In 1940, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s administration proposed a simple idea to deepen U.S. global leadership: bring the world’s current and emerging leaders to the United States so they can experience first-hand the strength of our civil society and the richness of our democracy.
Since then, more than 200,000 global leaders have visited the United States through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The citizen diplomats of the Global Ties Network have welcomed them into their communities, workplaces, and homes, building relationships and mutual understanding that are indispensable to addressing global challenges.
In a time of distrust and division, exchanges are a powerful force for bringing people, communities, and nations closer together.
2025 and 2026 mark significant milestones: the 85th anniversary of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the 65th anniversary of Global Ties U.S., and the 250th anniversary of our country.
Our work helps to ensure U.S. communities have the tools and resources to engage globally. By donating to the Global Ties U.S. Anniversary Fund, you help us:
- Expand opportunities for the Global Ties Network to engage their communities.
- Provide career opportunities to young people through internships and the Emerging Leaders Program.
- Advocate for resources for U.S. international exchange and public diplomacy programs.
Diplomacy Begins Here.
“I found a friend ready to hear me out at every post thanks to the great work of the Global Ties Network.”
– Amb. Barbara Stephenson, Global Ties U.S. Advisory Council Member