Last month, five senior cybersecurity officials from the Republic of Korea traveled to the United States to strengthen bilateral cooperation and explore strategies for addressing emerging digital threats. Over three weeks, the group engaged with leaders across U.S. government, academic, and private sectors through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), administered by American Councils.
With engagements in more than 115 communities nationwide, IVLP brings international leaders into the spaces where American innovation is tested, refined, and scaled. In Akron, Ohio, participants examined how the Ohio Cyber Reserve and National Guard are building a cybersecurity talent pipeline by training civilian volunteers. In San Antonio, Texas, they gained insight into the integration of military and civilian cyber defense during meetings with FBI cyber squads and commanders from the Sixteenth Air Force. In Honolulu, Hawaii, conversations with CyberHawaii and the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies demonstrated the role of regional partnerships in building resilience across the Indo-Pacific.
Beyond institutional visits, the delegation took part in community service at the Ronald McDonald House in Akron, reflecting IVLP’s longstanding tradition of civic engagement and emphasis on volunteerism.
Following meetings on cybersecurity with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. House of Representatives, the Korean leaders left the U.S. with refined approaches to strengthening South Korea’s cybersecurity capabilities and with new allies across the Pacific. As an immediate result of the program, Ms. Hwa Young Lee of South Korea’s National Cyber Security Laboratory facilitated a memorandum of understanding with the Washington, D.C.–based Foundation for Defense of Democracies, establishing a new channel for technical cooperation.
Their experience adds to a growing network of over 230,000 IVLP exchange alumni who return home equipped to lead, innovate, and collaborate with the United States on shared global priorities. American Councils extends its gratitude to our partner organizations, Global Ties Akron, San Antonio Council for International Visitors and Pacific Forum for their support in making this program a success.
About the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)
The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is funded and administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. As the foundational professional exchange program of the U.S. government, the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) advances U.S. national security priorities and builds long-term relationships between Americans and international leaders in government, business, academia, and other fields through short-term professional exchanges that strengthen American communities. American Councils is one of eight national program agencies that implements the IVLP.