Convenings Mission
In 2001, after hosting seven American presidents at their winter home, beginning with Dwight D. Eisenhower’s visit in 1966, Walter and Leonore Annenberg sought to preserve their estate as a venue for future generations of leaders to address the world’s major challenges.
They created a Declaration of Trust that makes Sunnylands available to key figures of the United States government, including the President, Secretary of State, Supreme Court justices, and bipartisan leaders of Congress. Influential figures from other sectors, such as higher education, science, philanthropy, and the arts, are also invited to meet with their global counterparts at Sunnylands.
The Annenbergs also made it a priority for the public to access the estate in order to learn about the historical significance of Sunnylands and to appreciate its cultural heritage.
“To give of yourselves for the benefit of others is surely the highest form of citizenship.”
– Ambassador Walter Annenberg
Civil Conversations
Bringing key figures to Sunnylands for respectful discussions to resolve problems, overcome difficulties, and find solutions to world challenges has been a decades-long tradition. Today, Sunnylands carries on that tradition through its convening program. Since 2012, the Trust has hosted international leaders and innovative experts of diverse backgrounds, from both the public and private sectors, to engage in dialogues that advance the key mission established by the Trust – “to promote world peace and facilitate international agreement.”
Areas of Focus
Sunnylands convenings are based on three distinct focus areas.
Global Cooperation
Our Global Cooperation convenings bring together leaders and experts from around the world to engage in candid, solution-oriented discussions on today’s most pressing international challenges. We focus primarily on the Indo-Pacific and Latin America regions, leveraging California’s strategic position as a natural gateway to both.
Civic and Democratic Engagement
Convenings in this area are focused on advancing the ideals and promises of a democratic system of government, including access to high-quality, unbiased news and information, civics education, community engagement, and fair elections.
Food Security and Health
Convenings inspire global leaders to tackle challenges in food security and health. These discussions spark innovative, collaborative solutions to enhance food security, agricultural practices, and health systems at home and abroad.
Convening Experience
Drawing upon the Annenberg tradition of gracious hospitality, every convening is designed to be an exceptional experience. Gatherings are small, private, high level, and intensive. A maximum of 24 people attend a convening that lasts two-and-a-half days.
Typically, all convening participants stay on the estate as guests. Recreational periods and cultural experiences are integrated into a rigorous meeting agenda. Taking advantage of Sunnylands’ California locale, these elements emphasize creativity, diversity, and health, and are planned with the deliberate intention of driving convening guests toward achievable outcomes.
