This week, more than 65 international photojournalists from over 50 countries began their International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) exchange in the United States, through the U.S. Department of State. During a during a two-week "A Global Moment in Time" IVLP special initiative, they are sharing their expertise and learning from American counterparts about how to build public trust while sharing critical information. These photojournalists will travel to Dallas, Texas; Minneapolis, Minnesota; New Orleans, Louisiana; Portland, Oregon; Santa Fe, New Mexico; and St. Petersburg, Florida. Two additional cohorts of "Global Moment in Time" exchange participants will travel to the United States in winter 2023.
On October 11, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Global Public Affairs Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau spoke to program participants at Meridian International Center. She remarked how critical photojournalists are for telling stories about people's experiences and sharing truthful and accurate information in a space rampant with disinformation. The photojournalists' work touched on stories from countries from around the world, ranging from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families and communities, to stories of Ukrainians prevailing despite Putin's unprovoked war, and showing the strength of spirit of ordinary people from around the world.
The Department of State and Meridian International Center will publish the work of the photojournalists in a forthcoming digital photobook in February 2023.
