Meridian Convenes Curated Dialogue on the Geopolitics of Clean Energy Diplomacy

President Biden's recent suite of industrial policies is injecting billions into America's clean energy sectors, aiming to accelerate the transition to renewable energy while boosting domestic manufacturing and job creation. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 (BIL), the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) are intended to drive significant advancements in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and other key sectors. This transformational push has also ignited competition that is reshaping the global economic landscape. 

During a curated dialogue hosted by the Center for Diplomatic Engagement and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, 14 Chiefs of Mission representing six global regions, along with six bipartisan Members of Congress, U.S. government officials, and key stakeholders explored these transformative impacts. The meeting was guided by The Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Senior Advisor of Akin, and Meridian CEO Ambassador Stuart Holliday.  

The conversation centered on the importance of international diplomacy in addressing the climate challenge while taking into consideration rising energy demands, with attendees sharing their unique insights on how to balance competing priorities. Key takeaways included the critical needs for enhanced U.S. energy cooperation with bilateral allies as well regional and multilateral partners, addressing the disproportionate effects of climate change on vulnerable communities, and establishing meaningful, open diplomatic channels on energy and climate specifically between the U.S., India, and China. The conversation underscored the importance of navigating these challenges collaboratively to chart a course towards a sustainable and prosperous future.  

Clean Energy Diplomacy: Ripple Effects of U.S. Industrial Policy convened on May 23, 2024, in Washington, DC as part of Meridian’s Congressional Briefing Series. The series is a strategic initiative designed to convene Members of Congress and Chiefs of Mission for closed-door dialogue on pressing global issues. It provides a unique platform to facilitate in-depth discussions and knowledge exchange, informing and shaping international engagement on a broad and diverse array of regional interests and perspectives. 

This program was made possible through the support of:

Project summary

Meridian Convenes Curated Dialogue on the Geopolitics of Clean Energy Diplomacy | May 2024
Regions:	Africa, Europe and Eurasia, East Asia and Pacific, Near East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, Western Hemisphere
Impact Areas:	Energy and the Environment, Foreign Policy
Program Areas:	Diplomatic Engagement
Partners:	Private Sector