IVLP Impact Awards Perspectives: Cultural Heritage Part II

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Dr. Reham Mahmoud Zaky El Sayed is an alumna of the International Visitor Leadership Program and a 2023 recipient of the IVLP Impact Awards for her project Enhancing Management of Egyptian Cultural Heritage Sites: A Capacity Building Program. Meridian International Center, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, implements the IVLP Impact Awards Initiative. IVLP Impact Awardees from across the world administer community impact projects that build on their experiences and promote innovative solutions to shared challenges. The IVLP Impact Awards Initiative aims to engage alumni, strengthen global networks, and support lasting...

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IVLP Impact Awards Perspectives: Cultural Heritage Part I

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Dr. Otabek Aripdjanov is an alumnus of the International Visitor Leadership Program and a 2023 recipient of the IVLP Impact Awards for his project The Protection and Preservation of Archaeological Collections. Meridian International Center, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, implements the IVLP Impact Awards Initiative. IVLP Impact Awardees from across the world administer community impact projects that build on their experiences and promote innovative solutions to shared challenges. The IVLP Impact Awards Initiative aims to engage alumni, strengthen global networks, and support lasting community impact. Building bridges through museums I...

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The Great International Exchange Community: A Response To Global Ties U.S. Community Impact Study

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By Evy Vannoy, Program Associate, International Visitors Leadership Program, Meridian International Center   The public diplomacy community has long acknowledged the value of exchange programs. However, such efforts to advance mutual understanding and bolster global connections are inherently challenging endeavors to quantify. How much does meeting a group of international visitors impact a local community? To what extent does one’s cultural awareness increase as a result of these interactions? Data that addresses the impact of human connection is challenging to capture. Despite this, in its inaugural study, The Global Ties U.S. Community Impact Report, released by Global Ties U.S....

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How the African Union is Working Towards Eradicating Hunger and Malnutrition 

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The Power of International Collaboration Through Exchange  By Colin Blais, Senior Program Associate, International Visitor Leadership Program    On July 31, 2023, seven representatives from the United States Permanent Mission to the African Union arrived in Washington, DC, to begin their two-week exchange in the U.S. as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The “Best Practices to Improve Food Security” program focused on international food policy and convened networks of peers and professional counterparts in Sacramento, California and Detroit, Michigan.   Representing various offices and subdivisions within the African Union, African Union Commission and African Union Development...

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Disability Pride Month: A Diplomatic Perspective on Inclusivity

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By Fatema Hosseini, Meridian Global Communications and Journalism Fellow   Disability Pride Month celebrated in July, is a significant commemoration highlighting essential aspects of diversity and inclusivity in societies worldwide. Disability Pride Month empowers individuals with disabilities, acknowledging their talents and contributions and echoing their societal values. It presents an excellent opportunity for countries to collaborate and exchange knowledge on policies and practices that encourage inclusivity not just for individuals with disabilities but also for minority communities.   For instance, the “Disability Rights: Equal Access for All,” a regional U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) for...

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