Meridian Global Leadership Summit 2014

On October 17, 2014, Meridian International Center hosted the third annual Global Leadership Summit in partnership with Gallup and the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.  More than 250 influential business and world leaders, policy makers, subject matter experts, diplomats and members of the media gathered for a high level forum featuring stimulating and thought-provoking dialogue on the changing dynamics of global leadership.

Meridian’s President and CEO, Ambassador Stuart Holliday, opened the program and invited Andrew Gelfuso, Vice-President of Trade Center Management Associates, to share welcome remarks. Meridian’s newly elected Chairman, Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, Chair of the Albright Stonebridge Group, shared his insights on The Demand for Global Leadership.

The Summit featured the release of the Gallup World Poll survey report Global States of Mind: New Metrics for World Leader presented by Jon Clifton, Managing Director of Gallup World Poll. The report captured key findings from Gallup surveys in 137 countries and areas in 2013 on how people are feeling based on specific socio-economic indicators, and served to establish the context for rich discussions to follow. The Gallup World Poll measures the views of citizens on key quality of life issues, including law and order, food and shelter, institutions and infrastructure, good jobs, and well-being. The indicators provide leaders with information about their countries’ performance on the Gallup Macroeconomic Path – a behavioral–based leadership model for successful societies.

A “Global Leadership Spotlight” featured remarks by Senator George J. Mitchell, former U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Peace and Senate majority leader. Senator Mitchell gave a powerful speech on America’s role in the world within the current global context. According to Senator Mitchell, “American values and democratic ideals appeal to all in the world and we must remain true to our principles.” He stated that while America does not have the capacity to solve every problem in the world, a great future for partnership and collaboration lies ahead for the country and that America must continue to lead.

An  inspiring conversation between foreign policy icons, Senator Richard G. Lugar, President and Chairman, The Lugar Center, and Ambassador Tom Korologos, Strategic Advisor, DLA Piper, focused on the current national security and foreign policy issues ranging from the crisis in Syria, Iraq and Ukraine to the threat of ISIS.

In two dynamic panel discussions, speakers from diverse backgrounds and sectors discussed the new approaches to global leadership and examined the opportunities that lie ahead for global leaders.

From left to right: Thomas Debass from State’s Office of Global Partnerships; Jen Crozier, of IBM’s Global Citizenship Initiatives; Al Monaco, President and CEO of Enbridge; Kelly Keiderling, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary with State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs; Moderator, Christopher Schroeder, Entrepreneur and Venture Investor. Photo by Joyce Boghosian.

Meridian Ball & Summit Congressional Co-Chairs, Representative Steven Horsford (NV-4) and Dr. Sonya Horsford. Photo by Joyce Boghosian.

The Honorable Carlos Gutierrez, Chair of Albright Stonebridge Group and Meridian; Former Secretary of Commerce. Photo by Joyce Boghosian.

Summit and Ball Chairs, Governor James J. Blanchard, Partner, DLA Piper and Janet Blanchard, with Senator George Mitchell, Partner, Chairman Emeritus, DLA Piper. Photo by Joyce Boghosian.

Speakers

Janet Blanchard

Jon Clifton

Global Managing Partner @ Gallup

Jennifer Ryan Crozier

President, IBM Foundation & Vice President, IBM Corporate Citizenship

Thomas Debass

Deputy Special Representative for Global Partnerships @ U.S. Department of State

Andrew F. Gelfuso

Vice President of Global Business Development, Office of Trade Promotion @ Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

The Honorable Carlos M. Gutierrez

Albright Stonebridge Group

The Honorable Stuart W. Holliday

CEO @ Meridian

Kelly Keiderling

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs @ U.S. Department of State

Ambassador Ritva Koukku-Ronde

Ambassador of Finland to the United States

Richard G. Lugar

President and Chairman @ The Lugar Center

George J. Mitchell

Chairman Emeritus @ DLA Piper

Al Monaco

President & CEO @ Enbridge Inc.

H.E. Liberata Mulamula

Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to the U.S.

Christopher M. Schroeder

Entrepreneur and Author

Denis Stevens

Deputy Head of Mission @ Embassy of Canada to the U.S.

H.E. Mohamed Tawfik

Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the U.S.

Sponsors

Project summary

Meridian Global Leadership Summit 2014 | October 2014
Number of Attendees:	250
Impact Areas:	Energy and the Environment, Foreign Policy, Global Health, Governance and Transparency, Human and Civil Rights, Media and Journalism, Public Diplomacy, Science and Technology, Security and Defense, Volunteerism, Youth Leadership Development, Business and Trade, Civic Engagement, Cultural Diplomacy, Education, Entrepreneurship
Program Areas:	Diplomatic Engagement
Partners:	Private Sector, Public Sector, Individuals/Donors, Diplomatic Corps