Meridian Global Sports Diplomacy Initiative
SPORTS TRANSCENDS NATIONAL AND CULTURAL BOUNDARIES AND HAS BECOME AN INCREASINGLY POWERFUL WAY TO CONNECT PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD.
The Meridian Global Sports Diplomacy Initiative celebrates sports as a catalyst for resilient global partnerships and cross-cultural cooperation. With today’s athletes among our most visible cultural ambassadors, the initiative leverages sports as a strategic tool to advance U.S. diplomacy, open markets for American businesses, and foster stability and prosperity worldwide.
Through the Meridian Center for Culture and Sports Diplomacy, we are building on our six-decade legacy of cultural exchange—from Cold War jazz tours to hip-hop diplomacy—to underscore that sports are not just entertainment. Sports diplomacy is a high-impact investment in American leadership, economic competitiveness, and global influence.
The Meridian Global Sports Diplomacy Initiative will:
- Create trusted platforms for collaboration among leagues, athletes, brands, and policymakers to promote U.S. leadership.
- Align private sector efforts with U.S. foreign policy to unlock new markets and partnerships.
- Position American culture—and business—as a unifying force in a complex world.
By strengthening America’s role in global sports diplomacy, we strengthen America itself.
Background
Throughout history, sports have played a crucial role in diplomacy, exemplified by events like the 1970s ping-pong diplomacy between the U.S. and China, which opened diplomatic channels that had been closed for decades. With the U.S. poised to become the epicenter of the sports world by hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, these sporting events represent a unique opportunity to showcase U.S. national values, identity, and leadership on the global stage. Leveraging these events can strengthen international relationships, promote peace, and foster mutual understanding, while also addressing global health challenges and expanding access to sports for all.
Key Components of the Program
Quarterly programs will convene thought leaders and practitioners to discuss how the universal appeal of sports enhances global understanding, promotes health, and empowers individuals from all backgrounds.
Two-way sports exchange programs featuring American and international coaches conducting clinics with youth will strengthen international ties and promote inclusivity through sports.
Through exhibitions, podcasts, and op-eds, Meridian will highlight the role of sports in diplomacy, economic development, and global health. This content will showcase how sports can bridge cultures, drive economic growth, and improve public health while fostering international cooperation and understanding.
Diplomacy trainings will equip American sports teams traveling internationally with the skills to act as cultural ambassadors, promoting democratic values and fostering cross-cultural understanding abroad.
Quarterly programs will convene thought leaders and practitioners to discuss how the universal appeal of sports enhances global understanding, promotes health, and empowers individuals from all backgrounds.
Two-way sports exchange programs featuring American and international coaches conducting clinics with youth will strengthen international ties and promote inclusivity through sports.
Through exhibitions, podcasts, and op-eds, Meridian will highlight the role of sports in diplomacy, economic development, and global health. This content will showcase how sports can bridge cultures, drive economic growth, and improve public health while fostering international cooperation and understanding.
Diplomacy trainings will equip American sports teams traveling internationally with the skills to act as cultural ambassadors, promoting democratic values and fostering cross-cultural understanding abroad.
How Corporate Partners Can Engage
Partner with Meridian to co-create bespoke projects that leverage sports diplomacy to achieve mutual objectives.
Contribute as speakers in the Quarterly Dialogue Series or collaborate on content to share your insights and expertise on the intersection of sports, diplomacy, health, economic development, and international cooperation.
Partner with Meridian to co-create bespoke projects that leverage sports diplomacy to achieve mutual objectives.
Contribute as speakers in the Quarterly Dialogue Series or collaborate on content to share your insights and expertise on the intersection of sports, diplomacy, health, economic development, and international cooperation.
