LEADERSHIP MESSAGE
Dear Meridian Friends,
In an environment rife with polarization and conflict, we all must work harder than ever to collaborate for solutions to global challenges. To this end, Meridian is advancing cross-sector leadership, diplomacy, and mutual understanding every day, in every corner of the world. Meridian offers an unparalled platform to advance public and cultural diplomacy initiatives. Through exchange, training, cultural, and convening programs, Meridian utilizes an integrated approach to strengthen U.S. engagement with the world to expand economic development opportunities, protect national and international security interests, and prepare leaders for a complex global future.
For example, 2016 was the year of exploration into U.S.-Cuba Relations as diplomatic tensions between our countries began to thaw. While many were questioning what government policy shifts meant, Meridian launched an integrated approach to bilateral relations.
First, Meridian’s Center for Cultural Diplomacy sent Michelle Angela Ortiz, a visual artist and community arts educator, to the island on an exchange to work with the local community on creating a mural in the Regla neighborhood outside Havana. Bringing together artists, students, and other community members, the mural served as a call to action for community inclusivity and local pride. Then, Meridian led a high-level Cultural and Economic Development Delegation on a mission to explore Cuban culture, architectural heritage, politics, and spirit. And finally, Meridian’s inaugural Cultural Diplomacy Forum on Cuba brought Cuban culture, society, historic preservation, and economic opportunities to DC leaders. The Forum, attended by over 100 cross-sector leaders featured keynote remarks from H.E. José Ramón Cabañas Rodríguez, Ambassador of Cuba to the U.S., and Ben Rhodes, then Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications. Together, these programs welcomed a new chapter of U.S.-Cuban relations focused on economic networks and cultural ties by leveraging Meridian’s public and cultural diplomacy tools.
Entrepreneurship training continues to be a cornerstone of our work, as a critical tool for empowering women, developing youth, creating sustainable jobs, and promoting wealth and prosperity for all. Meridian launched the inaugural cohort of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI). Two hundred fifty young technology and social entrepreneurs utilized Meridian’s entrepreneurship framework, leadership development curriculum, and month-long mentorships with U.S. counterparts to strengthen and scale their ventures. Through programs like these, Meridian provides emerging leaders with the know-how, resources, and invaluable networks to succeed.
In October, Meridian launched the Digital Finance Future: Inclusive and Global Economic Growth Initiative, which convened the diplomatic corps, members of the media, and other influencers with information and resources about the opportunities for digital financial services to alleviate poverty around the world. A series of intimate roundtables explored regulatory frameworks, cultural barriers, costs, risks, and benefits of digital financial services. Building on these roundtables, a working group of international leaders will continue the in-depth dive into this subject matter and carry forward policy solutions. Meridian is using its neutral platform and historic campus to convene with a purpose and drive towards tangible conclusions.
In the pages that follow, you will learn more about the impact and outcomes of Meridian’s innovative exchange, cultural, training, and convening programs for emerging and established leaders around the world. In 2016, our team had many great successes. But, as proud as we are of our work, none of it would have been possible without the sustained dedication of our partners and supporters. Now more than ever, we must come together as a global community to advance effective leadership for a more secure and prosperous world. Thank you for your support and commitment to our mission. We look forward to all we can accomplish together this coming year.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND MERIDIAN STAFF – THANK YOU!
Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez
Ambassador Stuart W. Holliday