Under the theme of "The Exchange Effect: Creating Global Leadership in an Uncertain World," the U.S. Department of State hosted more than 150 business and community leaders from 49 countries in Washington, D.C., for the 2024 Professional Fellows Congress June 11-13, 2024. The congress served as a capstone event for the Professional Fellows Program, which is an exchange that advances good governance, economic empowerment, and civic engagement between Americans and citizens of other countries.
During a five-week professional placement with U.S. organizations and businesses in more than 20 states, the 2024 fellows collaborated with American counterparts to develop leadership skills, deepen relationships, and address shared global challenges. Fellows worked with U.S. hosts on solutions to climate change, community organization, youth empowerment, and supporting women in agribusiness, among other topics.
The Professional Fellows Congress in Washington, D.C. builds on the Professional Fellows Program's themes and provides opportunities for participants to highlight achievements and brainstorm ways to launch projects in their home communities based on their fellowship experiences. This year's fellows will join more than 5,000 Professional Fellows Program Exchange Alumni who have completed the program since 2010.
The Professional Fellows Congress is funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by World Learning in collaboration with 10 other partner organizations.
