Business leaders from over 30 companies such as Caterpillar, SK Group, Squire Patton Boggs LLP, 3M, IBM, WeWork, First Data, APCO Worldwide and more recently participated in Meridian’s inaugural Corporate Diplomacy Professional Development Program, a half-day workshop previewing the full three-day curriculum next month. Through simulations and discussions, participants learned how diplomats acquire cultural intelligence in preparation for work abroad and in an embassy environment, how to cultivate relationships with host country contacts, and the role of protocol in cross-cultural relationships. Get certified as a corporate diplomat by registering for our course April 29-May 1 here.

More than 30 members of the international diplomatic community traveled with Meridian to Charlottesville, Va., on February 26 for “Engaging the Electorate in the Laboratories of Democracy,” a day-long briefing and seminar co-hosted by the Meridian Center for Diplomatic Engagement and the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics. The briefing focused on citizen engagement in the American electorate and top issues for the U.S. in 2019, specifically at the state and local level. Participants met with legislators from the state, county and city levels and exchanged perspectives not often heard in the nation’s capital while also strengthening connections with their counterparts from countries around the globe. The diplomats also visited historic sites like Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, which offered insight into the beginnings of the United States.

In partnership with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, D.C., Meridian opened a window to the diverse cultures of the UAE through a salon lunch discussion on Emirati culinary diplomacy. Cultural influencers and food aficionados from across D.C. came together to learn about the rich history of cuisine of Abu Dhabi, which for decades has influenced chefs, writers, educators and diplomats in the region. Cookbook author Hanan Sayed Worrell, Chef Marjon Ajami, NYU Abu Dhabi’s Bill Bragin, and former UAE Ambassador Barbara Leaf discussed Emirati cuisine and culture over lunch. Guests enjoyed dishes prepared from Worrell’s cookbook “Table Tales: The Global Nomad Cuisine of Abu Dhabi,” such as Asian glazed salmon fillets, traditional Moroccan tomato lentil soup and chicken braised in preserved lemon, parsley and mint, among other dishes. Learn More

First Lady Melania Trump, Secretary Mike Pompeo, and the U.S. Department of State honored 10 women on March 7 with the Annual International Women of Courage Award. The IWOC Award honors women who demonstrate “exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment, often at great personal risk and sacrifice.” These 10 honorees span industries and missions including human rights advocacy, counter-terrorism and media reform. Hear their stories here.