Meridian International Center

For more than 65 years, Meridian has held a steadfast mission: that today's global challenges require a new approach — one that opens diplomacy beyond traditional channels to leaders across business, science, cities, culture, and sports. Today, we announce the appointment of David Bohigian as Chief Executive Officer, effective March 30. He was instrumental in the creation of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, contributing to the bipartisan passage of the BUILD Act and strengthening the landscape of U.S. development finance. Across the public and private sectors, Bohigian has mobilized $5 billion in global investments and founded and led impact-driven venture capital firms. His career reflects what Open Diplomacy demands: a command of how policy, business, and international relationships intersect to build geopolitical resilience, advance U.S. competitiveness, and strengthen alliances on challenges no single government can solve alone. We also are proud to announce Deborah Lehr as Vice Chair/Chair-Elect of the Board of Trustees. Her leadership as interim CEO has been a steady and clarifying force, and her continued role at Meridian ensures that momentum carries forward. Read our full statement here: meridian.org/news/meridian-… #OpenDiplomacy #GlobalLeadership #AmericanLeadership #GeopoliticalResilience #Diplomacy

An evening centered on connection, diplomacy, and Meridian’s next chapter. 🙌 Leaders from across government, business, and the diplomatic community gathered at Meridian House to welcome The Honorable David Bohigian as Meridian International Center’s new Chief Executive Officer. From an ambassador roundtable to conversations spanning diplomacy, business, and policy, the evening reflected Meridian’s longstanding commitment to bringing people together across borders and sectors. Learn more: meridian.org/project/welcom…

What you missed at @MeridianIntl Center’s Portraiture and Perspective Program🎥 A conversation on how art, culture, and human connection continue to shape diplomacy long after the moment ends.

What does diplomacy have to do with your NBA Finals predictions? 🏀🌍 More than you think. As fans debate brackets, bets, and championship picks, the NBA is also shaping global influence — driving investment, cultural exchange, and international partnerships worldwide. At Meridian's Sports Diplomacy Forum, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum joined leaders in sports and diplomacy to discuss how basketball became a global force far beyond the game. Learn more: meridian.org/project/courts… #NBAFinals #NBAPlayoffs #SportsDiplomacy Speakers: The Hon. Randi Levine Mark Tatum Maxwell Millington

Ahead of the 56th OAS General Assembly in Panama this June, Meridian is pleased to welcome His Excellency Albert R. Ramdin for an upcoming installment of Insights@Meridian. The conversation will explore inclusive growth and good governance across the Americas in preview of the General Assembly’s focus on strengthening multilateralism through trade, energy, technology, and human capital development. The Organization of American States @OEA_oficial brings together 34 active member states to advance cooperation, diplomacy, and shared progress throughout the hemisphere. Stay tuned for highlights from the discussion.

New from Meridian: Brief 2.4 of the Subnational Diplomacy Toolkit is now available. As states and cities continue to expand their role in international engagement, this latest brief offers practical insights and strategies to help subnational leaders navigate diplomacy, partnerships, and trade missions at the local level. Explore the latest brief and full toolkit here: #toolkit1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">meridian.org/project/subnat…

At Meridian International Center’s Portraiture and Perspective Program, conversations around art and cultural diplomacy highlighted the enduring power of human connection in international engagement. Through culture, dialogue, and shared experiences, people-to-people ties foster trust and understanding that extend far beyond politics and policy. Programs like these serve as a reminder that some of diplomacy’s most meaningful impact is built through the relationships and conversations that continue long after the event itself.

Digital sovereignty is rapidly reshaping global conversations on technology, security, and governance. @MeridianIntl, in partnership with @Microsoft, brought together diplomats, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss how governments are reevaluating digital infrastructure, data systems, and technology partnerships amid evolving geopolitical and economic dynamics. Learn more: meridian.org/project/global… PC: Frankie Garcia, Kalorama Studios.

“It’s one thing to learn about corporate diplomacy and another to see it in action.” At the @MeridianIntl Center for Corporate Diplomacy & @LauderInstitute Bespoke Corporate Diplomacy Training, participants did not just study global engagement. They stepped into real-world simulations designed to mirror the complex challenges companies face across markets, governments, and stakeholder environments. As geopolitical risk, supply chain disruption, and economic competition reshape the global landscape, corporate leaders are increasingly being asked to operate at the intersection of business and diplomacy. From navigating stakeholder relationships to building cross-border partnerships, these skills are becoming essential to doing business in today’s world. Learn more: meridian.org/project/lauder…

In a world shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, diplomacy is not only built through policy. It is built through relationships, trust, symbolism, and cultural connection. At Meridian Council Salon, bestselling author and USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page joined leaders from diplomacy, media, and public affairs for a conversation on her new book, The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand That Shaped History, and the enduring power of soft diplomacy in shaping global relationships. Learn more: meridian.org/project/meridi…

Culturefix: where creativity and diplomacy intersect. Today, we unveil the five honorees of the 2026 Meridian Cultural Diplomacy Award, to be celebrated at the annual Culturefix on June 4, 2026. Ilia Malinin @the_quadg0d, Jeff Koons @JeffKoons, and Firelei Báez will join previously announced awardees Reem Acra @Reem_Acra and Dr. Zahi Hawass, rounding out an exceptional group shaping global cultural dialogue. Join this distinguished group of thought leaders, artists, and changemakers for an evening of diplomacy in action on June 4. Learn more: meridian.org/news/meridian-… Jeff Koons PC: Martin Schoeller

Rising geopolitical tensions are starting to hit satellite operators where it matters most: access.  In March, India revoked AsiaSat’s authorization over national security concerns tied to its ownership, forcing broadcasters to rapidly shift providers and triggering legal disputes across the value chain.   At Meridian International Center’s Space Diplomacy Forum, this session explored what it takes to operate in that reality.  Satellite systems depend on approvals across multiple jurisdictions, are subject to export controls, and are deeply tied to financing and insurance structures. When geopolitics shifts, the impact is immediate and cascading.  Resilience is no longer just about technology. It is about navigating regulation, managing risk across borders, and building partnerships that can withstand disruption.  Speakers:  Adel Al-Saleh, SES  Kellee Wicker, Meridian International Center  Learn more: meridian.org/project/streng… #SpaceDiplomacy #OpenDiplomacy

Applications are now open for the Executive Branch cohort of The Meridian Tech Labs. Apply by June 6: events.meridian.org/2026executiveb… Technology is moving fast, and policymakers are expected to keep up. The Tech Labs are designed to close that gap, offering a practical, nonpartisan space for government staff to better understand the technologies shaping today’s policy decisions. Over six weeks, participants engage directly with leading experts to break down complex topics like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, and what they mean in real-world policy contexts. Join more than 1,500 alumni who have taken part in the program and continue to stay ahead of the curve.

Today at the @MilkenInstitute Institute Global Conference 2026, @MeridianIntl CEO David Bohigian is moderating a conversation on the enduring impact of transatlantic exchange. As the United States marks 250 years, this panel explores how shared ideas across the Atlantic continue to shape global politics, culture, and innovation—and what that means for the future. Featuring: Julia Friedlander, Atlantik-Brücke H.E. Jens Hanefeld, Embassy of Germany to the United States Andrew Moravcsik, Princeton University Watch live: milkeninstitute.org/events/global-… milkeninstitute.org/events/global-…

Space is no longer just a race. It is a balance sheet.  At Meridian International Center’s Space Diplomacy Forum, leaders unpacked how private capital is helping nations build sovereign space capabilities and compete in the global economy.  But this is bigger than investment.  Companies are navigating governments, regulations, and cross-border partnerships to get deals done. In the process, they are stepping into a new role as actors in corporate diplomacy.  From blended finance to risk-sharing models, capital is shaping not just who leads in space, but how countries and companies work together to get there.  Speakers:  Fredrik Gustavsson, SWISSto12  Caitlin Heffernan, Macquarie Group  Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Commercial Space Federation  Praveen Vetrivel, SLI  Learn more: meridian.org/project/financ… #CorporateDiplomacy #OpenDiplomacy #SpaceDiplomacy

We’re kicking off the 2026 Strategic Subnational Diplomacy Toolkit with the release of Brief 2.4. Focused on how to design and execute successful international trade missions, this brief outlines six practical steps to help city, state, and regional leaders turn global engagement into real economic outcomes. Trade missions can open markets, attract investment, and build long-term partnerships. This brief shows how to do it with strategy, data, and follow-through. This is the first brief released since the 2025 Toolkit and builds on Meridian’s broader Global Engagement, Local Benefits framework. With contributions from World Trade Center San Diego, City of San Diego, City of San Antonio International Relations Office, and Trade and Investment Queensland. Explore the brief:  meridian.org/project/global…

With #Formula1Miami taking over this past weekend, the action is not just on the track. It is playing out on the global stage.  At Meridian International Center’s Sports Diplomacy convening, leaders explored how F1 has become a platform for economic growth, cultural exchange, and international partnership.  As the sport expands into new cities and markets, it is shaping tourism, driving investment, and giving countries a powerful way to tell their story to a global audience.  This is sports diplomacy in action. Competition that builds connection, visibility, and influence far beyond race day.  Speakers:  Aba Kwawu, TAA PR  H.E. Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Kingdom of Bahrain  H.E. Maguy Maccario, Principality of Monaco  Stefanie Williams, U.S. Department of State  Learn more: meridian.org/project/fast-l… #SportsDiplomacy #OpenDiplomacy #F1 #F1Miami

At the @MilkenInstitute Global Conference 2026, @MeridianIntl Center CEO David Bohigian is joining global leaders for a closed-door Geo-Economics Leadership Meeting focused on how organizations are navigating a rapidly shifting global landscape. As geopolitical competition intensifies and markets fragment, the convening will look at how leaders are recalibrating investment decisions, strengthening supply chains, and building resilience in a more complex world. Stay tuned for Wednesday, when Bohigian will also moderate a panel on transatlantic exchange, exploring how 250 years of shared ideas, culture, and collaboration continue to shape what comes next. Learn more: milkeninstitute.org/events/global-…

Today marks two months until America’s 250th.  At Meridian International Center, this milestone is driving Diplomacy at 250, our yearlong initiative that highlights the global partnerships that have shaped the United States since its founding.   As the official international resource partner of the America250 Commission, Meridian is convening embassies, global leaders, and American changemakers to explore how collaboration across borders continues to shape U.S. leadership, security, and prosperity.   Through embassy salon series, cultural diplomacy programs, and integration across global exchange initiatives, Diplomacy at 250 brings together partners from government, business, and culture to reflect on the past and define what comes next.   As July 4 approaches, this is not just a national milestone. It is a global moment grounded in partnership, connection, and shared progress.  #Diplomacyat250 #OpenDiplomacy #DC    Learn more: meridian.org/culture/celebr…

Subnational diplomacy is not a trend. It is happening now. At Meridian’s convening with the State International Development Organizations (SIDO) in Washington, D.C., state and local leaders came together to explore how diplomacy, corporate engagement, and global partnerships can drive foreign investment. “It wasn’t just networking—it was a highly focused platform that directly supported our shared core mission of driving exports and attracting investment.” — Tim Tierney, Vermont Agency of Commerce This is how diplomacy is evolving, not just in capitals, but on the ground across states and cities. Learn more: meridian.org/project/state-…