Increased polarization, protectionism and a questioning of identity among many of the world’s most powerful countries have challenged the strength of the invaluable relationships across sectors and borders that are necessary for global security and prosperity. Where political conflicts and economic disputes have weakened these relationships, Meridian aims to provide a space where international cooperation can thrive.
After nearly 60 years, Meridian lives at the nexus of global partnerships between the public and private sector, the diplomatic community and leaders in media, education and advocacy from around the world. These connections form the foundation necessary for accelerated collaboration and consensus building among all stakeholders as we tackle today’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.
Meridian’s 2018 programming spotlighted these partnerships at a new level. We engaged more than 7,400 emerging and established leaders in government, business, diplomacy and civil society, through capacity-building programs on our campus in Washington, D.C., and in cities across the U.S. Through our leadership development and diplomacy programs, we strengthen U.S. engagement with the world and build global leaders by connecting them with the people and ideas they need to grow their impact in their communities and countries.
The power of our partnerships was bolstered in 2018 with the launch of the Meridian Center for Diplomatic Engagement, which provides a neutral, nonpartisan platform for Washington’s diplomatic community to collaborate on key global issues with U.S. government officials, corporate leaders and nongovernmental organizations. Fittingly, the Center officially launched at the 7th Annual Meridian Global Leadership Summit, which brought together ambassadors, members of Congress and CEOs to discuss how to prepare for a digitally driven future across sectors and borders.
Meridian’s partnership with the U.S. government remains principal with the continued work on the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, which brought 1,636 international visitors on 188 professional exchange programs to 316 U.S. cities last year. Participants learned from and built lasting relationships with dozens of local government members, small businesses, and NGOs working on issues ranging from governance and education to women’s rights and environmental sustainability.
Meridian also partnered with the State Department for the third consecutive year on the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI), which brought 250 promising entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean to the U.S. for an exchange to equip them with knowledge, resources and networks to succeed in the digital commerce era. In addition to entrepreneurs, Meridian worked with the executive government and U.S. embassies abroad to train hundreds of international journalists, educators, health professionals and other emerging leaders and help them build meaningful partnerships here in the U.S.
While Meridian’s work spans continents and international alliances, Asia was a region of focus in 2018. The Meridian Center for Cultural Diplomacy organized one of its biggest exhibits yet to commemorate 200 years of U.S.−Thai relations. Our annual Diplomacy Forum convened government, corporate, diplomatic and civil society leaders to celebrate the cultural influence of Japan, and Meridian organized its first Nowruz spring festival in partnership with the Central Asian embassies in DC. Beyond this focus on Asia, Meridian explored new avenues of cultural diplomacy with a variety of diplomatic and civil society partners who facilitated discussions on how fashion, sports and food can bridge divides across borders and cultures.
Whether it’s exchange and training programs, discussions on global issues or cultural diplomacy initiatives, none of Meridian’s work would be possible without the enduring partnerships that give the center a global impact. We were honored to have so many of our key partners with us to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Meridian Ball, a milestone event that showcased the breadth and familiarity of our international and cross-sector relationships. We are thankful to all our supporters who share our belief that U.S. engagement with the world is vital for our collective security and prosperity. As we continue to navigate the complex international challenges of our time, we look forward to further strengthening and growing these partnerships in the coming year.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND MERIDIAN STAFF – THANK YOU!
Meridian House, at 1630 Crescent Place NW, was built by Ambassador Irwin Boyle Laughlin. He purchased the land in 1912, two years after his friend Ambassador Henry White bought the adjacent site. After a long and distinguished career with the U.S. Foreign Service, Mr. Laughlin retired in 1919 and built Meridian House, filling it with his collection of 18th century French drawings and Oriental porcelains and screens. Although he later returned to the diplomatic corps, serving as Ambassador to Greece and Spain in the 1920s and 30s, Mr. Laughlin also played an active role in Washington’s artistic and historical communities.
White-Meyer House, at 1624 Crescent Place NW, has been home to two prestigious Washington families. The property was purchased in 1910 by distinguished American diplomat Henry White, who had been Ambassador to Italy and France. The red brick Georgian home was completed in 1912 at a total cost of $155,497.