One day after the United States announced a plan to impose up to $60 billion in new tariffs on China, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross briefed foreign diplomats on this major international trade development along with other critical issues of the day. Secretary Ross, in conversation with The Honorable Carlos M. Gutierrez, Chairman of Meridian’s Board of Trustees and former Commerce Secretary, also discussed the ongoing renegotiations of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). As the U.S., Mexico and Canada approach big political election cycles, Secretary Ross emphasized the urgency for finding a satisfactory agreement. This discussion was a part of the Insights at Meridian series, a neutral, non-partisan platform for the diplomatic community to exchange perspectives on pressing issues and build relationships with key U.S. government officials. Learn More

Nearly 70 congressional liaisons from over 50 foreign embassies in Washington gathered on Capitol Hill to meet with senior policy advisers for a dialogue on the ins and outs of the U.S. Congress. From negotiating budgets to fostering meaningful relationships with Hill staffers, this "Navigating Congress" discussion provided a window into the inner workings of the American federalism system and how Congress serves as a pillar of American democracy. Speakers included Mr. Jeffrey Dressler, National Security Advisor to House Speaker Paul Ryan; Ms. Naz Durakğolu, Senior Policy Advisor to Senator Jeanne Shaheen; and Ms. Jamila Thompson, Legislative Director to Representative John Lewis, in discussion with ABC News Political Director Rick Klein. Learn More

Meridian was honored to once again welcome this year's International Women of Courage awardees, 10 extraordinary women who demonstrate leadership and courage in advocating and advancing human rights, social progress, and women's equality around the world. Honorees met with prominent women in politics like Representative Cathy McMorris Rogers and received a tour of the U.S. Capitol. First Lady Melania Trump awarded each of the women and emphasized their critically important work in her remarks, "We can teach young women and girls all over the world what it means to have courage and to be a hero. Their examples define courage." Learn More

Less than two weeks after her appointment, Assistant Secretary of Educational and Cultural Affairs Marie Royce joined Meridian to honor new ambassadors from the Bahamas, Croatia, Estonia, Korea, Libya, Nigeria, the Philippines, Saint Lucia and Uzbekistan to the United States. Over 150 leaders from Congress, the Administration and the private sector were present to welcome the ambassadors as they begin their tenure in Washington. Learn More