By connecting our world in unprecedented ways, technology informs diplomacy. To stay informed and agile, it’s important that the new and existing actors at the intersection of diplomacy deeply understand the issues and developments shaping technology. Our programs facilitate the links between emerging leaders, diplomatic representatives and tech advocates, setting the stage for a well-informed diplomatic future.
Mission: Meridian’s efforts promote deep understanding of developments and nuances in the technology sphere. We believe that technology can be a valuable diplomatic asset, and that diplomatic professionals’ and policymakers’ understanding of it is crucial. Going beyond our programs, we are interested in cementing a long-term alignment between the public and private sectors and civil society.
Our Approach:
Our Network: Meridian plays a pivotal role in connecting the public and private sectors with the digital realm. By organizing and participating in events that unite disparate communities to explore technology, Meridian has established a thorough network of individuals committed to shaping an ethical and technologically advanced future.
In December 2024, Meridian will attend the Internet Governance Forum, a UN-sanctioned event that seeks to build a safer cyberspace. Meridian will lead a workshop entitled, “Revitalizing Trust: Harnessing AI for Responsibly Digital Governance.” At this workshop, representatives from Meridian will engage professionals on how AI can renew the public’s connection to government, underscoring the essential connection between technology and diplomacy.
Varying thematically, these convenings link professionals in the tech world to policymakers and international representatives, creating a space for discussion of emerging issues in the sector. Since this program is a series, Meridian is able to adjust programming according to changes in the technology industry, ensuring the diplomatic community is up to date at all times.
Artificial Intelligence on the Table: A Dinner Discussion on the Ethics and Regulations of AI* | Meridian International Center – The first event in Meridian’s Tech Envoy series focused on introducing the diplomatic community and adjacent actors to AI’s uses and accompanying considerations. The group analyzed the roles of different stakeholders to understand this rapidly evolving area of emerging technology. Meridian also experimented with AI during the creation of this event, initiating the organization’s first uses of ChatGPT. Meridian’s use of ChatGPT to, for example, generate the event’s title, represents how actors in the diplomatic sphere can leverage this complex emerging technology to streamline their processes.
Tech Envoy Series: Bytes Beyond Borders: Charting the Future of Cyber Diplomacy | Meridian International Center – Meridian hosted Ambassador Nate Fick, who emphasized the concept of "digital solidarity" as an alternative to "digital sovereignty," urging cooperative tech development among democratic societies. He highlighted the deployment of cyber-proficient officers globally to enhance governmental responsiveness and underscored the State Department's goal to have them in every U.S. mission by 2024. Ambassador Fick also addressed the salient topic of disinformation, advocating for public education initiatives to empower citizens in voicing concerns regarding digital content.
These evenings challenge professionals to engage with and analyze salient questions about technology policy. By inviting professionals to participate in a discussion, Meridian bridges the gap between diplomacy and the nuances of technology. These complex discussions have revealed the need for further dialogue, compromise, and innovation, spearheaded by a variety of sectors. Participants leave the dinner table having critically engaged with salient questions of tech policy.
The Road to Responsible AI: Highlights from Meridian’s Global Dialogue Dinner – At the tail end of the year that AI really exploded into the mainstream, Meridian convened thought leaders from 15 DC think-tanks to critically examine the societal implications of AI. Led by OpenAI Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati, Guests grappled with controversial questions like AI’s impacts on disinformation and the global arms race. Beyond this, the participants also explored implementable strategies for mitigating AI’s risks within their own fields.
Advancing Responsible Innovation: Insights from Meridian’s Global Dialogue Dinner | Meridian International Center – To emphasize the importance of collaboration between sectors, Meridian joined Salesforce to convene U.S. policymakers, foreign diplomats, technology industry experts, and private sector leaders. The many stakeholders reflected differing thoughts on AI, but the group agreed in the importance of establishing norms to govern this complex emerging technology.
This new endeavor of Meridian’s focuses on delving into the significant geopolitical impacts of artificial intelligence. Included among these are navigating regulatory hurdles, addressing ethical dilemmas, and devising strategies to bolster U.S. competitiveness in the global A.I. arena.
Meridian Convenes American Diplomats, Congressional Staffers, and Tech Industry Leaders Through A.I. Policy Series | Meridian International Center - Spanning March 2024, this series of four seminars convened a diverse group of 32 mid-career professionals from the Department of State, U.S. Congress, and leading technology companies. Vigorous discussions sparked knowledge exchange among stakeholders with diverse expertise and viewpoints, laying the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at tackling the intricate nexus of A.I. and diplomacy.
In December 2024, Meridian will attend the Internet Governance Forum, a UN-sanctioned event that seeks to build a safer cyberspace. Meridian will lead a workshop entitled, “Revitalizing Trust: Harnessing AI for Responsibly Digital Governance.” At this workshop, representatives from Meridian will engage professionals on how AI can renew the public’s connection to government, underscoring the essential connection between technology and diplomacy.
Varying thematically, these convenings link professionals in the tech world to policymakers and international representatives, creating a space for discussion of emerging issues in the sector. Since this program is a series, Meridian is able to adjust programming according to changes in the technology industry, ensuring the diplomatic community is up to date at all times.
Artificial Intelligence on the Table: A Dinner Discussion on the Ethics and Regulations of AI* | Meridian International Center – The first event in Meridian’s Tech Envoy series focused on introducing the diplomatic community and adjacent actors to AI’s uses and accompanying considerations. The group analyzed the roles of different stakeholders to understand this rapidly evolving area of emerging technology. Meridian also experimented with AI during the creation of this event, initiating the organization’s first uses of ChatGPT. Meridian’s use of ChatGPT to, for example, generate the event’s title, represents how actors in the diplomatic sphere can leverage this complex emerging technology to streamline their processes.
Tech Envoy Series: Bytes Beyond Borders: Charting the Future of Cyber Diplomacy | Meridian International Center – Meridian hosted Ambassador Nate Fick, who emphasized the concept of "digital solidarity" as an alternative to "digital sovereignty," urging cooperative tech development among democratic societies. He highlighted the deployment of cyber-proficient officers globally to enhance governmental responsiveness and underscored the State Department's goal to have them in every U.S. mission by 2024. Ambassador Fick also addressed the salient topic of disinformation, advocating for public education initiatives to empower citizens in voicing concerns regarding digital content.
These evenings challenge professionals to engage with and analyze salient questions about technology policy. By inviting professionals to participate in a discussion, Meridian bridges the gap between diplomacy and the nuances of technology. These complex discussions have revealed the need for further dialogue, compromise, and innovation, spearheaded by a variety of sectors. Participants leave the dinner table having critically engaged with salient questions of tech policy.
The Road to Responsible AI: Highlights from Meridian’s Global Dialogue Dinner – At the tail end of the year that AI really exploded into the mainstream, Meridian convened thought leaders from 15 DC think-tanks to critically examine the societal implications of AI. Led by OpenAI Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati, Guests grappled with controversial questions like AI’s impacts on disinformation and the global arms race. Beyond this, the participants also explored implementable strategies for mitigating AI’s risks within their own fields.
Advancing Responsible Innovation: Insights from Meridian’s Global Dialogue Dinner | Meridian International Center – To emphasize the importance of collaboration between sectors, Meridian joined Salesforce to convene U.S. policymakers, foreign diplomats, technology industry experts, and private sector leaders. The many stakeholders reflected differing thoughts on AI, but the group agreed in the importance of establishing norms to govern this complex emerging technology.
This new endeavor of Meridian’s focuses on delving into the significant geopolitical impacts of artificial intelligence. Included among these are navigating regulatory hurdles, addressing ethical dilemmas, and devising strategies to bolster U.S. competitiveness in the global A.I. arena.
Meridian Convenes American Diplomats, Congressional Staffers, and Tech Industry Leaders Through A.I. Policy Series | Meridian International Center - Spanning March 2024, this series of four seminars convened a diverse group of 32 mid-career professionals from the Department of State, U.S. Congress, and leading technology companies. Vigorous discussions sparked knowledge exchange among stakeholders with diverse expertise and viewpoints, laying the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at tackling the intricate nexus of A.I. and diplomacy.
