The Michigan Council for Citizen Diplomacy, housed at Michigan State University’s Visiting International Professional Program, encourages Michigan youth and cultural performers to participate in the Expo 2020 Dubai global mega event. Expo 2020 Dubai is a great opportunity for Michigan youth and cultural performers to travel, gain international experience, and showcase their talents on a global stage. 

World Expo is the oldest and largest global event that celebrates world cultures, friendship, and human excellence. Expo 2020 Dubai is the first World Expo to take place in the Middle East. Through the 192 countries hosting pavilions, Expo 2020 Dubai will unveil the inventions, ideas, and inspirations that have the potential to change the future. The U.S. Department of State oversees development of the USA Pavilion to showcase American freedom, ideals, enterprise, culture, and global leadership. Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability are the three themes of the USA Pavilion. Due to Covid-19, the event is postponed and will be held from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, keeping the original name of Expo 2020 Dubai (https://www.expo2020dubai.com).

For the past five years, VIPP has been home to the Michigan Council for Citizen Diplomacy (MCCD), engaged in public diplomacy as part of the grassroots, nationwide Global Ties Network. In addition to regularly hosting visitors from the U.S. Department of State's premier International Visitor Leadership Program, the MCCD has now partnered to promote Expo 2020 Dubai in Michigan to help recruit Youth Ambassadors and Cultural Performers that best represent Michigan on a global stage. This is another milestone for VIPP as it contributes to public diplomacy and helps create a more just and equitable world through professional exchange.

U.S. citizens (ages 18-29) can apply to become Youth Ambassadors and serve as guides and cultural ambassadors at the U.S. Pavilion. These energetic, friendly individuals will serve as the Faces of the United States to millions of Expo visitors, providing a human connection to the United States and its territories.

Additionally, Cultural Performers – including representatives from dance, music, theater, literature, art, food, sports, spoken word, and more – will be selected from across the United States and its territories to represent its geographic and cultural diversity. Solo artists and groups of up to 30 performers will provide a memorable and substantive experience for all Expo visitors.

Interested Michigan youth and cultural performers should apply directly on the Global Ties U.S. website.

Information flyers are accessible on the VIPP website.