On March 14, 2025, the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC), led by Chief Administrative Officer Gregory Hill, hosted a special lecture titled “Sports Event Diplomacy.” The event featured Vivien Olivier Lubczanski, the Global Event Director and Korea Country Director at Planitswiss Group, a seasoned professional in international sports diplomacy and global event planning.

 

Mr. Lubczanski has an extensive background in organizing major international events, including serving as the former Secretary General of the Paris Peace Forum, Exclusive Hospitality Director for UEFA Euro 2016, and Director of the UCI World Championships. He is currently active on the global stage in sports and diplomacy, including his participation in this year’s AI Action Summit.

 

During the lecture, Mr. Lubczanski discussed the role of sports in international diplomacy and shared real-world examples of planning and executing global sports events. He emphasized how large-scale international events facilitate cooperation between nations and how sports serve as a tool for diplomatic communication.

 

 

“Sports transcend mere competition; they are a powerful instrument of diplomacy,” said Mr. Lubczanski. “They enable countries and cultures to interact, collaborate, and enhance mutual understanding. Major sporting events not only have economic and social impacts but also provide opportunities for diplomatic dialogue on the international stage.”

 

Gregory Hill, Chief Administrative Officer of the Utah Asia Campus, highlighted the significance of the lecture: “At the University of Utah Asia Campus, we are committed to offering our students a wide range of opportunities to develop a global perspective. Sports diplomacy is a field where politics, economics, and culture converge. Today’s lecture provided valuable insights into the critical role sports play in the international arena.”

 

 

Hyunseo Sunny Kim, a student in the Communication Department who attended the lecture, shared her thoughts: “It was enlightening to learn that sports go beyond entertainment and play a diplomatic role. Understanding how global events influence international cooperation has made me realize that sports can be a significant tool in my future career.”