Sports diplomacy uses the universal passion for sports as a way to transcend differences and increase cultural understanding between people around the world. Through the photo exhibition Pacific Pitch: U.S. – Japan Baseball Diplomacy, Meridian, in partnership with U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, highlights how our shared national pastime of baseball played a pivotal role in bridging two cultures and building the strong alliance our countries have today. As Japan looks ahead to the 2020 Summer Olympics, His Excellency Kenichiro Sasae, Ambassador of Japan, co-hosted an evening of dinner and dialogue with Meridian about the role and impact of sports in diplomacy. Guests heard from many perspectives, including baseball legend Cal Ripken, Jr., Ambassador Jim Cain, Deborah Phelps, Michael Ledecky and Jimmy Lynn. Learn More

In the shadow of the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union, the economy of Ireland continues to grow. With the fastest growing economy in the Eurozone, Ireland has become progressively attractive to companies in the United States for both investment and expansion opportunities in spite of the clear economic tie that exists between Ireland and the UK. With this as the backdrop, the Meridian Corporate Council gathered on January 24, 2018, to discuss areas of collaboration between the two countries with His Excellency Daniel Mulhall, Ambassador of Ireland, as a part of the Global Business Breakfast series in partnership with First Data Corporation. Learn More

In partnership with the U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg, Meridian organized the South Africa-U.S. Museum Development program which brought participants to the United States to exchange best practices and build networks with 23 diverse cultural organizations and museums. The program is designed to bring together museum professionals to learn more about their U.S. counterparts as they build a new exhibition in South Africa at Constitution Hill— a living museum that tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy. Learn More

Now more than ever Meridian remains committed to fostering the U.S. – China relationship through cultural diplomacy programs and exchanges that foster deeper understanding between the two countries and advances collaboration on critical issues. Meridian recently co-hosted the 8th Annual Chinese Lunar New Year celebration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China which featured dynamic cultural performances, artist demonstrations and traditional cuisine. Ambassador Cui Tiankai and Ambassador Stuart Holliday addressed the group of distinguished guests which included Secretary Wilbur Ross, Senator Shelly Moore Capito and Congressman Rick Larsen among others. Learn More