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From Detroit to Tunis: Building Global Connections

July 06, 2026

New connections, renewed relationships, and shared opportunities defined Global Ties Detroit's recent nine-day international exchange to Tunisia. Global Ties Detroit Board members Brit Affolter Caine, PhD, of Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M); Faris Alami of International Strategic Management, Inc.; Ed Clemente, host of The Michigan Opportunity podcast; Antoine Dubeauclard of Media Genesis; and John Zervos of the Global Health Initiative at Henry Ford Health joined President Marian Reich, consultant Mariana Hernandez, and three community supporters on the delegation. The program focused on strengthening relationships, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and gaining insight into Tunisia's innovation, education, healthcare, and entrepreneurial sectors.

Detroit delegation members met with leaders from the American Chamber of Commerce in Tunisia, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the Ministry of Health. Visits to Technopole El Ghazela and The Dot highlighted Tunisia's growing startup ecosystem and commitment to innovation. Meetings with MUST University and South Mediterranean University also opened the door to future academic partnerships between Tunisia and Southeast Michigan.

The delegation also had the opportunity to reconnect with alumni of U.S. Department of State exchange programs, including participants in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and Professional Fellows Program. Many fondly remembered their time in Detroit, sharing how those experiences had shaped their professional careers while also creating lasting personal connections. Their stories underscored the enduring impact of international exchanges and the important role Detroit continues to play in building global relationships.

A highlight of the visit was attending the Freedom 250 Independence Day Reception at the U.S. Embassy in Tunis, hosted by U.S. Ambassador Bill Bazzi. The event celebrated the longstanding friendship between Tunisia and the United States, dating back to the 1797 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, one of the oldest U.S. treaties still in effect today.

Beyond the professional program, the delegation explored Tunisia's rich history and culture, visiting five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Ancient Carthage, the Medina of Tunis, Kerkouane, the Amphitheatre of El Jem, and the Bardo Museum. The group also participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the North Africa American Cemetery in Carthage, honoring more than 2,800 American service members buried there.

The exchange concluded in the coastal village of Sidi Bou Said with a farewell dinner hosted by Ambassador Bazzi, celebrating a week of learning, collaboration, and new international friendships.

Board members returned with fresh perspectives on the opportunities for future partnerships.

Ed Clemente reflected on the importance of both the professional meetings and the cultural experiences. "The U.S. Embassy event, meeting Ambassador Bazzi, visiting the North Africa American Cemetery, and engaging with universities, government officials, and entrepreneurs were all highlights," he said. "Learning more about Tunisia's rich history, culture, and global significance made the experience especially meaningful."
For Faris Alami, the connections made throughout the trip stood out most. "The conversations reinforced how much potential exists for deeper collaboration, especially around entrepreneurship, innovation, youth engagement, and connecting ecosystems across borders," he said. "Tunisia reminded me in many ways of Detroit—full of resilience, creativity, pride, and a strong desire to build a better future."

Dr. Brit Affolter-Caine said the greatest takeaway was the people of Tunisia. "Meeting them, seeing how warm and brilliant they are, and learning what they are trying to accomplish to move their country toward greater prosperity is what stays with me," she said. She also noted that Tunisia's focus on building on its unique strengths offers valuable lessons for Michigan's own research, innovation, and economic development efforts.

The Tunisia exchange reflects Global Ties Detroit's ongoing mission to connect Southeast Michigan with partners around the world, fostering mutual understanding and creating opportunities for lasting collaboration. The delegation returned to Detroit with new relationships, valuable insights, and renewed enthusiasm for expanding global engagement.

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