GlobalPittsburgh

It was a great honor and pleasure to participate in the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) on #Volunteerism and #CivicAction from January 11 to February 1 of this year. Many thanks to the #USEmbassy in #Bern for nominating me for the program in my role as President of Discuss it. Together with 17 other participants from all over the world, I was able to engage with over 20 different organizations and speakers working in the field of volunteering and civic engagement in the #USA. Together with the other participants, I visited #WashingtonDC, #Pittsburgh, PA, #Phoenix, AZ and #Orlando, FL. Many thanks to the Meridian International Center and to GlobalPittsburgh, Global Ties Arizona and WorldOrlando for the careful organization of the attractive program. A warm thank you must also go to our wonderful liaisons Zarrin Caldwell, John Calu and Iva Kovacheva for their dedicated, attentive and caring support during the program. This journey was a very special one for me. Not only did I learn a lot about the different cultural facets of the #UnitedStates, but I was also able to sharpen my understanding of #communityservice, working with #volunteers, #civicengagement and the importance of #givingback, as well as achieve personal growth. Last but not least, I had the opportunity to establish valuable contacts in the USA and all around the world. Some of these contacts I consider friendships that I hope will last for a lifetime ??

From February 6-11, GlobalPittsburgh hosted eight distinguished ICT policymakers and influencers from Colombia, Japan, Kyrgyz Republic, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Zimbabwe as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program, entitled "Advancing Economic Prosperity: An Open, Reliable, and Secure Digital Economy." During their visit to Pittsburgh, the delegates explored how federal and local governments collaborate to combat cybercrime, the role of academic institutions in supporting innovation and tech entrepreneurship, and how NGOs and businesses engage in expanding understanding of cyber threats and supporting response initiatives. They visited Carnegie Mellon University CyLab, Dentons, Center for Informed Democracy and Social-cybersecurity (IDeaS Center), Carnegie Mellon University - Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy, the U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Pennsylvania, and the Western Pennsylvania Regional Data Center. Additionally, they were warmly welcomed into the homes of local community members for dinners, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding. We are grateful for the opportunity to facilitate these meaningful connections and discussions, contributing to a more secure and innovative global digital economy.

"?????????????? ???? ???????????? ???? ?????? ???????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???? ??????????." – ???????????????? ?????? 2??.Week of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), hosted by GlobalPittsburgh in Pennsylvania, has been a testament to the power of compassionate leadership, grassroots innovation, and transformation. In a world that is rapidly changing and marked by division, I witnessed firsthand how local communities are stepping up where policies fall short, bridging gaps and creating opportunities for those who are often left behind?? ??Highlights from the #IVLP in the coldest city I have ever been to????: ??At the Oasis Project within the @Homewood Community, I saw how transforming ?? abandoned spaces into thriving hubs for education and entrepreneurship can serve as a beacon of hope for underserved communities. ??Participating in the MLK Jr. Day of Service reminded me that honoring legacies isn’t just about words???, but about actions that bring communities closer together??. ??Learning from Global Links, whose commitment to health equity ????and sustainability demonstrates how innovative resource-sharing can make a global impact. #SharingIsCaring ??These experiences underscore a critical lesson: when some voices are neglected, others must amplify inclusion and collaboration. This is why I founded Bridge 2 Thrive- to create solutions that empower communities to thrive by connecting people, ideas, and opportunities. ??As I reflect on this week, I am reminded that civic engagement is the foundation of a resilient, inclusive and thus wealthy society. #IVLP #Bridge2Thrive #Leadership #GlobalImpact

In my last post, I highlighted the power of art amidst this fascinating journey across the United States. Unsurprisingly, I once again found proof that art is never far away, even in the most unexpected places. During our visit to the Energy Innovation Center (EIC) in Pittsburgh, Don Evans CEO of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Gateways Corporation, guided us through the center’s many initiatives. What struck me most was when he shared, with tense and great satisfaction, that the center hosts an art gallery right in its heart, currently showcasing an exhibition. It was fascinating to see how art blends seamlessly with innovation, opening new social and economic perspectives. The EIC embodies a powerful alliance between university research and entrepreneurial innovation, especially through its partnerships with institutions like the University of Pittsburgh. This collaboration turns the center into a true hub, where scientific research and business development meet. It unites academia and startups to work together on sustainable energy solutions. The center is not just a place where ideas are born, but a true incubator for early-stage businesses, benefiting from the latest scientific discoveries and academic support. Pitt has there a full simulator for the city's large cycle of energy, innovations can be tested in a prompt and safe environment. This perfect balance between art, energy, and knowledge reflects the EIC’s mission to foster both technological innovation and community development. The center serves as a driver for change, incubating startups, training a skilled workforce in the energy sector, and promoting sustainable innovation in the region. Don Evans also proudly shared that the center’s large, sunlit hall often hosts weddings and other celebrations. This dynamic use of space shows the commitment to making the center nothing only sustainable but also lively and open to everyone, a principle that reminds me of our own space at Emerging Business Factory in Sidi Ghanem, which is preparing for a beautiful revival in the months ahead. As always, and because gratitude is the catalyst of good fortune, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to GlobalPittsburgh for their rich programming, as well as to FHI 360. My appreciation goes to the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) program—I wish all future participants the same joy I have experienced on this journey. Lastly, a special thank you to US Mission Morocco for inviting me to this unique experience, with my eternal gratitude. #IVLP #Innovation #EnergyInnovation #Pittsburgh #Sustainability #Entrepreneurship #Art #USMorocco #CommunityImpact #FHI360 #GlobalPittsburgh #EBF

Join us for an informal networking event with the global leaders!

On July 17-20, GlobalPittsburgh is hosting eight librarians, research managers, and scholarly communication experts from higher education institutions in Zimbabwe under the International Visitor Leadership Program (#IVLP) project "Advancing Research and Technology Transfer". Exchange programs like this are one of the many ways the U.S. catalyzes university partnerships. We are grateful for our partners at the Carnegie Mellon University Libraries, CMU Entrepreneurship, Project Olympus CMU, CTTEC CMU; Chatham University Falk School of Sustainability & Environment; the University of Pittsburgh Library System, the Health Sciences Library System, the Office of Innovation and Entrepretership, and The Big Idea Center.

GlobalPittsburgh is excited to welcome these inspiring fellows in September!

GlobalPittsburgh was honored to host seven representatives from Ukraine's government agencies, GTSOU, gas distribution system operators, and RES associations from June 20-26 as part of the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) project "Clean Energy." During their time in Pittsburgh, the delegation engaged in insightful discussions and site visits: - Met with the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) to explore carbon management, methane emission mitigation, and the critical role of hydrogen in decentralized energy systems. - Toured SENECA LANDFILL, INC to see innovative methane and carbon dioxide conversion into natural gas for vehicles, CHP plants, and local utility providers. - Visited the PA Solar Center to learn about the citizen-driven promotion of solar energy. - Engaged with the Breathe Project on the health impacts of fossil fuels and the urgent need for renewable energy. - Explored cutting-edge energy storage solutions with Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. - Gained insights from Range Resources Corporation on natural gas and NGL production in the Appalachian Basin. - Partnered with Solar United Neighbors Action to advocate for a clean, resilient, and equitable energy system with rooftop solar. - Collaborated with the University of Pittsburgh Center for Sustainable Business. Beyond the professional engagements, the group enjoyed Pittsburgh’s cultural richness, visiting Fallingwater, cheering for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and exploring the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and The Andy Warhol Museum. They also experienced the warmth of the local community through dinners in hosts' homes and attended the inspiring "Pittsburgh Power Pioneers: Building the Future of Clean Energy" event hosted by WRISE. #CleanEnergy #GlobalPittsburgh #IVLP #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition #InternationalCollaboration

June 12-15, GlobalPittsburgh, in partnership with American Councils for International Education, hosted an inspiring delegation of nine experts from Brazil. This visit was part of the U.S. Department of State's prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). Our esteemed delegates included government officials, environmental policymakers, non-governmental leaders, scientists, entrepreneurs, and environmental journalists, all united under the project titled "Climate Change Challenges." They observed and engaged with various strategies for nonprofits to take effective action on climate issues, addressed climate change at state and local levels, and promoted climate change awareness. During their visit, the group: ?? Met with Sustainable Pittsburgh to discuss non-profit initiatives for building a greener, more equitable region. ?? Visited Tree Pittsburgh to learn about the impact of urban forestry and environmental stewardship. ?? Discussed priorities and progress in environmental protection with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) ?? Reviewed the Pittsburgh Climate Action Plan 3.0 with the City of Pittsburgh's Department of City Planning, Division of Sustainability and Resilience; ?? Toured the Everlasting Plastics Exhibition at the Carnegie Museum of Art, exploring how the museum promotes climate change awareness through the arts; ?? Visited the Alcoa Foundation Hall of American Indians at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and engaged in discussions with Miguel Sagué Jr. of the COUNCIL OF THREE RIVERS AMERICAN INDIAN CENTER, INC, and Degaw?no:da's of the wolf clan of the Seneca, Keepers of the Western Door of the Iroquois Confederacy, about the impact of climate changes on indigenous populations. We are proud to have facilitated meaningful discussions and collaborations that will contribute to global climate solutions. Thank you to everyone who made this visit a success! #GlobalPittsburgh #IVLP #ClimateChange #EnvironmentalLeadership #InternationalCollaboration #Sustainability

June 5-8, GlobalPittsburgh hosted the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program #IVLP delegation of ten representatives from agricultural and environmental ministries and university faculty members working on farming and sustainability issues from the Baltic region (Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia). The group traveled to Minnesota, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania to examine the innovative work of U.S.-based facilities, organizations, universities, firms, and farms carrying out sustainable agriculture research and projects. They met with Bloomfield Robotics and Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Institute in Pittsburgh. They also visited Reinford Farms Inc. and had discussions with the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau in Harrisburg.