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.

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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

2026 Culturefix

June 4, 2026 | Washington, DC

Meridian proudly announced the selection of five awardees who will receive the 2026 Meridian Cultural Diplomacy Award at its annual Culturefix on June 4, 2026. Previously announced awardees include Reem Acra and Dr. Zahi Hawass, and today, Meridian adds Ilia Malinin, Jeff Koons, and Firelei Báez to this distinguished group. CNN Anchor and Chief Domestic Correspondent Phil Mattingly will serve as the evening’s emcee. 

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SPOTLIGHT

A New Chapter for Subnational Diplomacy

The Meridian International Center for State and Local Diplomacy has released a new brief: How to Develop and Execute Successful International Trade Missions.

State and local leaders receive requests from foreign delegations, opportunities for international partnerships, and pressure to engage globally—but no clear guidance on how to do it right. 

This toolkit fills this gap by documenting best practices and lessons learned from local leaders worldwide.

Read the brief
SPOTLIGHT

Diplomacy at 250: America's 250 Years of Diplomacy & Global Partnerships

With America’s 250th birthday on the horizon this July 4, we’re celebrating the people, partnerships, and ideas shaping the next era of U.S. leadership on the world stage.

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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.

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