The San Diego Refugee Forum is excited to host “Meet Your Neighbor” in honor of the fourth annual World Refugee Day. The event will be held at Balboa Park’s International Cottages and the Hall of Nations on 2191 Pan American Road.

This event connects the many communities that coexist in San Diego, highlights the struggles and resilience of refugees thriving in their new homes, and showcases the rich cultural features through performances, food, music, panel presentations, youth activities, traditional arts and crafts, and interactive activities. Special address by Mayor Kevin Faulconer and executive director of the International Rescue Committee San Diego, Bob Montgomery.

Our “Meet Your Neighbor” theme showcases the different neighborhoods and the abundant communities that reside within our county. One can walk through the event venue and experience almost every refugee culture found in San Diego. The event allows visitors the chance to hear stories of the refugees through panel presentations, performers from Haiti, Iraq, Congo, Burma, and the Karen community, see cultural exhibitions in the different regional areas of the park, attend a film screening, puppet show, international bazaar featuring refugee-owned local businesses, as well as participate in cultural arts and crafts that include leather work, Karen Bamboo Dance, Karen weaving, and more.

Furthermore, there will be resource sharing on services and the information available from the San Diego Refugee Forum, UNHCR, Red Cross, United Nations Association, and Chipotle on their connections to the refugee community.

Info: 619-265-5821 or [email protected].