On October 8, 2025, Meridian International Center brought together senior policymakers, diplomats, and business leaders for a pivotal conversation on artificial intelligence (AI) and the role of strategic partnerships in fostering global AI capacity. Hosted in partnership with Amazon, the Global Dialogue Dinner offered a salon-style forum to explore the White House AI Action Plan, the responsibilities of U.S. multinational technology leaders, and the broader implications of AI for competitiveness, security, and societal impact.

Moderated by Jim Golsen, Vice President of the Meridian Center for Corporate Diplomacy, the discussion featured insights from senior Amazon executive David Zapolsky, Chief Global Affairs & Legal Officer, Meridian Interim CEO Deborah Lehr, and leading diplomats from multiple regions. Together, the dialogue illuminated how the United States can nurture a global ecosystem for AI capacity building that is inclusive, resilient, and strategically aligned.

Strategic Takeaways from the Dinner

1. AI Capacity Demands Global Coordination

Building AI capacity is not only a domestic imperative—it is a global one. Effective frameworks require harmonized policies and open communication channels across governments, academia, civil society, and the private sector. Flexibility is key: solutions must adapt to local realities while maintaining consistent principles of transparency, ethics, and security. Coordinated efforts amplify impact, reduce duplication, and enhance credibility, positioning AI as a driver of both innovation and shared opportunity.

2. Partnerships Are the Multiplier

Trusted public-private partnerships are essential to scaling AI responsibly. Governments, corporations, and civil society each bring unique capabilities, and combining these strengths accelerates adoption while addressing gaps in infrastructure, workforce, and regulatory readiness. Initiatives such as cross-border research collaborations, joint training programs, and policy pilots demonstrate that partnerships are the most effective way to translate technical potential into tangible societal benefit.

3. Policy and Technology Are Intertwined

AI innovation and governance advance hand in hand. U.S. technology—including cloud services and foundational AI models—can support global development while solving local challenges, from disaster response to healthcare delivery. Yet technology alone is insufficient: robust governance frameworks, ethical design principles, and proactive oversight are critical to ensuring AI serves public interest, strengthens national security, and mitigates unintended consequences.

4. Local Context Shapes Global Impact

One-size-fits-all solutions cannot meet the diverse realities of AI deployment. Regional variations in infrastructure, regulatory environments, and workforce capacity require adaptive strategies that respect local priorities while upholding shared values. Designing AI policies and partnerships with local needs in mind ensures adoption is sustainable, culturally informed, and maximally beneficial.

5. Global Norms Will Define the AI Era

Decisions made today regarding standards, transparency, and cross-border cooperation will shape decades of innovation, security, and societal outcomes. Establishing coherent international norms—while respecting national sovereignty—is essential for global interoperability. When U.S. firms and international partners align on these principles, AI becomes a force for freedom, security, and opportunity worldwide.