The mission of IVLP is to offer current and emerging international leaders the opportunity to experience the richness and diversity of American political, economic, social and cultural life through carefully designed exchanges that reflect participants’ professional interests and the public diplomacy objectives of the United States government.
[peacock prose] The exchange brings up to 5,000 professional emerging leaders from around the world to the United States each year for programs of up to three weeks.
[1] In 1940, Nelson Rockefeller was named the Coordinator of Commercial and Cultural Affairs for the American Republics.
During a time when Americans grew increasingly concerned about Soviet propaganda, the purpose of the Smith-Mundt was "to promote a better understanding of the United States in other countries, and to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries" though educational and cultural exchanges.
[2][3] The purpose of the IVLP is to: The following tables list the 338 current and former chiefs of state and heads of government who have participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program.