BERLIN — Berlin will be hosting two international environment professionals this month as they are participating in the Professional Fellows Program.
Stormwater management professionals from Malaysia and the Philippines will be in town from April 30 to May 28. The exchange has been arranged by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), which strives as an organization to develop and advance local government management worldwide.
“Our environmental professionals will be working on our stormwater projects, while they get to know our community and learn about our other sustainability efforts,” said Town Administrator Laura Allen, who will be the primary contact for the professionals. “Berlin is a great fit for this program because we’re working on reducing flooding and improving water quality, which is a challenge for most communities in Southeast Asia as well.”
Fourteen different non-profit organizations and universities, including ICMA, will be providing professionals from over 50 countries the opportunity to immerse themselves in public and private organizations across the United States. During their month-long stay in the country, the program serves to expand international professionals’ individual expertise in their field and provides invaluable hands on experience and exposure to the internal mechanisms of business and government in America.
After their month in Berlin, participants will make their way to Washington D.C. where they will take part in the Professional Fellows Congress at the end of May. This assembly is the culmination of the exchange program and provides a forum for participants to discuss the program, and provides an invaluable opportunity to grow their global network.
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs supports exchange programs like these that increase understanding between U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries. Over 50,000 individuals participate annually in these exchanges across the country.
“Berlin is known for forging strong partnerships,” said Mayor Gee Williams. “That’s how you get things done in a small community. We have been sharing best practices in stormwater management with communities throughout the state. Berlin looks forward to helping our international partners address their stormwater issues and benefiting from their ideas and perspectives on our local efforts to reduce stormwater flooding and damage.”