Past International Exchange Projects
EXPO 2020 DUBAI – USA PAVILION
A Project for Global Ties U.S. (2020-2021)
Taking place October 2021 to March 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai is the first World Expo (formerly, World’s Fair) held in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region. Expo 2020 Dubai will unveil inventions, ideas, and inspirations for positive change and a sustainable future. This Expo’s theme, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” reflects the role of people and ideas coming together in new and exciting ways that spark innovation and progress.
From September 2020 to March 2021, we partnered with Global Ties U.S. to support grassroots recruitment efforts by identifying individuals in our local community to serve as Youth Ambassadors and Cultural Performers at the USA Pavilion and guiding them through the application process. While Youth Ambassadors — the Faces of America — serve as guides and cultural representatives of the United States and its territories to millions of Expo visitors, Cultural Performers showcase their talents across a variety of disciplines in reflection of the cultural diversity of the nation. Stay tuned — the selected individuals will be announced soon.
ENERGY POLICY AND SECURITY
A Project for Belgium (2019)
The program focused on discussions around U.S. national energy and climate policy challenges and international cooperative efforts to develop secure and transparent global energy markets and climate frameworks. Visitor Ruben Laleman, Energy Advisor, Cabinet of Federal Energy Minister, learned about state and local energy initiatives that use alternative energy technologies to promote U.S. energy independence and responses to the impacts of climate events. His stay in Sacramento included visits to the California Energy Commission, UC Davis Energy and Efficiency Institute, and the Western Cooling Efficiency Center.
NATURAL DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
A Project for Italy (2019)
Participants in this program studied California’s emergency preparedness and response to natural disasters, focusing on recent area wildfires. Visitors learned about the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) role, specifically the Environmental Policy and Emergency Response Team, and how they mitigate the environmental impacts of natural disasters. The visitors also met with representatives from the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and learned how they collaborate with other statewide agencies to provide emergency response and recovery support. Read more
WOMEN WORKING TOWARDS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE
A Project for Nepal (2018)
This program examined decision-making processes in federal, provincial, and local government, including the interface between elected leaders and civil society, constituents, and advocacy groups. In Sacramento, the focus was on promoting women’s leadership in politics and mentorship initiatives for the next generation of female leaders. Visitors met with the Office of (Former) Senator Kamala Harris, California Women Lead, enjoyed a VIP Tour of the California State Capitol, and attended a Yolo County Blue Wave Event to experience first-hand the campaign process in the United States.
