The Global Village on the Move (GVoM) 2024 program began in September with a virtual phase uniting 90 alumni – 45 from the YES and YES Abroad programs and 45 from the FLEX program. Participants, representing diverse cultures and professional backgrounds, worked in cross-cultural teams on consulting projects for international clients to tackle real-world challenges. They also completed CliftonStrengths assessments and engaged in leadership sessions to help them identify their personal strengths and develop leadership action plans to enhance their impact in their communities.

In November, the program’s journey culminated in Istanbul, Türkiye, where 78 alumni from 47 countries gathered for the highly anticipated in-person workshop. Organized by American Councils for International Education in partnership with the Iacocca Institute at Lehigh University and funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, GVoM 2024 equipped alumni with the skills and knowledge needed to address pressing global challenges.

The workshop opened with a networking reception, bringing together GVoM participants, guest alumni from past cohorts of YES, FLEX, and Global Village, and representatives from ECA, the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul, and the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, including Public Affairs Officer Brent Maier, Cultural Attaché Marvin Alfaro, Public Diplomacy Officer Marcia S. Anglarill, and Program Officer Amy Schulz. Mr. Maier gave remarks highlighting the profound impact of international exchange programs, their role in fostering mutual understanding, developing global competencies, and empowering individuals to address shared challenges.

Throughout the week, participants engaged in workshop sessions, site visits, and a collaborative team project, centered on community-driven initiatives. Site visit highlights included a visit to a refugee center in Sultanbeyli and an eco-park in Avcılar, where participants learned about local sustainability efforts and grassroots solutions.

The workshop’s centerpiece was the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Design Challenge, through which teams of participants worked together to create innovative solutions to global issues. Guided by mentors and facilitators, the teams presented their ideas to a panel of judges, sparking insightful discussions and constructive feedback.

A notable session during the program was a panel discussion led by representatives from United Cities and Local Governments-Middle East and West Asia, an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable urban development, good governance, and social inclusion across the region. This session emphasized the importance of collaboration between local governments, organizational partnerships, and grassroots efforts in addressing global challenges, inspiring participants to consider innovative approaches in their follow-on projects.