Meridian International Center

Who we are

Meridian is a nonpartisan, nonprofit diplomacy center that connects leaders through culture and collaboration to drive solutions for global challenges. Founded 60 years ago, we've equipped thousands of leaders with the networks, insights and cultural context essential for non-partisan work on shared issues.

Our Mission

Meridian strengthens engagement between the United States and the world through diplomacy, leadership and culture to solve shared global challenges.

Our Vision

Meridian believes the United States is stronger and the world is safer when leaders collaborate across countries and cultures.

Our Pillars

Global Leadership

Build expertise and relationships

We develop the next generation of leaders through professional and educational exchanges and trainings. Every year Meridian hosts over 4,000 emerging leaders from around the world for programming on topics ranging from women’s economic empowerment to democracy, cybersecurity, global entrepreneurship and countering violent extremism. The U.S. Department of State is our primary partner on these programs, and we also work with the private sector to develop programs. Our alumni include over 180 Heads of State. Leaders gain the insight, networks and cultural context needed to navigate global challenges and opportunities. These programs are transformative experiences that positively shape participants’ views of the U.S. and lead to positive change and impact in their home countries.

Diplomacy

Dialogue and

collaboration

Meridian serves as a powerful platform to connect government, business and diplomatic leaders to exchange perspectives and collaborate on a range of global issues, from trade to national security to technology and health care. As a neutral, nonpartisan organization, we are uniquely positioned to convene dialogues between leaders across borders, parties, industries and cultures. In today’s polarized society, these dialogues are essential to achieve consensus and sustainable, mutually-beneficial solutions.

Culture

Bridge communities and countries

We use the arts and culture as tools of diplomacy to connect people around the world and bridge divides. We work in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, our American embassies abroad as well as the diplomatic community here in Washington, DC to develop and curate exhibitions, exchanges and programs that range from film screening to mural arts programs to hip hop music performances. Our programs have reached millions of people in more than 60 countries worldwide. During a time of rising global tensions, these programs are important to bring cultures together through shared interests, create positive impressions of the U.S. and help dispel common misconceptions.

Our Approach

Meridian’s integrated programming approach provides leaders with a variety of platforms in neutral environments to develop an informed global view, cultural awareness and collaborative peer networks to produce better outcomes. When leaders return home and implement change, the impact of Meridian’s programs is amplified across numerous arenas, including women and girls’ empowerment, business and trade, human and civil rights, and energy and the environment. Directly impacting the quality of life for people around the globe, these issues are pivotal to Meridian’s vision of a more secure and prosperous world today and for generations to come.

LEADERS

We bring together a cross-section of established and emerging leaders

PROGRAMS

Provide them with resources and insights on key global issues through our exchange, training, culture and convening programs

OUTCOMES

Leaders develop an informed global view, cultural awareness and collaborative peer networks that increase their effectiveness

IMPACT

Which translates into better decisions and outcomes benefiting individuals, communities and countries around the world

Our Partners

Meridian partners with the public, private and diplomatic sectors to develop exchange, training, culture and convening programs that help leaders address global challenges and opportunities.