Diplomacy is evolving and multi-faceted. Skepticism of global engagement is growing, alliances are shifting, and polarization is increasing. Complex policy issues require collaboration among diplomatic, business and government leaders, but gaps exist among these sectors. Stronger neutral, non-partisan channels among these communities are needed. On October 12th at the 7th Annual Meridian Global Leadership Summit, we’re launching the new Meridian Center for Diplomatic Engagement to address these challenges. The Meridian Center for Diplomatic Engagement brings together the diplomatic corps with U.S. public and private sector leaders to accelerate collaboration on solutions to global economic and security issues. In 55 years of partnering with the diplomatic community, Meridian is uniquely positioned to convene dialogues among leaders across borders, parties, and industries in a neutral, non-partisan setting. Learn More

As the United Kingdom prepares for a departure from the European Union next year, the Meridian Corporate Council partnered with the Hess Corporation to host a conversation with British Members of Parliament and global business leaders on the future of U.S.-UK economic relations in a post-Brexit world. These British MPs were visiting the U.S. as participants in this year’s British American Parliamentary Group (BAPG), a weeklong exchange that emphasizes the enduring relationship between the U.S. and UK. With equal representation from the UK’s Conservative and Labour Parties, the MPs engaged in a lively debate over the economic consequences of Brexit and agreed that Brexit presents an opportunity for the two countries to evolve their trilateral relationship with the EU. Learn More

With U.S.-France economic tensions on the rise, what lessons can be gleaned from the Franco-American relationship that stems back over 250 years? Meridian explored this question during a summer delegation to France that brought U.S. National Guard officials and American diplomats together with French military and political leaders in commemoration of the Second Battle of the Marne in partnership with the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission. Learn More and read Ambassador Stuart Holliday’s reflection on the experience.

As the U.S. and the Korean Peninsula continue to navigate their complex diplomatic relationship, American and Korean youth are taking part in cross-cultural engagements to learn more about each other’s countries and cultures. Meridian helped implement the 2018 U.S. Congress – Republic of Korea National Assembly Exchange Program, in which Korean young leaders traveled to the U.S. while American young leaders recommended by members of U.S. Congress traveled to South Korea. This joint exchange program combined shadowing opportunities, briefings from government officials and private sector specialists, peer interaction, and cultural activities in cities across the U.S. and South Korea. Learn More