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).
Stefan Popescu (Group for Social Dialogue) in conversation with Colonel Flavien Lanet (Embassy of France) during Meridian’s reception commemorating the 75th anniversary of NATO at Meridian House in Washington, DC on October 23, 2024. Photo by Jessica Latos.
Clarke Cooper (Guard Hill House) in conversation with Brigadier General Klemen Medja (Embassy of Slovenia) during Meridian’s reception commemorating the 75th anniversary of NATO at Meridian House in Washington, DC on October 23, 2024. Photo by Jessica Latos.
Chris Miner (U.S. Department of State) in conversation with Viq Hussain (AT&T) during Meridian’s reception commemorating the 75th anniversary of NATO at Meridian House in Washington, DC on October 23, 2024. Photo by Jessica Latos.
Dr. Alexander Mattelaer (Free University of Brussels) and Chris Miner (U.S. Department of State) discussing their remarks during Meridian’s reception commemorating the 75th anniversary of NATO at Meridian House in Washington, DC on October 23, 2024. Photo by Jessica Latos.
Chris Miner (U.S. Department of State) delivering keynote remarks at Meridian’s reception commemorating the 75th anniversary of NATO at Meridian House in Washington, DC on October 23, 2024. Photo by Jessica Latos.
Colonel Stevan Naumoski (Army of North Macedonia) in conversation with Dr. Sead Turcalo (University of Sarajevo) and Geoff Browning (ServiceNow) during Meridian’s reception commemorating the 75th anniversary of NATO at Meridian House in Washington, DC on October 23, 2024. Photo by Jessica Latos.
Matthew Bikoff (U.S. Department of State) in conversation with Adam Krzywosadzki (Embassy of Poland) during Meridian’s reception commemorating the 75th anniversary of NATO at Meridian House in Washington, DC on October 23, 2024. Photo by Jessica Latos.
Clarke Cooper (Guard Hill House) in conversation with Dr. Alexander Mattelaer (Free University of Brussels), Adam Krzywosadzki (Embassy of Poland), and Ambassador Stuart Holliday (Meridian International Center) during Meridian’s reception commemorating the 75th anniversary of NATO at Meridian House in Washington, DC on October 23, 2024. Photo by Jessica Latos.
Colonel Luis Correia Cardoso (Embassy of Portugal) in conversation with Brigadier General Klemen Medja (Embassy of Slovenia) and Ana Germ (Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs) during Meridian’s reception commemorating the 75th anniversary of NATO at Meridian House in Washington, DC on October 23, 2024. Photo by Jessica Latos.
Natalie Jones (Meridian International Center) and Puru Trivedi (Meridian International Center) welcome Combiz Abdolrahimi (ServiceNow), J.C. Boggs (King & Spalding), and Manisha Singh (Sunstone Strategy Group) to Meridian’s reception commemorating the 75th anniversary of NATO at Meridian House in Washington, DC on October 23, 2024. Photo by Jessica Latos.
This program was made possible through the support of
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The Enduring Legacy of Collective Defense: 75th Anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) | October 2024