Last month, American Councils welcomed an esteemed group of six space policy and science leaders from the Republic of Korea as one of eight National Program Agencies of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). During their project, “Space Diplomacy and Regional Security,” the cohort traveled across the U.S. for eleven days to discuss best practices in strategic planning and policymaking for cooperative space projects.
In Washington, DC, participants explored federal space policy coordination and implications for national security in space through meetings including the Office of Space Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, Secure World Foundation, the U.S. Department of Defense, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and a special tour of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. The cohort also had a chance to visit both locations of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, including a tour of the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.
The cohort ventured to the Space Coast in Orlando, Florida for a fantastic program implemented by partner organization WorldOrlando. With visits to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and Florida Space Institute at the University of Central Florida, participants explored space research trends and public-private partnerships in the aerospace industry.
After enjoying a day trip to Disney World, the IVLP leaders departed for the end of their program in Denver and Colorado Springs, CO. Participants met with experts from the U.S. Space Command, Space ISAC, Colorado Space Coalition, Axiom, and the Space Foundation to examine economic development in the state’s space sector, in addition to commercial space innovation. The group also had the opportunity to explore the Garden of the Gods public park. American Councils extends its gratitude to our partner organizations, WorldDenver and the Colorado Springs World Affairs Council, for their invaluable support in making this program a success.
The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is funded and administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. IVLP is the United States’ premier professional exchange program, providing firsthand knowledge about U.S. society, culture, and politics to current and emerging foreign leaders. By connecting international leaders to their American counterparts, participants cultivate lasting relationships reflecting their professional interests and supporting the foreign policy goals of the United States. American Councils is one of eight national program agencies that implements the IVLP. Learn more about IVLP.