For more than eight decades, the United States's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the leading short-term professional exchange program of the United States government and Department of State, has brought influential foreign leaders in government, business, and other key fields to the United States for visits of between three and six weeks to connect emerging leaders around the world with their American counterparts. Today, under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, the IVLP continues to build strategic relationships, showcase American innovation and professional leadership, and advance U.S. national security priorities - diplomacy through exchange and engagement.
More than 230,000 distinguished participants from over 200 countries - including Malta - have connected with Americans as part of the IVLP and have personally experienced what makes the United States the global partner of choice. After their IVLP experience in the United States, alumni often advocate for greater U.S. engagement, including economic, cultural, and security partnerships that promote international cooperation and advance shared global interests.
The program's impact is significant. More than 500 current and former heads of state or government are IVLP alumni, along with 12 Nobel laureates, 1600+ cabinet ministers, 1000+ parliamentarians, and numerous leaders in industry, science, academia and more who shape policy and public discourse in their countries.
The U.S. Embassy in Malta proudly recognizes more than 300 Maltese IVLP alumni in public service, including eminent government ministers, judges, and leaders in security, law enforcement, innovation, energy, business, journalism, education, and policymaking. Their contributions have impacted bilateral relations in enduring and invaluable ways - and contributed significantly to the admired and respected nation Malta is today.
As America celebrates Freedom 250 this year, the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, the IVLP reflects enduring American values: liberty, democracy, and innovation. Under President Donald J. Trump's leadership, the United States continues to expand strategic partnerships, promote innovation, and strengthen diplomacy that advances our shared interests.
The personal connections born through the IVLP, however, are what make this program especially meaningful. Every exchange is designed to deepen understanding of U.S. policies, systems, and expertise, while opening doors for American and international professionals to scale their collaborative relationships, relationships that continue well beyond the program to address global challenges when they are needed most.
As the IVLP well shows, strong partnerships are built through personal relationships, increased understanding and sustained engagement. By investing in emerging leaders today, we advance U.S. national security priorities and strengthen the foundation for future cooperation between the United States and Malta.
IVLP is an example of American excellence, reflecting defining strengths of the United States. President Trump and Secretary Rubio have stated that America First does not mean America alone. Exchange programs like the IVLP exemplify this.
Today, in The Malta Independent on Sunday, I am pleased to introduce several alumni (see below) who recently participated in professional exchange programs. We thank these men and women for their contributions to our bilateral partnership and deepening the longstanding relationship between the United States and Malta.
Somers Farkas is the US Ambassador for Malta
Jacob Callus, Manager II, Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs
Marshal Mallia, Inspector, Malta Police
Rachel Powell, lawyer and consultant
Ryan Sciberras, Director for Policy Development, Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs