Our organization is dedicated to fostering people-to-people diplomacy by promoting empathetic engagement between individuals in the United States, Iran, and Central Asia. We believe in building relationships rooted in dignity and cultural respect, supporting educational diplomacy through academic conferences that focus on the Diplomacy of Heart. Our forums explore the spiritual dimensions of various religious traditions, nurturing respect for the dignity of difference. We aim to build a global network of partners to co-sponsor impactful conferences and research projects, integrating Sustainable Development Goals into our programming to empower youth as ethical agents of change.

Rooted in the spirit of Diplomacy of the Heart, the Baskerville Institute builds bridges across cultures through empathy, respect, and dialogue. For over a century, it has championed the dignity of difference—fostering educational, humanitarian, and cultural partnerships that transcend political divides and promote lasting human connection.

Diplomacy of the Heart traces its roots to the 1912 friendship between John A. Widtsoe, president of Utah State University, and Mirza Ali Gholi Khan, Iran’s Consul General. Their connection, grounded in shared interests and mutual respect, sparked enduring people-to-people ties between Utah and Iran. This legacy continues today, with generations of students, scholars, and volunteers advancing intercultural understanding and peace.