With our venture into hybrid programming, we are encouraged by the lifting of pandemic restrictions in Washington, D.C. and excited to resume some in-person gatherings over the coming months. While much of the world is still working on widespread vaccinations, we look forward to continuing to engage you virtually or safely welcoming you back to our campus. Read below to learn more about our latest Meridian initiatives.

Striking the Global Energy Balance

“There needs to be a balance between the energy needs of people in poor countries and the emissions concerns of people in rich countries,” said Dr. Vijaya Ramachandran, Director for Energy and Development at The Breakthrough Institute and a panelist for “Just Energy: In Pursuit of a Fair Global Energy Transition Balance,” a virtual Diplocraft program hosted on June 23. Secretaries of Energy from the previous two administrations, The Honorable Dan Brouillette and The Honorable Ernest Moniz, and His Excellency Ha Kim Ngoc, Ambassador of Vietnam to the United States, were among the featured speakers to discuss global energy issues ranging from the role of LNG exports in diplomacy and its potential effects on developing countries’ economies, to multilateral financing for infrastructure to support the energy transition. Dive deeper into the takeaways by clicking here or watch the full event recording.

LGBTQI+ Rights Around the World:
An IVLP Alumni Perspective

During the past year, vulnerable communities worldwide have been hit hard by the health and economic consequences of the global pandemic. LGBTQI+ persons, in particular, continue to face discrimination, violence, and other forms of persecution. To coincide with the end of Pride month, we co-hosted a virtual discussion on the status of LGBTQI+ rights through a global lens. Alumni of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) from Argentina, Pakistan, Switzerland, South Africa, as well as a representative from the Human Rights Campaign in Washington, D.C., served as panelists and shared their views on human rights challenges facing the LGBTQI+ community in their respective countries and regions.

Heroes Combating Human Trafficking 

Meridian is currently hosting a group of individuals from around the world whose personal efforts have made an extraordinary difference in combating human trafficking. These Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Heroes were honored by the U.S. Department of State at the TIP Report virtual launch ceremony on July 1, hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. The Heroes will spend the next few weeks meeting virtually with U.S. anti-trafficking task forces, local governments, and legal entities to collaborate in the fight against all forms of trafficking in persons. Learn more about the TIP Report Heroes and their important work here.

Upcoming Events

2021 Global Humanities Symposium:
Observing Cultural Diplomacy

July 16 | 10:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. ET

The Meridian Center for Cultural Diplomacy and the National Endowment for the Humanities are pleased to host the Global Humanities Symposium, which is part of Meridian's initiative to amplify contemporary scholarship and scholars that focus on cultural diplomacy within the humanities. The theme for the inaugural symposium is “Observe,” one of the first, crucial steps in building bridges across cultures. Cultural diplomacy harnesses visual art, music, literature, film, material culture and more, resulting in individuals and communities finding common ground, forging relationships and fostering mutual respect.