AFS Intercultural Programs, a global network of 60 member organizations with nearly 50,000 volunteers and programs in 99 countries, is deeply concerned about the impact of the January 2017 U.S. Executive Order on Immigration and other recent global events on our mission to build a more just and peaceful world.
AFS is committed to bringing together people from diverse communities through international exchange and study programs, dialogue and collaboration. We believe actions that contradict the core values of our international education organization and instill fear in any population threaten the security of every nation.
AFS encourages people throughout the world to embrace differences. Our world is stronger and more dynamic because of them. We condemn any form of discrimination based on nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, social status or any other form of difference.
Throughout seven decades and backed by a remarkable history, AFS has again and again experienced the power of what is possible when people are provided with opportunities to meet and get to know one another. Intercultural understanding is a powerful and productive way to engage people across the globe and is filled with promise for creating a better world.
AFS stands with our colleagues in the international education community. Together we will continue to build bridges where borders threaten to divide us and we will educate and empower more global citizens to become leaders who will make a positive difference in our world.