Dinner with Strangers”—aimed to bridge divides through structured dialogue, a model now being replicated in cities worldwide.
Over three hours, participants discussed topics ranging from climate migration to cultural stereotypes, with facilitators trained in conflict resolution techniques. The event, which drew 87 attendees including university students, refugees, and long-term residents, was part of a broader initiative to test whether structured social interactions can reduce polarization in divided communities. Early feedback suggests it succeeded: 92% of participants reported feeling more open to diverse perspectives afterward, according to post-event surveys distributed by the project organizers.
What began as a pilot in Barcelona in 2023 has now expanded to 100 cities across five continents, with Phoenix marking its first U.S. host. The model—simple yet deliberate—combines structured conversation prompts with shared meals to lower barriers. “Food and conversation are universal,” said Dr. Elena Vasquez, director of ASU’s Center for Global Engagement, in a statement to ASU News. “We designed this to be low-pressure but high-impact.”
Just wrapped up an incredible evening with @100CitiesProject in Phoenix! 87 strangers from 12 countries shared meals, stories, and unexpected connections. Here’s what we learned: #GlobalDialogue pic.twitter.com/XYZ1234567
Why Phoenix? The City’s Unique Role in the Project
Phoenix was selected as a test case for its demographic diversity—nearly 40% of residents are foreign-born—and its status as a hub for both tech innovation and social services. The event took place at the Phoenix Art Museum, which provided space and logistical support. Organizers emphasized the city’s growing refugee population, with Maricopa County hosting over 12,000 asylum seekers in 2024 alone, according to Maricopa County records.
The project’s timing also aligned with Phoenix’s efforts to rebrand itself as a “city of connection.” In May 2025, Mayor Kate Gallego announced a $5 million initiative to fund cross-cultural programs, including partnerships with organizations like World Central Kitchen, which has run similar dialogue-based events in conflict zones.
How the Event Worked: Structure and Success Metrics
The evening followed a three-phase format:
- Icebreakers (30 min): Attendees paired randomly and shared a single meal (prepared by local chefs using ingredients from refugee-owned farms).
- Guided Conversations (90 min): Facilitators used prompts like “What’s a misconception about your culture that you’ve heard?” and “How has migration shaped your community?”
- Reflection Circle (30 min): Participants shared one takeaway in a group discussion.
Post-event data, collected via anonymous surveys and analyzed by ASU’s School of Social Work, showed:
- 87% of attendees reported feeling “more comfortable” interacting with people from different backgrounds afterward.
- 62% said they planned to attend similar events, with 45% expressing interest in joining a follow-up “Dinner with Strangers” group.
- Facilitators noted that 73% of conversations stayed on topic, with only 12% requiring intervention for sensitive topics.
Dr. Vasquez attributed the success to the event’s “deliberate simplicity.” “We didn’t ask people to solve global problems,” she said. “We asked them to listen.”
Global Context: How Phoenix Fits Into the 100 Cities Project
The 100 Cities Project, launched in 2023 by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and the Berghof Foundation, is one of the largest grassroots dialogue initiatives in modern history. To date, it has hosted over 12,000 events in 98 cities, with Phoenix as its first U.S. host.
Key differences between Phoenix’s event and earlier pilots include:
| Metric | Phoenix (2025) | Barcelona (2023) | Lagos (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attendees | 87 | 62 | 110 |
| Countries represented | 12 | 8 | 15 |
| Post-event follow-ups | 45% interest in groups | 38% (Barcelona Dialogue Club) | 52% (Lagos Conversation Circles) |
| Funding source | ASU + local grants | EU Social Fund | African Union |
Phoenix’s model also diverged by incorporating local flavors—literally. Chefs from Arizona’s refugee-owned restaurants, such as Taste of Home in Tempe, prepared dishes using ingredients like Sonoran wheat and local produce, reflecting the city’s agricultural roots.
Who Participated? A Snapshot of Phoenix’s Diversity
Attendees represented a cross-section of Phoenix’s population, with demographics verified through event registration data:
- Age: 22–78 years old (median: 34)
- Nationalities: Mexico (28), India (15), Syria (12), Philippines (10), China (8), others (14)
- Professions: Students (32%), healthcare workers (20%), teachers (18%), entrepreneurs (15%), retired (10%), unemployed (5%)
- Length in U.S.: 1–5 years (40%), 6–10 years (30%), >10 years (20%), first-time residents (10%)
Notably, 38% of participants were first-time attendees to any community dialogue event, suggesting the project reached underserved groups. Organizers credited the event’s accessibility—free admission, childcare provided, and multilingual facilitators—for its inclusive reach.
What Happens Next? Scaling the Model in Arizona
The Phoenix event’s success has prompted plans to expand the model across Arizona. Key next steps include:
- September 2025: A second “Dinner with Strangers” event in Tucson, organized by the City of Tucson and the University of Arizona. Registration opens August 15.
- Ongoing: Training for 50 community facilitators through ASU’s Cooperative Extension program.
- 2026: Potential state funding for a “Arizona Dialogue Network,” modeled after similar programs in New York City and London.
Dr. Vasquez confirmed that the project will also explore digital extensions, such as a mobile app (in beta testing) to connect participants before and after events. “The goal isn’t just one dinner,” she said. “It’s building a culture of conversation.”
Why This Matters: Lessons for Divided Societies
The Phoenix event offers a case study in how structured, low-stakes interactions can address polarization—a challenge facing democracies worldwide. Research from the Pew Research Center shows that 64% of Americans feel political divisions are worsening, while Oxford Martin School studies link social fragmentation to economic inequality.
Phoenix’s approach differs from traditional “diversity training” by focusing on relationships over education. “People don’t change their minds in lectures,” said Dr. Lena Jansen, the project’s lead researcher. “They change them at dinner tables.”
Critics, however, warn that such events risk superficial engagement. Brookings Institution fellow Dr. Sarah Chayes cautioned in a 2024 report that “dialogue without power-sharing can become performative.” Organizers in Phoenix addressed this by pairing events with policy advocacy, such as a city council hearing on refugee integration scheduled for August 10.
How to Get Involved: Upcoming Events and Resources
Interested in hosting or attending a “Dinner with Strangers” event? Here’s how to connect:
- Phoenix/Tucson: Email [email protected] to join the waitlist for future events.
- National: Visit 100CitiesProject.org to find or organize an event in your city.
- Facilitator Training: ASU’s Conflict Resolution Program offers free workshops (next session: September 15).
- Research: Download the project’s toolkit for replicating the model.
For those in Phoenix, the Phoenix Art Museum will host a follow-up exhibition, “Tables of Connection,” featuring artwork created during the event. The exhibit runs from August 15 to October 31.
Reader Questions Answered
Q: How much does it cost to attend?
A: The Phoenix event was free, funded by grants from ASU, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, and private donors. Future events may offer sliding-scale fees to ensure accessibility.
Q: Are children allowed?
A: Yes. The Phoenix event provided childcare for ages 3–12, and organizers encouraged families to attend. “Kids are some of our best facilitators,” said Dr. Vasquez.
Q: How can I volunteer as a facilitator?
A: ASU’s Cooperative Extension accepts facilitator applications year-round. No prior experience is required—training is provided.
Q: What topics are off-limits?
A: The project avoids debates on religion or politics, focusing instead on cultural exchange. Facilitators are trained to redirect conversations to shared experiences, such as “What’s a tradition from your childhood that surprised you?”
Q: Is this part of a larger movement?
A: Yes. The 100 Cities Project is affiliated with the UN’s Global Citizenship Initiative and has partnerships with organizations like Facing History & Ourselves.
Next Checkpoint: The Tucson event is scheduled for September 12, 2025, with registration opening August 15. For updates, follow @100CitiesProject on social media or subscribe to ASU’s Global Engagement newsletter.
Have you attended a similar event? Share your experience in the comments—or tag @WorldTodayJrnl to suggest a city for future coverage.