On Friday, January 30, 2026, Meridian International Center hosted the Open Diplomacy Lunch at Meridian House, convening nearly 50 leaders from the diplomatic corps, Capitol Hill, business community, and the cultural sector for an off-the-record discussion on the global forces shaping American leadership. The luncheon was hosted by Deborah Lehr, Interim CEO of Meridian, and Ambassador Bill Grayson. 

In her welcome remarks, Lehr underscored Meridian’s role as a trusted convening space for candid dialogue across diplomacy, government, and industry. Ambassador Grayson followed with opening reflections on the importance of global engagement and people-to-people ties, recalling the power of shared experiences and celebration from his time as Commissioner General for the U.S. World Expo 2025. 

The program featured keynote insights from Senator Chris Coons, Senator Bill Hagerty, Secretary Hank Paulson, and Ambassador Jovita Neliupšienė of the European Union Delegation to the United States. Drawing on their leadership in transatlantic and global affairs, they addressed the evolving geopolitical landscape, the future of U.S. alliances, and the economic and security dynamics reshaping international partnerships. The discussion highlighted the value of informal, trust-based exchanges in navigating today’s complex global environment. 

The luncheon concluded with a musical performance by the Smithsonian Chamber Players, reinforcing Meridian’s belief in the power of culture and connection to advance diplomacy and further shared prosperity.