Meridian International Center

Diplomacy is evolving. And so is Meridian.

How will the U.S. lead the global AI race? 🇺 At our #TechEnvoy Series, @mkratsios47 previewed the White House AI Action Plan and explored what it will take to secure U.S. leadership. PC: @oskardap #OpenDiplomacy #TechEnvoySeries #TechDiplomacy

At the height of the Cold War, jazz was America’s secret diplomatic superpower. Meridian’s “Jam Session” photo exhibition celebrates how legends like Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie built global bridges through music, touring 35+ countries as cultural envoys. Pictured: 2010…

“This idea that we can use our stories, particularly from our history, to develop our future and international engagement is really important to us.” - David Warren, @WelshGovernment. Learn how local leaders are leveraging culture to advance diplomacy in our Strategic Toolkit…

The @StateIVLP's British American Parliamentary Group (#BAPG) is key to strengthening U.S.-U.K. legislative ties and advancing shared priorities. At our annual luncheon, 8 UK MPs joined U.S. corporate leaders for a vital discussion on diplomacy, trade & innovation. Remarks by…

At a pivotal moment for U.S.-Japan ties, Meridian’s global insights delegation to Osaka engaged with innovation and diplomacy at #Expo2025. They joined high-level briefings and USA National Day at the @USA_Pavilion_, showcasing America’s tech and culture, while also witnessing a…

The question for city, state, and local leaders isn’t whether they should engage globally—it’s how.” Explore Meridian’s new Subnational Diplomacy Toolkit for practical guidance on global engagement at the local level: meridian.org/project/subnat… #SubnationalDiplomacy #GlobalLocal…

From the archives: The Meridian Ball, featured in @diplomatnews (2011), has long united diplomats, leaders & changemakers for a night of cultural connection. The tradition continues this October. Follow along as we celebrate its legacy. #MeridianBall

As U.S.-U.K. ties adapt to global challenges, peer diplomacy remains key. We welcomed Members of Parliament through the British American Parliamentary Group (BAPG) as part of the @StateDept’s @StateIVLP. Hosted at Decatur House, the reception featured remarks from Basilinna CEO…

As UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair strengthened transatlantic ties. His global outlook was shaped in part by a 1986 @StateIVLP experience with Meridian. Now a key alum of our British American Parliamentary Group, Blair's journey shows how exchanges build leaders who champion global…

Without a plan, global engagement can cost your community more than it delivers. Brief 1.1 of our Subnational Diplomacy Toolkit helps local leaders craft smart, strategic international plans that drive jobs, trade, and innovation. Explore more here: meridian.org/project/subnat……

In the 1960s, Meridian House was a hub for citizen diplomacy, hosting the International Visitors Service Council, a coalition of 60+ organizations welcoming global guests to D.C. From forums to language support, IVIS laid the foundation for today’s exchange programs. Pictured:…

SPECIAL REPORT: Securing North America’s Future. With the 2026 USMCA review on the horizon, stronger trilateral cooperation is urgent. Our new report, developed with @USMexicoFound & @BizCouncilofCan, lays out a roadmap on trade, labor mobility, energy, & digital resilience. Read…

TOOLKIT LAUNCH: Global engagement, local benefits. Cities & states are on the frontlines of global change. Our new Strategic Toolkit created with @TrumanCenter + @networkedcities helps local leaders boost investment, resilience & partnerships. Dive in: meridian.org/project/subnat……

Economic & trade counselors are key to global commerce. At our 7th annual reception, we gathered 100+ attachés, U.S. officials & business leaders to strengthen networks that drive trade & investment. Remarks by @StateDept’s Thomas Lersten & @HP’s @BMasalosalo spotlighted…

As 39th U.S. Commerce Secretary, T.H. Wilbur Ross Jr. brought decades of business experience to global economic policy. In 2018, he joined Meridian to brief diplomats on U.S. trade priorities and international engagement. #65FacesofMeridian #Meridian65 #Roadto75

As global markets shift, Türkiye is emerging as a key hub for business and innovation. In partnership with @yeewdc, we led a 15-member 360 Leadership delegation to Istanbul and Ankara for high-level meetings and cultural exchange, exploring Türkiye’s evolving economy and…

Global challenges don’t stop at borders, and neither should solutions. On July 17, Meridian, @TrumanCenter & @networkedcities launch Global Engagement, Local Benefits, a new toolkit to help local leaders build smart global partnerships that drive impact at home. Register here:…

Meridian is strengthening its global impact with the expansion of its senior leadership team. We’re proud to welcome Kellee Wicker as VP for Technology, Innovation, and Space, and Jim Golsen as VP of the Center for Corporate Diplomacy. We also celebrate the promotions of Natalie…

Local leaders are driving global impact. Join us with @TrumanCenter & @networkedcities on July 17 for the launch of “Global Engagement, Local Benefits,” a new toolkit to help city, state & local leaders build strategic global partnerships that deliver at home. Register here:…

In 1961, Meridian partnered with THIS to welcome newly arrived diplomats and their families to Washington. Volunteer-led programs helped them navigate daily life, fostering cross-cultural connections and belonging. Pictured: THIS volunteers with diplomatic children, 1969.…