The Enduring Legacy of Collective Defense: 75th Anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

On April 4, 1949 in Washington, DC the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was signed into force by just 12 countries:  Belgium, Britain, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and the United States. They stood together in a postwar world, seeking to build a safer, more prosperous future. 75 years later, the defense agreement encompasses 32 member states and counting, standing as a pillar of international cooperation and the standing together in the face of a common threat. 

To commemorate the historic anniversary of the defense agreement, Meridian was honored to host a reception gathering U.S. government partners, private sector stakeholders, and political and defense representatives from foreign embassies. The reception also recognized the current visiting delegation of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) that hosted 32 public officials, academics, and security analysts from NATO member states and aspirant countries. 

Combiz Abdolrahimi of ServiceNow and Chris Miner of the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs recognized the momentous occasion in their remarks, underscoring the significance of the visiting delegation’s presence in Washington, DC and their continued ambition and commitment to peace and security. Dr. Alexander Mattelaer, a member of the IVLP delegation and professor at Free University of Brussels, spoke on behalf of the visiting group to share his belief in the importance of international exchange and cooperation. Dr. Mattelaer noted that the program allowed participants to engage on a foundational level with their American counterparts, allowing for a constructive dialogue that deepened levels of understanding between countries and individuals.  

For over 60 years, Meridian has been a principal implementing partner of the Department of State’s premier professional exchange program, International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).    

 

This program was made possible through the support of