Sign in Subscribe
Youth

Harnessing the Power of People-to-People Diplomacy

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has been instrumental in fostering high-quality exchanges between youth, students, educators, artists, athletes, and emerging leaders in the United States and over 160 countries. These exchange participants become citizen ambassadors, creating opportunities for cooperation and understanding, and building a network of over 1 million alumni, including 50 Nobel laureates and 350 current or former government leaders.

The US has a significant opportunity to engage with the rising generation of young people, with over 60% of the world's population under 30. These young people are savvy, connected, and well-educated, and will drive change in their countries and globally. The US must support and engage them, leveraging their energy and ability to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways:

  • The State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs maintains over 1 million alumni of State Department-led exchanges, including 50 Nobel laureates and 350 current or former government leaders.
  • Over 60% of the world's population is under the age of 30, and these young people are savvy, connected, and increasingly well-educated.
  • Exchanges can help address issues of skepticism towards the US and promote meaningful outlets for young people's time and talents.
  • The US has a critical opportunity to engage with and support young people, leveraging their energy and ability to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
  • Exchange 2.0, a complement to traditional exchange programs, allows for connectivity and engagement with people worldwide.
  • The State Department has a commitment to engaging with people everywhere, recognizing the importance of people-to-people diplomacy in promoting stability and security.

Statistics:

  • Over 1 million alumni of State Department-led exchanges worldwide.
  • 50 Nobel laureates are among the exchange program alumni.
  • 350 current or former government leaders are part of the exchange program alumni community.
  • 60% of the world's population is under the age of 30.
  • 6.9 billion people worldwide require engagement to ensure stability and security.
  • The US has a significant opportunity to engage with and support young people in Africa, with rising innovation and entrepreneurship in the continent.

Sources:

  • Federal News Service, Inc.

Read more