For centuries, diplomacy was limited to a small group of officials working across governments. But today’s challenges require a new approach. That’s why Meridian is stepping up with a new framework: Open Diplomacy. Open Diplomacy is a decentralized, inclusive approach to addressing global challenges. Like open-source software or blockchain, it is collaborative, resilient, and adaptable to geopolitical disruptions.
Meridian’s approach to preparing the next generation of influential global leaders involves forming partnerships with a cross-section of established and emerging leaders. Our partners believe in us because, for more than 60 years, they have seen the positive and significant change we bring to communities through our three programmatic pillars: global leadership, diplomacy, and culture.
Our partners also value our nonpartisan approach and meaningful public-private partnership opportunities with leading U.S. and foreign organizations, as well as the wide range of benefits that a relationship with Meridian provides, including:
At its core is Meridian—a nexus connecting leaders across borders, sectors, and political divides with the insights, networks, and resources needed to solve problems no single government can tackle alone. People are at the center of diplomacy and our mission. We work with highpotential leaders from the following key sectors who are on the frontlines of tackling global issues.
Our programs are an on-ramp for leaders to connect with their government and diplomatic counterparts and gain the global insights, networks, and resources needed to be a force multiplier for diplomacy. Our cross-cutting approach includes the following types of global leadership development programs:
As a neutral, nonpartisan organization, Meridian maintains curatorial control and editorial independence over its programs and content. Donors do not direct program coverage, nor do donor organizations, initiatives, or ideas receive preferential treatment. Meridian may produce content with which donors disagree.
Since we were founded in 1960, we have worked with hundreds of thousands of global leaders, including over 180 heads of state. Our historic campus and nonpartisan stance have established us as a trusted space where diverse perspectives can come together. Today, through more resilient international partnerships and innovative solutions, we’re helping America shape a better future.
Meridian’s history and foundation are rooted in diplomacy. Our campus, located in the heart of Washington, D.C., features two iconic properties—Meridian House and White-Meyer House.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, these homes were residences of U.S. Ambassadors. Built in the 1920s, the homes were designed by renowned American architect John Russell Pope, whose work includes the Jefferson Memorial and the National Archives.
Meridian’s name comes from its location near 16th Street, which in the early 1800s was proposed as the international prime meridian and now serves as the center axis of Washington, DC. A meridian represents a central axis of connection—reflecting our mission to bring leaders together across borders and perspectives.
In 1960, the American Council on Education purchased Meridian House with a Ford Foundation grant, establishing it as a partner to the U.S. Department of State on international exchange programs. White-Meyer House was acquired in 1987, and the organization was renamed Meridian International Center in 1992. Today, these historic homes symbolize Meridian’s mission to connect leaders and foster diplomacy.
The below applies to all in-person, hybrid, and virtual events and meetings convened by Meridian.
Meridian believes that more perspectives lead to better outcomes. We seek to provide an environment that fosters candid dialogue to address challenging issues while also sharing key points of conversation to advance global cooperation. When a meeting is held under the Meridian House Rule, no information from the meeting may be attributed to a specific individual or organization. Neither direct quotes nor recordings of the event may be made public. Information from the meeting, however, may be summarized and publicized. Participants may be photographed, identified, and publicized.
Information may be quoted directly and attributed to the official or speaker by name and title. Video recordings and/or transcripts may be produced and publicized.
No information provided may be used in a publication. The information is only for the user’s education or background knowledge.
Remarks may be quoted directly or paraphrased and are attributed to a general characterization of position or other designation as determined by the official or Speaker.
*Adapted from the U.S. Department of State – Foreign Press Center
When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.
**Courtesy of Chatham House
