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 the U.S. firsthand, with professional meetings reflecting the participants' professional interests and supporting the foreign policy goals of the United States. More than 200,000 international visitors have engaged with Americans through the IVLP, including more than 500 current or former Chiefs of Staff or Heads of Government.

With the theme of Emissions Reductions and Green Energy Transformation, the event was coordinated by Charlotte's International House and Durham-based FHI 360. Discussions focused on emerging clean energy technologies and best practices for business-led adoption.

The event featured welcome remarks by CLEANcarolinas' Chief Engagement Officer, Carolyn Keith, and presentations on the National Science Foundation's "Innovation Engines" program by CLEANcarolinas Project Directors Drs. Mike Mazzola and Saffeer Khan. Dr. Robert Cox discussed renewable energy research underway at the Energy Production & Infrastructure Center with leading industry partners, workforce development, and coordinated tours of EPIC's High Bay Structures and Flexible Energy labs.