Both exchange groups will be joining us as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. Through short-term visits to the United States, current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields experience this country firsthand and cultivate lasting relationships with their American counterparts.

• • Young Leaders Rise
    A group of 11 participants from the Near East and North Africa including NGO managers, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and academics who promote youth participation in civil and political discourse. They are coming to Philadelphia to discuss advancing civic engagement at the local level and inspiring youth engagement through public-private partnerships.
  • Combatting Trafficking of Cultural Antiquities
    A group of 10 participants from Mexico including archaeologists, anthropologists, museum curators, and conservators involved in the protection of cultural heritage. They are coming to Philadelphia to discuss cultural heritage preservation and protection challenges with local experts and explore research and conservation techniques, funding mechanisms, advocacy methods, and educational outreach efforts designed to protect vulnerable cultural sites, resources, and artifacts.