Search
-
American Arts Incubator Ecuador 2018
American Arts Incubator is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs developed in partnership with ZERO1.
-
-
Giovanni Falcone
First Name
Giovanni FalconeParticipant Headshot
Short Biography
Content created by Virtual Intern Stevia Ndoe
In 1991, one of his most important accomplishments was establishing the witness protection program. The program served as a turning point in combating the Italian Mafia and still functions in Italy today. During his time in Palermo, Falcone played a fundamental role in Palermo’s Maxi Trial, a significant criminal trial in Sicily that ran from 1986 to 1987, and that resulted in hundreds of convictions for Mafia-related crimes. Falcone immersed himself in the world of anti-Mafia law and accepted a position in the Ministry of Justice in Rome in 1991. In 1992, after several previous attempts, Falcone, his wife, and three bodyguards were assassinated by the Mafia while driving from the Palermo airport into the city.
Falcone was posthumously recognized as an extraordinary hero of conscience for his lifelong work fighting the Mafia in Italy. Giovanni Falcone was a tenacious fighter for justice and he personally credited the International Visitor Leadership Program as an important component for some of his key accomplishments.
Judge Falcone is commemorated each year in Palermo by his family and friends who have formed the Fondazione Falcone.
Content edited by Sallie Bestul, Regina Navarro-Gomez, and Jenna Williams
Home Country
Last name
FalconeIVLP Alumni
-
Chunlei Liu
First Name
ChunleiParticipant Headshot
Short Biography
Content created by Virtual Intern Chhim SokkuntheaAfter working in the telecommunications industry for nine years, Chunlei Liu became interested in reducing environmental pollution in China. He planned to use technology to collect and analyze information that could lead to environmental improvements.
Liu created Shanghai Qingyue Environmental Protection Center, a non-governmental organization that reviews and collects data on the environmental impact of existing policies. The Center uses the data to create policy recommendations that give governmental entities information so they can improve current policies and reduce overall pollution.
In 2015, Liu traveled to the United States as part of an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) focused on climate change, the environment, and clean energy. During his IVLP, Liu learned how various government entities in the United States work together to reduce pollution in their communities. Based on his experience, he has integrated new ideas into his work.
The Center’s suggestions on environmental credit, green finance, and emissions disclosure have been well-received and have led to some policy changes.
Chunlei Liu is a forward-thinking environmentalist who is taking steps to bring cleaner air and healthier communities to China. He proves on a daily basis that the actions of one person can improve the quality of life for millions of people.
Content edited by Sallie Bestul, Regina Navarro-Gomez, and Jenna Williams
Photo
Home Country
Last name
LiuIVLP Alumni
-
Francisco Ussene Mucanheia
First Name
Francisco UsseneParticipant Headshot
Short Biography
Content created by Virtual Intern Nayantara Arora
Mozambique Parliamentarian Francisco Ussene Mucanheia is a prominent advocate for environmental stewardship who has held various government positions, rising from a junior administrative officer to a member of parliament.
As a junior officer he visited the United States on an International Leadership Visitor Program (IVLP) in 1994, after Mozambique emerged from civil war and shifted to a new democratic constitution. During his IVLP, Mucanheia visited municipal governments and witnessed a mayoral election that profoundly influenced his understanding of local politics. During his IVLP, Mucanheia saw the importance of decentralized governance and he is proud to say the IVLP formidably impacted his career.
Since returning to Mozambique, Mucanheia has attempted to work in a bipartisan manner to reach consensus on important issues. His successes include the ratification of the Paris Climate Agreement and passage of the Conservation and Biodiversity Protection Law. Mucanheia supervises the approval of all national plans of action for the environment and natural resources management in Mozambique.
Francisco Ussene Mucanheia's successful political career has positively impacted communities and improved environmental policies in Mozambique.
Edited by Virtual Interns Regina Navarro-Gomez and Kristin Mitra
Photo
Home Country
Last name
MucanheiaIVLP Alumni
