Ivy Ambassadors Initiative
The Ivy Ambassadors Initiative is focused on bringing together youth leaders from throughout the world to discuss global issues and exchange ideas, perspectives, and cultures. The organization has built close partnerships with officials in over 60 countries involved with governments, non-profits, corporations, and prestigious universities which allows our members to gain access to a network of the world’s most influential individuals and organizations.
The Challenge
Recent shifts in the international environment have led the world to a period defined by great power rivalries, weakened cooperation, and failed mechanisms for international dialogue. In these times, people-to-people exchanges play an important role in maintaining bridges between nations and creating opportunities to steer the world back to multilateralism. As tomorrow’s leaders, youth bear the responsibility of contributing to such efforts and applying shared understandings to address global problems. The Ivy Ambassadors Initiative brings together youth leaders from across the United States and the world, in the hopes that our partnerships today will contribute to a new era of world peace and cooperation.
Our Work
The Ivy Ambassador Initiative works through a dedicated team of youth leaders domestically and globally to build global engagement and cooperation. Our programs run dual-tracks of people-to-people exchanges and international projects, and involve wide-ranging partners from around the world.
Ivy Ambassador Corps
Ivy Ambassadors lead the IAI’s global exchange programs, conferences with world leaders, and youth projects that foster greater international cooperation. Following the Ivy’s symbolic meaning of connectedness and friendship, Ivy Ambassadors are an integral part to strengthening our relations with our partners and coordinating our initiatives.
International Conferences
Ivy Ambassadors actively represent the Ivy Council at various international conferences and events, as well as those of partner organizations. These will be opportunities for more personal interactions and exchanges, with both American and international aspects. Some recent conferences include the G20 Youth Summit, the World Internet Conference, the World Government Summit, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, and the Nobel Laureate Summit. Furthermore, the IAI will also host a number of conferences on topics of international importance, such as on global public health in the digital age.
Youth Exchanges
Delegations from the IAI and other partnerships may be exchanged to interact with foreign student and professional leaders, explore different cultures, and bring new perspectives back to their respective groups. Past exchanges with the IAI include the All-China Youth Federation, the Canada National Student Unions, and the German Bundestag, and additional exchanges to countries such as Turkey, Argentina, Italy, India, and Japan are in development.
Diplomacy Dialogues
Structured as regular virtual discussions, Diplomacy Dialogues allow members to gain insights directly from world leaders and diplomats on current issues in international relations. These discussions will also provide opportunities for members to ask about the topics and issues they are interested in, without censorship, and gain mentorship from leaders who have served in positions of influence.
Youth Forum Series
The Youth Forum Series are regular roundtable discussions among international youth leaders about relevant global issues and conflicts, with recommendations being drafted. Reports may be submitted to various bodies such as governments, non-profits, and the United Nations as a way for youth leaders to voice our opinions and ideas. Furthermore, a variety of projects based on these issues will be launched globally and empower youth to take action to contribute to a more peaceful and cooperative global community.
Youth Voices in Foreign Policy
The IAI provides opportunities for Ivy Ambassadors to report on and analyze international affairs. Past Ivy Ambassadors have submitted articles to prominent outlets such as Foreign Affairs, the National Interest, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, international papers, and more.
