United Airlines Center for Diplomatic Engagement
Strengthening America’s Diplomatic Reach
The United Airlines Center for Diplomatic Engagement accelerates collaboration among the diplomatic corps and U.S. public and private sector leaders to address pressing global challenges. Through curated, nonpartisan convenings, Meridian fosters the dialogue and relationships essential for solving today’s most complex economic, security, and societal issues.
Why This Matters
In a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, diplomacy remains essential to advancing peace, prosperity, and shared progress. The United Airlines Center for Diplomatic Engagement creates space for candid dialogue among diplomats, policymakers, and business leaders, ensuring that global perspectives are heard and that informed, practical solutions emerge.
Focus Areas
Strengthening U.S.–Foreign Diplomatic Ties
We cultivate and steward a robust network of foreign diplomats, ensuring these relationships remain active and enduring. This network provides the foundation for meaningful engagement with U.S. leaders, fostering trust, deepening understanding, and enabling sustained collaboration on global challenges.
Promoting Cross-Sector Dialogue
By bridging government, business, and civil society, we support collaboration on urgent global issues and elevate innovative solutions. Our convenings bring together diverse voices to tackle shared challenges and identify opportunities for impact.
Advancing Global Policy Understanding
Through briefings, interactive forums, and tailored programs, we help diplomats navigate evolving foreign and domestic policy priorities. From responsive, pop-up programs on breaking global developments to in-depth explorations of U.S. governance, we equip our network with the context and connections needed to engage effectively in America’s complex policy environment.
Programs and Offerings
A series featuring high-level U.S. government speakers and thought leaders who brief the diplomatic community, followed by Q&A and a networking. Past speakers include U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker, Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser.
How Washington Works
Programs in this series deepen diplomats’ understanding of the structure, dynamics, and practical workings of U.S. governance. From federalism and the balance of power between national and state governments to navigating Congress, the State Department, and federal agencies, these sessions provide diplomats with the insights and connections they need to engage effectively with American institutions. Programs feature expert speakers, case studies, and practitioner-focused training on key policy areas, combining analysis with direct interaction and equipping participants to navigate complex policy environments while strengthening relationships across Meridian’s diplomatic network.
Federalism Briefings
This series helps diplomats navigate the complexities of America’s decentralized system of governance by unpacking the roles of federal, state, and local institutions. Through interactive sessions led by subject-matter experts, participants explore topics such as constitutional checks and balances, the interplay between Congress and the executive branch, electoral processes, and the influence of civil society.
A series featuring high-level U.S. government speakers and thought leaders who brief the diplomatic community, followed by Q&A and a networking. Past speakers include U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker, Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser.
How Washington Works
Programs in this series deepen diplomats’ understanding of the structure, dynamics, and practical workings of U.S. governance. From federalism and the balance of power between national and state governments to navigating Congress, the State Department, and federal agencies, these sessions provide diplomats with the insights and connections they need to engage effectively with American institutions. Programs feature expert speakers, case studies, and practitioner-focused training on key policy areas, combining analysis with direct interaction and equipping participants to navigate complex policy environments while strengthening relationships across Meridian’s diplomatic network.
Federalism Briefings
This series helps diplomats navigate the complexities of America’s decentralized system of governance by unpacking the roles of federal, state, and local institutions. Through interactive sessions led by subject-matter experts, participants explore topics such as constitutional checks and balances, the interplay between Congress and the executive branch, electoral processes, and the influence of civil society.
DiplomacyRISE
DiplomacyRISE empowers the next generation of leaders to advance American diplomacy through career training, mentorship, and fellowship programs. By investing in talent and creating pathways for leaders from all backgrounds, Meridian is strengthening America’s diplomatic assets and fostering greater geopolitical resilience.
Annual Flagship Convenings
Meridian’s diplomatic receptions provide targeted opportunities for relationship-building across the Washington policy, business, and diplomatic communities. Signature events include:
Welcome to Washington
Honoring newly arrived ambassadors with receptions that connect them to leaders from policy and business sectors.
Social Secretaries & Cultural Attachés Reception
Celebrating embassy professionals for their role in advancing cross-cultural understanding and strengthening connections within Washington’s diplomatic community.
Economic & Trade Counselors Reception
Recognizing embassy economic counselors and trade attachés for their work in fostering bilateral prosperity.
Military & Defense Attachés Reception
Convening leaders from diplomatic, defense, and private sectors to strengthen security cooperation and international defense policy dialogue.
Press Pass Party
Celebrating the global press corps and its role in fostering international dialogue by bringing together correspondents, diplomatic leaders, and members of Washington’s policy and business communities.
Meridian Summit
Meridian’s premier public convening gathers global and U.S. leaders from across diplomacy, business, and media to explore solutions to major global challenges.
Diplomacy Forums
Meridian’s Diplomacy Forums bring together participants from the diplomatic, public, and private sectors to explore trends shaping U.S. and global statecraft. Recent forums have examined topics such as the role of cities and states in foreign affairs, space exploration, the Arctic, and other emerging issues.
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North Capital Meridian Diplomacy Forum
The North Capital Meridian Diplomacy Forum is a collaboration between the U.S.–Mexico Foundation and Meridian International Center that brings together diplomats, policymakers, business leaders, and subject-matter experts to exchange perspectives on shared priorities from across North America. Through dialogue and cross-sector engagement, the forum fosters collaboration on issues such as economic and food security, migration, cybersecurity, commerce, and diplomacy.
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Recent Programs
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