Meridian Global Insights Mission Kingdom of Morocco – April 8-14, 2019

Overview

Meridian International Center will conduct its annual Meridian Global Insights Mission to the Kingdom of Morocco on April 8-14, 2019.

This diplomatic mission through the country’s key regions offers delegation members an opportunity to cultivate a deeper understanding of the importance of the U.S. – Morocco relationship and gain unique insights into Morocco’s rich history, vibrant culture, and emerging ideas and reforms.

The United States has had a strong, long-standing relationship with Morocco. In 1777, Morocco was the first country in the world to formally acknowledge the United States as an independent nation. Today, our partnership is anchored in shared economic and security interests. Morocco is a designated major non-NATO ally as well as a free trade agreement (FTA) partner with the United States and has positioned itself as a gateway to Africa and the Middle East. As a constitutional monarchy, the country serves as a model for reform and democratic transition in the Arab world and has made steps toward protecting political, economic and religious freedoms.

The 6-night/7-day trip will take delegates to the great imperial cities of Rabat, Fes and Marrakech.  Prior to the Mission, delegation members will convene at Meridian International Center in Washington D.C. to participate in a preparatory briefing with Meridian’s leadership team. A preliminary schedule is included and details on confirmed activities and arrangements will be provided as the program evolves in late 2018 and early 2019.

Purpose

The Meridian Global Insights Mission provides delegation members a unique opportunity and first-hand context of Meridian’s mission of strengthening diplomacy and U.S. engagement with the world through the exchange of people, ideas and culture by:

• Exploring the important relationship between the United States and Morocco, one of our country’s oldest allies, by learning about Morocco’s history, politics, economy, culture, religious and civic issues;
• Encouraging people-to-people exchange through interactions with Morocco’s government and business leaders as well as civil society leaders, scholars and historians;
• Empowering delegates to serve as citizen diplomats to further the global reach of Meridian International Center through strategic dialogue, thoughtful discussion, and the open exchange of ideas between participants and locals.

The Splendors of Morocco’s Imperial Cities

The Kingdom of Morocco is filled with cultural and natural treasures that will not disappoint even the most adventurous or sophisticated traveler.  Morocco’s fascinating medieval cities like Marrakech and Fez lie in between the great Sahara Desert and the Atlantic Ocean. The Atlas Mountains make up the backbone of Morocco, where the traditional Berber culture still thrives today.

You are invited to join us for an insider’s journey as we visit the imperial cities, stay in five-star private riads, sample delectable cuisines, explore eclectic bazaars, palaces and bustling town squares, experience the country’s natural beauty, and meet the Moroccan people that make the Kingdom one of the world’s greatest jewels.

Mission Schedule Overview

The Meridian Global Insights Mission begins in Rabat, Morocco’s seat of government where we will meet with the country’s political leaders as well as U.S. Embassy officials. Continuing to the city of Meknes with a visit to the Volubilis ruins and then onto the magnificent imperial city of Fez, the spiritual heart of Morocco. Guests will stay at the Palais Amani – a traditional riad,  located within the walls of the ancient medina, which today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Traveling by air over the Mid-Atlas Mountains, the mission will arrive in Marrakech – the pulse of the kingdom’s cultural life. Established by the Berber tribes who came from the Western Sahara and were responsible for forging a Moroccan identity by linking the vast continental hinterland to the civilized lands of the northwest, time will be spent visiting the city’s “must sees” including the Koutoubia, Bab Agnaou, Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Medresa and the world-famous Majorelle Gardens and the newly opened Yves St. Laurent Museum . Our group will stay in the Moorish-inspired and world-renown La Mamounia hotel – which elevates Moroccan style to radiant, royalty-worthy heights. A favorite spot of Winston Churchill, La Mamounia has been recently restored to its original glory with its fabulous gardens in the very center of this vibrant city.

Updated as of August 2018; additional special programs and meetings will be added in the months to come.

Mission expenses and accommodations

Current members of the Meridian Board of Trustees and Meridian Global Leadership Council are invited to participate and serve as delegates of the Meridian Global Insights Mission.  Space is limited to 25 delegates; and reservations will be confirmed on a first come, first served basis.

Fees

The cost of the trip is $5,750 per person based on double hotel occupancy or $6,950 per individual based on single hotel occupancy. The pricing is based upon a minimum of 20 delegates.

Your program fee includes all first-class hotel accommodations, airport transfers and in-country transportation, tour guides and operators, meals and gratuities. Delegates are responsible for the cost and arrangement of their own international airfare to and from Morocco.

Payment Schedule

• The registration deadline is October 15, 2018.
• An initial travel deposit (40%) will be due to our partner travel company, Pangburn International, upon registration. Should you wish to use a credit card, please add 3%.
• A second deposit (30%) will be due November 15^th and a third and final deposit will be due on February 15^th.

All deposits will be non-refundable unless replaced by a fully paid delegate from the waitlist should one exist. Hotel accommodations are subject to change based on availability.

Contact

For additional information or to register, please contact Rebekah Nantz, RNantz@Meridian.org, (202) 939-5876. Rebekah will provide you with an official registration form.