Citizen Diplomacy International carries out many programs and initiatives of Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs' (ECA)  whose mission is to increase mutual understanding and peaceful relations between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange.

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. Through short-term visits to the United States, current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields experience this country firsthand and cultivate lasting relationships with their American counterparts. Professional meetings reflect the participants’ professional interests and support the foreign policy goals of the United States.

Each year Citizen Diplomacy International coordinates programming for nearly 500 IVLP participants.Participants meet with professional counterparts, visit U.S. public and private sector organizations related to the project theme, and participate in cultural and social activities. Individuals volunteer as “Citizen Diplomats" to carry out quality experiences for participants including  professional meetings, cultural activities, and home hospitality. 

Since the program’s founding, more than 200,000 International Visitors have engaged with Americans through the IVLP, including more than 335 current or former Chiefs of State or Heads of Government.