Empowering Leaders.

Advancing the next era of diplomacy

Strengthening American
Diplomacy
& Leadership

Meridian International Center is a nonpartisan center for diplomacy founded in 1960 and headquartered on a historic campus in Washington, D.C.

In a rapidly changing world marked by geopolitical instability and shifting alliances, international collaboration—and American leadership in the world – has never been more critical—or more complex.

Our Mission: to empower leaders to advance the next era of diplomacy.

Learn More

The Future of Diplomacy is Evolving.
Meridian is Shaping its Future.

For centuries, diplomacy was limited to a small group of officials working across governments. But today’s challenges require a new way.

That’s why Meridian is stepping up with a new framework: Open Diplomacy, a non-governmental approach to addressing global challenges. Like open-source software or blockchain, it is collaborative, resilient, and adaptable to geopolitical disruptions.

Opening diplomacy across the following sectors will forge more resilient international partnerships, accelerate solutions to global challenges, and strengthen American leadership in an unpredictable world.

Business
Technology, Innovation & Space
State & Local Governments​
Sports & Culture
Diplomatic Community
U.S. Government

The Latest from Meridian

SPOTLIGHT

Welcome to Washington

On Thursday, February 19, 2026, Meridian will host Welcome to Washington, a signature program honoring newly arrived Chiefs of Mission and welcoming them into the Washington diplomatic community. The program provides ambassadors with a unique opportunity to engage directly with leaders from across government, business, and the policy community, fostering early connections that support effective diplomatic engagement in the United States.

Learn More
SPOTLIGHT

Space Diplomacy Forum

On March 25, 2026, Meridian’s Space Diplomacy Forum will convene leading voices from government, industry, academia, and the diplomatic corps to examine the geopolitical, economic, and scientific forces shaping humanity’s next chapter in space.

The Forum will serve as a premier platform for fostering international collaboration, responsible space governance, and opportunities within the rapidly expanding global space economy.

Learn More
SPOTLIGHT

Announcing the Meridian Global Leadership Institute

Explore immersive summer programs in Washington, D.C. preparing high school and college students to lead on the world stage.

Apply Today

Our Capabilities
and Solutions

Our programs are an on-ramp for leaders to connect with their government and diplomatic counterparts to be a force multiplier for diplomacy.

Through our portfolio of global leadership development programs, we connect leaders with the insights, networks, and resources needed to catalyze collaboration.  

Global Education and Trainings

Building Diplomatic Skills and Geopolitical Insights

Equipping leaders with the skills, strategies, and global context to navigate diplomacy in a complex world.

convenings

Advancing Collaboration & Solutions

Fostering trusted relationships and cross-sector collaboration through impactful international exchanges and high-level convenings.

Exchanges and Delegations

Developing Global Leaders

Bringing international leaders to Washington and Americans abroad for invaluable access and insights into global systems, institutions, and influencers.