Meridian Center for State and Local Diplomacy

Local Leadership. Global Reach.

The Meridian Center for State and Local Diplomacy helps governors, mayors, and local officials in the United States and around the world navigate and shape the global dynamics that increasingly affect their communities. From trade and foreign investment to international risks and partnerships, the Center provides tools and networks to strengthen subnational diplomacy.

Through trusted convenings, peer exchanges, and cross-sector collaboration, Meridian ensures that local voices are represented in global conversations and that local communities benefit from international opportunities.

Why This Matters

Global challenges don’t stop at borders—and their effects are often felt first at the local level. Whether it's managing extreme weather events, protecting digital infrastructure, adopting the latest innovation, or revitalizing regional economies through global investment, international engagement is now essential to local leadership.

The Meridian Center for State and Local Diplomacy supports city, state, and regional leaders with the insights, training, and partnerships they need to lead from the ground up—building local resilience through global cooperation.

Focus Areas

Strategic Global Engagement

Equipping U.S. local leaders to develop international partnerships, multilevel dialogue, and global influence that align with local development goals and strengthen alliances.

Local Economic Resilience

Helping communities attract foreign investment and innovation, boost exports, and create jobs through economic diplomacy.

Security & Preparedness

Providing tools and insights to address global risks—such as cyber threats, extreme weather events, and supply chain vulnerabilities—that impact communities directly.

Capabilities and Solutions

Invite-only briefings, embassy roundtables, and dialogues designed to keep local officials informed of global trends and geopolitical shifts.

Custom training programs and international exchanges that build local leaders’ skills in global engagement and cross-cultural diplomacy.

Initiatives that connect cities and states with businesses, investors, and NGOs to spark shared economic and social solutions.

Publications, convenings, and research that elevate subnational diplomacy and highlight scalable models for international cooperation and networking.

Insights & Networks

Invite-only briefings, embassy roundtables, and dialogues designed to keep local officials informed of global trends and geopolitical shifts.

Training & Exchanges

Custom training programs and international exchanges that build local leaders’ skills in global engagement and cross-cultural diplomacy.

Public-Private Partnerships

Initiatives that connect cities and states with businesses, investors, and NGOs to spark shared economic and social solutions.

Thought Leadership

Publications, convenings, and research that elevate subnational diplomacy and highlight scalable models for international cooperation and networking.

Upcoming Events

Please check back soon for upcoming events from the Center for State and Local Diplomacy.

Get Involved

We collaborate with embassies, startups, the private sector, and government agencies to shape the future of innovation diplomacy. Whether you're looking to join a program, sponsor a summit, or launch a new partnership—we want to hear from you.