Curated by Angelora Castellano, Fall 2024 Communications Intern, Global Ties U.S.
Global Ties U.S. and its nationwide network of Community-Based Member (CBM) organizations play a vital role in advancing cultural diplomacy, fostering mutual understanding, and creating connections that transcend borders. Through international exchange programs, such as the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), current and emerging leaders from around the world come together to share ideas, develop skills, and collaborate on solutions to global challenges. Michigan Council for Citizen Diplomacy, World Affairs Council of New Hampshire, and San Antonio Council for International Visitors discuss how exchanges empower individuals and communities, showcasing the impact of cultural diplomacy in building stronger, more connected societies.
Michigan Council for Citizen Diplomacy
IVLP: Religious Freedom and Muslim-American Communities in the United States
NPA: FHI 360
By John Magee, Program Coordinator
On November 20, 2024, the Michigan Council for Citizen Diplomacy, hosted by Michigan State University’s (MSU) Visiting International Professional Program (VIPP), collaborated with Global Ties Detroit and FHI 360 to welcome a delegation of seven international visitors from France. This exchange program, part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), focused on Religious Freedom and Muslim-American Communities in the United States.
The group explored cultural diplomacy and interfaith dialogue through engagements with MSU and the Lansing community.
IVLP participants in a session at the Islamic Center.
The day began at the Islamic Center of East Lansing, where visitors toured the facility and met with community leaders. Discussions emphasized the Islamic Center’s inclusive approach to serving Muslims of various traditions—Sunni, Shia, and Sufi—while highlighting its partnerships with local churches and organizations to promote interfaith understanding and unity. The visitors also learned about the Islamic Center’s educational and community initiatives.
During a Halal lunch provided by the Islamic Center, participants enjoyed traditional cuisine while engaging in meaningful conversations about Muslim-American culture and practices.
The afternoon program featured a session led by Mouhammad Khalil, Ph.D. a professor of Religious Studies at MSU, who provided insights into religious freedom in the United States and the unique challenges faced by Muslim-American communities.
Participants in a session on mental health care with Dr. Abbasi.
Dr. Farha Abbasi, a psychiatrist and advocate for culturally competent mental health care, led the next session, focusing on the mental health challenges faced by Muslim-American communities. Her presentation highlighted the importance of integrating cultural sensitivity into mental health services and addressing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. The group engaged actively with Dr. Abbasi, asking numerous questions about her research and the challenges she encounters in her work. Inspired by her presentation, Hamza Braiki and other visitors inquired whether Dr. Abbasi could visit France to present on cultural mental health care. Dr. Abbasi confirmed her availability for international travel and mentioned that she has resources to support such engagements.
San Antonio Council for International Visitors
IVLP: Strengthening Cultural Heritage and Antiquities Preservation in Rural Areas
NPA: Cultural Vistas
By Natalia Flores, Program Coordinator
On October 23 – 29, 2024, the San Antonio Council for International Visitors (SACIV) had the honor of hosting the delegation from Saudi Arabia as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), “Strengthening Cultural Heritage and Antiquities Preservation in Rural Areas.” Working alongside Cultural Vistas, SACIV provided resource meetings for the 19 visitors with a focus on preserving the cultural and historical heritage of San Antonio, TX. The visitors learned from shared indigenous history through the American Indians at the Spanish Colonial Missions as well as its deep roots in cultural events such as Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The visitors also learned how cutting-edge technology at our academic institutions helps preserve historical sites here and around the world.
During their visit to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), the delegation learned about the work of Angela Lombardi, Ph.D. at the missions here in San Antonio and about her extensive research across the United States and in the Middle East. Delegates were able to ask about the cutting-edge technology she and her research have used to help preserve ancient buildings in Iraq, Turkmenistan, and Lebanon. Delegates had a great discussion with Lombardi about her efforts to preserve these buildings and the methodology she implements, and thoroughly enjoyed the in-depth technical conversations, especially when it came to preservation in areas of development. This type of exchange matters significantly since both sides have the same goal: preserving and maintaining structures that have profound cultural, religious, or historical significance. In most cases, these structures have significance in all three of these categories making their loss a huge blow to their respective communities.
Learning how communities can help to maintain these structures and new methods that can assist them in this process is invaluable, especially in areas where development can lead to damage to these structures. Exchanges can help communities find a balance between development and preservation and does not mean that the community has to sacrifice one over the other.
World Affairs Council of New Hampshire
IVLP: Social Media for Cultural Understanding and Positive Social Change: Bridging Cultures Through Digital Diplomacy
NPA: Meridian International Center
By Anise Jasman-Sayer, International Visitor Program Director
In November 2024, the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire welcomed a group of visitors from Egypt as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). This three-day exchange, implemented by Meridian International Center, brought together Egyptian social media influencers and digital communication experts to explore how social media can serve as a tool for fostering cultural diplomacy and promoting positive change.
During their visit to New Hampshire, the participants engaged in a hands-on workshop focused on leveraging social media to drive social advocacy and inspire cultural understanding. They also met with the New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility to explore the integration of corporate social responsibility into digital strategies and the transformative power of storytelling for inclusivity and global dialogue.
Group photo of Anise(front center) with IVLP participants.
What made this project particularly memorable was the synergy between the delegates’ expertise and New Hampshire’s vibrant community of socially responsible professionals. Many participants were already seasoned influencers with large online audiences, which led to insightful exchanges on the role of digital platforms in shaping narratives and building bridges. A lasting connection emerged when a New Hampshire-based speaker, with personal ties to Egypt, expressed plans to reconnect with the delegates during a trip to the region in December.
This program showcased the value of cultural diplomacy through digital engagement. As one delegate remarked, “social media allows us to amplify stories that unite, not divide. This program gave us the tools to be more impactful in our efforts.”
Exchanges like this underscore the enduring importance of international collaboration, where dialogue, shared expertise, and mutual understanding pave the way for meaningful action. The IVLP project not only enriched the participants but also strengthened New Hampshire’s commitment to fostering global connections.
By empowering individuals to connect and collaborate, exchanges can inspire meaningful action within their communities and beyond.
This IVLP exchange demonstrated the transformative power of cultural diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding, building interfaith connections, and showcasing the diversity of religious practices in the United States.
WorldBoston
IVLP: Social Media for Cultural Understanding and Positive Social Change
NPA: Meridian International Center
By Elena Castellini, Citizen Diplomacy Programs Coordinator, and Sarah Sibley, Vice President for Citizen Diplomacy
In November, WorldBoston had the honor of hosting four IVLP Egyptian visitors who came to the United States to discuss “Social Media for Cultural Understanding and Positive Social Change”.
The visitors discussed strategies to promote social change with a focus on equity, inclusion, civic engagement, and community outreach with academic speakers from the UMass Boston Center for Society & Media and the Boston University College of Communication.
Through a meeting with the New England First Amendment Coalition, the visitors gained insight into the importance of transparency in a democratic society and how to balance security concerns with civil rights. Finally, the visitors discovered an alternative media content outlet with the PRX Podcast Garage, which incorporates civic life as an incubator for creative content.
To close their program, the Egyptian visitors engaged in a storytelling and synthesis session with Wendy Swart Grossman, the co-founder of Creative Re/Frame, who shared strategies to empower their creative vision, with a commitment to social impact. The visitors also worked through an interactive session to practice what they learned in their three-week exchange and what they would like to bring back to their work at home.
IVLP participants in an informational session.
While the visitors already had a large social media presence in Egypt, all the people they exchanged with were impressed with their avid desire and interest to learn more about this ever-changing realm of virtual influence, and how to use their voice and impact to benefit their community.
The visitors’ main takeaways from their experience underline the importance of international cultural exchange in fostering understanding and promoting positive social change through social media by breaking down geographical and cultural barriers. They shared that, in an increasingly globalized world, social media platforms can serve as powerful tools for sharing diverse perspectives, traditions, and experiences, which can inspire empathy, reduce prejudice, and cultivate a sense of shared humanity.
Ultimately, through their IVLP experience in the United States, these visitors shared that they came to understand how international cultural exchange on social media not only enriches individuals’ understanding of the world but also drives collective action toward creating a more inclusive and equitable global society.
It’s why we do what we do in the IVLP! Mission accomplished.