In an era where digital security and economic prosperity are increasingly intertwined, Meridian was proud to facilitate the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) exchange Advancing Economic Prosperity: An Open, Reliable, and Secure Digital Economy in January 2025. This program convened 15 international leaders to engage with U.S. experts on the policies, technologies, and partnerships shaping the future of the global digital economy.

Beginning in Washington, D.C. and Boston, participants met with federal agencies, think tanks, and private sector leaders to explore cybersecurity frameworks, digital governance, and strategies for fostering innovation. The delegation then divided, with one group traveling to Cleveland and the other to Pittsburgh, where they examined local approaches to combating cybercrime and leveraging digital technologies for economic resilience. The program culminated in Salt Lake City, where discussions centered on the role of state governments in driving technological innovation while securing digital infrastructure.

Key engagements included discussions with the Mattapan Technology Learning in Boston, a CyLab workshop at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, and a deep dive into cybersecurity policy at Cleveland State University’s Cyber Security and Privacy Protection Center. Through these exchanges, participants gained firsthand insight into U.S. approaches to digital security, governance, and innovation.

Beyond policy discussions, this IVLP fostered lasting professional connections. Participants left with not only a deeper understanding of the U.S. digital economy but also a network of global peers committed to advancing secure and open digital systems in their home countries. As digital threats grow more complex, cross-border collaboration remains essential—programs like this reinforce the importance of international cooperation in securing our shared digital future.