On Monday, June 15, at 3:00 p.m. ET, the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, Europe Center, and Africa Center hosted a high-level conversation featuring featuring Ana Irene Delgado, Ambassador of Panama to the Organization of American States, Pjer Šimunović, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, Ambassador of Ghana to the United States, and Christian Turner, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the United States.
This embassy dialogue explored the future of Panama-Croatia-Ghana-UK relations, examining how sports diplomacy can serve as a foundation for economic development and stronger international ties.
This discussion was organized in two segments reflecting the 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage matchups: the first half will feature Panama and Croatia, followed by a second half with Ghana and the United Kingdom, who are set to face each other in Group L.
About the series
The embassy dialogues series explores national sports policies, the role of sports in economic and social development, and the growing importance of sports diplomacy as a tool of strategic influence and international partnership. The series is part of the Atlantic Council’s Power of Sports initiative, which leverages major global events to advance diplomacy and development during the broader US “decade of sports,” as the country prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2028 Summer Olympics, and the 2034 Winter Olympics.
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Welcome Remarks
Ambassador Capricia P. Marshall
Partner, FGS Global;
Ambassador-in-Residence;
Vice Chair, Advisory Council,
Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center,
Atlantic Council
Speakers
H.E. Ana Irene Delgado
Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to the Organization of American States
H.E. Pjer Šimunović
Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the United States
H.E. Christian Turner
British Ambassador to the United States
H.E. Victor Emmanuel Smith
Ambassador of Ghana to the United States
Moderated by
Jason Marczak
Vice President and Senior Director,
Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center,
Atlantic Council
Rama Yade
Senior Director, Africa Center;
Senior Fellow, Europe Center,
Atlantic Council
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Explore the programs
The Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center broadens understanding of regional transformations and delivers constructive, results-oriented solutions to inform how the public and private sectors can advance hemispheric prosperity.
The Europe Center promotes leadership, strategies, and analysis to ensure a strong, ambitious, and forward-looking transatlantic relationship.
The Africa Center works to promote dynamic geopolitical partnerships with African states and to redirect US and European policy priorities toward strengthening security and bolstering economic growth and prosperity on the continent.
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