Prime Meridian: Issue 1 - 2023 by nshanklin

PRIME MERIDIAN ISSUE 1 | 2023

IN THIS ISSUE

CULTUREFIX 2023: A CELEBRATION OF CULTURAL DIPLOMACY AND PRESERVATION THE NEW FRONTIERS OF DIPLOMACY: THE RISE OF CORPORATE DIPLOMACY HOW PRESERVING DEMOCRACY DOMESTICALLY STRENGTHENS IT GLOBALLY EMPOWERING FUTURE DIPLOMATS: THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE GLOBAL AFFAIRS FELLOWSHIP

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023

12th Annual Meridian Global Leadership Summit GLOBAL COOPERATION IN AN ERA OF STRATEGIC ECONOMIC COMPETITION Friday, October 20, 2023 | 9:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. In-Person at The Gallup Building 901 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20004 OR Attend Online via Livestream Beginning at 9:00 A.M. ET at summit.meridian.org Across two stages, we’ll explore: Age of Cooperative Industrial Polices Advancing a More Practical Partnership and Development Approach Workforce Cultivation, Retention and Attraction in Emerging Markets Shifting from Global Governance to Minilaterialism Advancing the Appetite for Food Security and Climate Resilience For more information go to summit.meridian.org, or email summit@meridian.org.

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IN THIS ISSUE About Us �� 4

CEO Letter �� 5 Upcoming Events �� 6 How Preserving Democracy Domestically Strengthens It Globally �� 7 28

From Pakistan to Peru: How IVLP TIP Heroesm Are Shaping the Fight Against Human Trafficking �� 10 Argentina-Based News Outlet Seeks to Tell Novel Stories About Job Discrimination of Vulnerable Communities in LatAm �� 14 Artificial Intelligence and Immersive Technology Reshaping Future of Storytelling and Journalism �� 17 Empowering Future Diplomats: The Community College Global Affairs Fellowship

�� 18 CultureFix 2023: A Celebration of Cultural

Diplomacy and Preservation �� 22 CULTUREXCHANGES with Jeff Koons �� 25 The New Frontiers of Diplomacy: The Rise of Corporate Diplomacy �� 28 3

PRIME MERIDIAN MASTHEAD EDITORIAL

DESIGN/PHOTOGRAPHY

Danielle Najjar Editor and Communications Director Fatema Hosseini Writer and Journalism Fellow Ian Decker Writer and Journalism Fellow

Rebecca Bernbach Graves Graphic Designer Stephen Bobb Photographer Jessica Latos Photographer

ABOUT US Meridian International Center is a diplomacy center founded in 1960 with the vision that greater understanding and collaboration between the United States and the world leads to a more secure, prosperous future. Headquartered in Washington, DC, on a four-acre campus with two historic properties, Meridian has long served as a place where global leaders gather, future leaders are found, and international collaboration thrives. Through prestigious international exchanges, custom trainings, substantive convenings and unparalleled education, our mission is to strengthen engagement between the U.S. and the world to find solutions on shared global challenges. We do this by partnering with the U.S. government, the private sector, and the diplomatic community on four core pillars of programs: Global Leadership: Building the next generation of global leaders empowered to create change through exchange and training programs Diplomatic Engagement: Strengthening foreign policy decisions and outcomes by accelerating collaboration across borders Culture: Increasing understanding of the United States and other countries through shared interests in art and culture Corporate Diplomacy: Advancing global competitiveness and collaboration through effective private sector engagement

" CEO LETTER

By providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, we aim to deepen our understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and inspire the pursuit of innovative solutions.

Dear Friends and Colleagues, I am pleased to introduce our latest endeavor, the Prime Meridian, a magazine dedicated to exploring the dynamic intersections of diplomacy, global leadership, and culture. In an era defined by rapid change and interconnectedness, it is essential to have a platform that navigates the complex currents shaping our world. The Prime Meridian aims to be just that —a compass guiding us through the ever-evolving geopolitical landscape while shedding light on the key players and the forces at Meridian that shape our shared future. Drawing inspiration from the visionary work our Centers achieve daily, Prime Meridian seeks to bridge gaps and foster dialogue across cultures, countries, and continents. By providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, we aim to deepen our understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and inspire the pursuit of innovative solutions. At the helm of the magazine, we have assembled a team of seasoned writers, thinkers, and practitioners with deep expertise in international affairs. From policymakers

to scholars, business leaders to social entrepreneurs, their insights will illuminate the pages of our magazine, offering a rich tapestry of ideas and analysis that will captivate and inform our readership. Each edition will delve into timely topics that shape our world—economic trends, technological advancements, climate change, political upheavals, and beyond. Our features will highlight the individuals and institutions driving change and the innovative approaches they employ. Moreover, we will uncover the underlying narratives and forces that shape international relations, leaving no stone unturned in our quest for understanding. In this interconnected world, our shared responsibility is to engage in thoughtful conversations that transcend borders and boundaries. The Prime Meridian seeks to be a platform that brings people together, fostering connections and inspiring action towards a more prosperous and peaceful future. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to embarking on this exciting new chapter with you.

THE HONORABLE STUART HOLLIDAY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, MERIDIAN INTERNATIONAL CENTER

UPCOMING EVENTS SEPTEMBER 27TH - AI Roundtable with FiscalNote and Trustible: Navigating the Future of Policy and AI Meridian Center for Corporate Diplomacy - Offsite SEPTEMBER 28TH - Global Business Briefing with Mr. Salman Ahmed, Director and Senior Policy Advisor to the Secretary, U.S. Department of State Meridian Center for Corporate Diplomacy - Meridian House OCTOBER 4TH - Tech Envoy Series with The Honorable Nathaniel C. Fick, Ambassador At Large, Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, U.S. Department of State Meridian Center for Corporate Diplomacy - Meridian House OCTOBER 4TH - 6TH - North Capital Forum Meridian International Center - Mexico City

FLAGSHIP EVENTS OCTOBER 20TH 12th Annual Meridian Global Leadership Summit OCTOBER 20TH 55th Annual Meridian Ball

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO RSVP, PLEASE EMAIL INFO@MERIDIAN.ORG. TO STAY UP TO DATE WITH ALL MERIDIAN EVENTS, VISIT WWW.MERIDIAN.ORG/ATTEND

F E AT U R E D S P OT L I G H T

HOW PRESERVING DEMOCRACY DOMESTICALLY STRENGTHENS IT GLOBALLY An Interview Between Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. and Ambassador Stuart W. Holliday, Chief Executive Officer of Meridian International Center

Global democratic backsliding has become a defining trend of the past decade with antidemocratic political projects most recently affecting countries like Hungary, Mexico, India, Brazil and Israel. In response, the Biden administration has formalized its commitment to advance democratic renewal at home and abroad through the Summit for Democracy. In conversation with Meridian CEO Stuart Holliday, this year’s inuagural Meridian Democracy Strengthener Award awardee, Governor Jon Huntsman Jr., explored how the U.S. can effectively strengthen democracy globally. Remarks have been lightly edited for brevity. Ambassador Stuart Holliday

the world?

...Well, we’ve been talking today about the traditional view of diplomacy. It was state to state in the early ages and then democracies developed. But there’s a sense now that America works better at the state and local level - that you can get things done. Obviously there’s political division everywhere, but I was wondering if you could describe your experience working on the state level? Is it because everybody has a shared identity? And then from there, how did you tell your constituents it was important to have international connections. Why would a governor of a state need to have a trade mission or an office of international affairs or care about

Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. Well, it’s a great question and there are multiple questions embedded within that. Stuart, first of all, something that is very confounding to people overseas is the very unique nature of our federalist system here in the United States, and I didn’t have an appreciation for this until I was elected governor. You’re given a state. You’re effectively given a country. You know we’re a patchwork of 50, very independent and autonomous states, and each has its own legislature, civil society, media constituents, rule of law, and every state has its own constitution as well. So it’s a really interesting 7

“And if you do it right, I found as governor, the states are the great incubators of innovation.” immigration of people from all over the world, and it’s such an exciting thing to see because they’re adding enormously to different sectors of life. As for the international component, I wanted to mix it up, and I wanted our economic trade links Governor Jon Huntsman Jr., 2023 Meridian Democracy Strengthener Awardee in conversation with Ambassador Stuart Holliday. to be bolstered. I wanted student exchanges. I wanted people from abroad to thing. And when I would try to explain the come in and sample our great universities. American system to my Chinese friends or I wanted the farm kids in the rural parts my Russian friends, I would say, "Don’t look of the state to study foreign languages that at Washington to get an understanding of they’d never thought of before. So I brought how Washington works. Look to the states Mandarin language into the public schools, because we’re a patchwork of 50 sovereign and we created the largest immersion program entities, all of whom are moving at a different in the Utah and overall in the United States. pace, doing different things on education We have more immersion students than any policy, on economic development, policy, on other state - students studying French, studying transportation policy. Watch the cities and Spanish, studying Chinese. We’re giving these you’ll get a sense of where renewal occurs and kids the greatest gift in the world because where innovation in the policy realm really, when they graduate and move on in life - I really does take place." don’t care whether they’re fluent or not - they So I would get criticized because I had lived will have been exposed to a very important abroad before being elected governor. I’ve been critical strategic language that, in a sense, will Deputy U.S. Trade Representative. I had been be a mirror onto another culture that they will U.S. Envoy to Singapore. I’d lived in Asia three better understand, and they’ll have to deal with or four times, spoke Chinese fluently and so that during the course of their careers, whether for me it it was a natural interest before I was they’re in academia, medicine, business, law, or elected governor.. whatever. So I’m proud of the stuff we did now. The West is increasingly being built up by 8

Ambassador Holliday And that includes foreign direct investment in Utah. Trying to get international companies to locate to your state. Governor Huntsman Sure, sure. One of the most important conversations we’re going to have in this country is who’s doing what to be competitive and who’s falling behind. I fear in this country we’re going to have some states that become hyper competitive and some that really lose the edge and become yesterday’s ball game. And I don’t like what that outcome portends because you want all states to be on the rise. You want all people in this country to be on the rise. But it really has a lot to do with your tax code, your schools, your training facilities, your infrastructure, your ability for people to

be mobile and to get around without traffic jams and bad air. And if you do it right, I found as governor, the states are the great incubators of innovation. But I’m convinced that if you got the right alchemy, investment will come in whether it’s domestic or whether it’s international, and people will find the right kinds of jobs associated with those investments.

“I would say don’t look at Washington to get an understanding of how Washington works. Look to the states because we’re a patchwork of 50 sovereign entities, all of whom are moving at a different pace.”

Maryam Mujica (Bookings.com) and Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. pose alongside Meridian’s inaugural Democracy Strengthener Award plaque. Governor Huntsman was recognized with the award during this year’s Meridian Diplomacy Forum kickoff dinner at the Colombian Ambassador’s residence in Washington, DC on April 11. Photo by Oskar Dap.

MERIDIAN CENTER FOR GLOBAL LEADERSHIP

FROM PAKISTAN TO PERU: HOW I TIP HEROES SHAPING TH FIGHT AGAIN HUMAN TRAFFICKING

The Power of Internati Collaboration and Bes Practices By Josh Manley, Program Officer, International Visitor Leadership Program, Meridian International Center

Photo Credit: U.S. Department of State

O IVLP ARE HE NST

ional st

On June 15, 2023, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken presented eight anti-trafficking in persons (TIP) activists with the 2023 TIP Report Heroes Award. Despite differences in age, language, background, and country of origin, these awardees are committed to holding perpetrators accountable, supporting trafficking survivors, and eliminating the factors contributing to the practices. Meridian International Center designed and implemented an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) for six of these awardees for the 8th year — connecting them with their professional counterparts in Washington, D.C.; Boston, Massachusetts; and Miami, Florida, in connection with their receiving the Award. Meridian’s IVLP TIP Heroes program stands as a beacon of hope in the global fight against human trafficking. By strengthening the TIP Report Heroes’ networks and allowing for the sharing of best practices, Meridian helps ensure that individuals and organizations combatting human trafficking have the resources they need to continue the fight. As we confront the harsh realities of this pervasive crime, it is increasingly evident that a unified, international approach is essential.

PERSPECTIVE AND BEST PRACTICES FOR COUNTERING HUMAN TRAFFICKING One of the key takeaways from the IVLP TIP Heroes is the significance of a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach. Through the IVLP TIP Heroes program, Meridian intentionally designed a project schedule that allowed the Heroes to meet with experts from various backgrounds working in the human trafficking space. In Washington, Martina Vandenberg, founder and president of the Human Trafficking Legal Center, delivered a keynote address on the human trafficking landscape in the U.S. Mirella Beltram, Global Partnerships Manager at Polaris, highlighted the importance of the National Human Trafficking Hotline and countering misinformation. And Amy Vigil, majority staff director for the Subcommittee on Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations, discussed relevant federal legislation that empowers the U.S. to better address human trafficking at home and abroad. 2023 TIP Report Hero Zaheer Ahmed from Pakistan highlighted the importance of engagement involving government agencies, civil society, media, academia, and social services in combating human trafficking. Exposing leaders in the anti-

trafficking space like himself to different perspectives allowed him and the other awardees to leave the program better informed of the issue’s complexities. The Heroes also recommended implementing victim-centered approaches that prioritize identification and rehabilitation, sustainable funding to anti-trafficking organizations, and leveraging the power of social and electronic media for awareness-raising as other key facets of successful anti-trafficking efforts.

“Human traffickers and victims are of all nationalities. Hence the response [to solutions] have to be through international networks.” - Zaheer Ahmed, 2023 TIP Hero, Pakistan THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS IN COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING Human trafficking knows no boundaries, and this crime affects nations across the globe, as evidenced by the 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report. As Ahmed stated, “Human trafficking is not a localized crime anymore…traffickers and victims are of all nationalities.” Because of this, he emphasized the vital role of international networks in addressing this issue and recommended the possible establishment of an international organization for anti-trafficking for Interpol member countries. 12

Awardee Dara Mech of Cambodia reflected on the network he developed as part of the IVLP program and stated that it allowed him to share successful cases of combatting trafficking in Cambodia, as well as challenges and concerns. Because of the IVLP, he will be able to share these contacts with his friends and community members also involved in the anti-trafficking space so that they can grow the network even more. Awardee Eumelis Moya from Venezuela told Meridian that her interaction with federal, state, and local government representatives during the program helped her evaluate how she might tailor her anti-trafficking proposals to achieve her goals. By connecting the 2023 TIP Report Heroes with their U.S. counterparts, the Heroes have gained additional stakeholders in their success who can continue to share expertise, assist in designing anti-trafficking strategies, identify civil society organizations for partnerships, and collaborate on capacity-building initiatives.

“Sharing [my experience] with organizations which have had success working with survivors…inspires me to create and implement those models which could greatly help my country.” - Eumelis Moya, 2023 TIP Hero, Venezuela The perspectives and experiences of IVLP TIP Heroes underscore the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange in the

Awardee Paola Hittscher from Peru highlighted some best practices in prevention, prosecution, protection, and assistance that would benefit her awardee class and other anti-trafficking leaders. In Boston, she took away the importance of having bilingual and diverse anti-trafficking mentors and survivor support staff and the power of emphasizing personal stories of human trafficking in public awareness campaigns. In Miami, her visit to the Coalition of Immokalee Workers showed her the power of preserving cultural identity and highlighting wins against human trafficking to maintain resolve when dealing with struggles and setbacks. Eumelis Moya from Venezuela emphasized the power of international networks in mitigating trafficking problems. She told Meridian, “Sharing [my experience] with organizations which have had success working with survivors…inspires me to create and implement those models which could greatly help my country.” To effectively counter human trafficking, we must collectively support these efforts. Awardees Basim Abdul-Razzak and Iman Al Sailawi of Iraq said that “The TIP Report Heroes Award places an additional responsibility on us and enables us to take our work to the next level. It raises the bar on us to improve our facilities, build our staff capacity and adopt network methods.”

In 2023, IVLP has

I V L P AT A G L A N C E

fight against human trafficking.

had 764 visitors in 97 projects in 147 countries. RECENT IVLP TOPICS INCLUDE: Digital Media Literacy Global Health Human Rights Cultural Heritage Climate Solutions Sustainable Cities Rule of Law Small Businesses Global Security

August 22, 2023 - From The Knight Center’s LatAm Journalism Review

ARGENTINA-BASED NEWS OUTLET SEEKS TO TELL NOVEL STORIES ABOUT JOB DISCRIMINATION OF VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES IN LATAM By Florencia Pagola The independent news outlet Otra Economía, based in Argentina, has been operating since November 2022 and is focused on covering models Florencia Tuchin, Argentine journalist and director of and initiatives Otra Economía (Courtesy: that promote new Florencia Tuchin) economic models in Latin America and the Caribbean. It offers a workshop “How to tell stories to combat social injustice and discrimination in the workplace,” aimed at journalists from Latin America. The director and editor of the news outlet, Florencia Tuchin, told Latam Journalism Review (LJR) about the workshop and how this new Argentinean news outlet proposes to change the way we look at the current economic model. Tuchin is a solutions-based journalist, 14

specializing in sustainability and human development. In 2022, the U.S. Embassy invited her to participate in a program on racism and social justice. In a three-week tour of Washington, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Chicago, “I learned about the manifestations of racism in the United States and its daily effect on accessing rights,” she said. Aiming to replicate in Latin America what she learned in the United States, she submitted the project to the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and the Meridian International Center. The workshop, which has the financial support of these institutions, will provide training to participants in addressing challenges related to social injustice and discrimination in the workplace. And it will target vulnerable communities such as Afro-descendants and Indigenous people, LGBTQ+ populations, migrants and incarcerated people.

Text in Spanish about a workshop on a yellow background with the photo of a woman top right, bottom of ad is in white and has some lettering, too There will be five virtual meetings of an hour and a half each, with the participation of organizations and leading specialists on the subject such as Fundación Encontrarse en la Diversidad, Mocha Celis, Ashoka, Red Creer and historian Omer Freixa. “Participating journalists will learn how to tell their stories with a focus on solutions and sensitivity, to generate a positive impact on society,” Tuchin said. “They will also be able to learn about the labor inclusion challenges faced by various communities vulnerable to the current economic system.” On the solutions approach, she adds that “the intention is to talk about the challenges, but also how organizations work to confront and improve this system, generating new economies.” Once the workshop is over, journalists will be asked to propose articles and ten ideas will be selected with the possibility of publishing the stories in Otra Economía, thus reaching a wider audience, Tuchin said. SOME RECOMMENDATIONS Thinking about journalistic coverage of the challenges faced by vulnerable communities in Latin America in terms of labor inclusion, Tuchin proposes three recommendations: 1) Delve deeper into human stories: Highlighting the voices of people facing discrimination in the workplace can create empathy and understanding. 2) Contextualize with data and analysis: Supplement stories with data that support the

magnitude of the problem and its impacts on society. 3) Explore approaches to solutions: Highlighting initiatives and programs that are actively addressing labor inclusion can inspire others to take action. Other stories, other approaches to the economy “In many instances,the increasing precariousness of work is a factor experienced in the media. In this sense, it’s not isolated from society, these are companies and represent interests,” the journalist said. This shows how complex it is for the media to deal with facts related to labor precariousness and workers’ rights. Another challenge she has identified is that, usually, “traditional media focus more on facts and figures than on the human stories behind the precarization of work.” The lack of personal stories in the media, according to Tuchin, “can make the public fail to connect emotionally with the real challenges faced by workers.” At the same time, the specialist believes that many times work precariousness is covered in the context of specific events, such as protests. “This can lead to a fragmented understanding of the problems and their deeper causes,” she added. For her, the great challenge lies in “balancing the coverage of economic issues with their social impact. Journalism must succeed in linking these issues to people’s lives and highlight how economic decisions directly affect society.” In this context, Another Economy, founded by Tuchin, aims to spark conversations around triple impact, circular economy, entrepreneurship and social innovation. With 15

“We don’t just expose injustices, we explain the experiences of individuals, organizations and communities that are working to bring about positive change.” - Florencia Pagola these concepts they aim to make visible new ways of producing and consuming, as opposed to the current model that “leads to the scarcity of resources, environmental pollution, and the acceleration of global warming,” explains Tuchin in this article. But also to value companies and projects that seek to generate impacts beyond the economic, such as social and environmental, what they call triple impact. On the other hand, Tuchin reports that “a community of readers who seek to be agents of change” is being formed around the news outlet. According to the journalist, “the outlet is designed for people who do not want to scroll and scroll in traditional media to find news related to the subject.” Its audience includes leaders of social organizations, entrepreneurs, people in charge of sustainability areas and consumers who seek to generate a positive impact with their purchases. They also have a newsletter that enables feedback with the community, and many times it is the audience itself that drives conversations that interest them.

One of the highlights of the news outlet is that they use a solutions approach to storytelling. For Tuchin, “it’s more than just identifying problems, it’s about providing inspiration and ways forward. She added, “We don’t just expose injustices, we explain the experiences of individuals, organizations and communities that are working to bring about positive change.” The ultimate goal, for her, is to “empower readers, showing them that there are alternatives to traditional economic models and that everyone has a role to play in building a more just and sustainable economy.” For a news outlet based in Argentina, it is relevant to reflect on the consolidation of the far-right, led by Javier Milei, in the recently held primary elections (PASO). According to Tuchin, this new political scenario “may generate a more challenging context for the coverage of inclusive economies. However, this may also be a crucial moment to highlight the importance of these alternative economic perspectives.” As such, she stresses that it is crucial that independent or alternative media continue to provide spaces to amplify the voices of vulnerable communities.

July 31, 2023 - From the Ukhrul Times

By UT Desk partnerships that further our capabilities in Gloria Berbena, Minister Counsellor for AI technologies, protect our national and Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy India economic security, and promote our values. in New Delhi has stressed the significance of Accordingly, the Department engages in various artificial intelligence and immersive technology bilateral and multilateral discussions to support in reshaping the future of storytelling and responsible development, deployment, use, and journalism. She was addressing the opening governance of trustworthy AI technologies.” day of the two-day conclave as a part of a project titled “Future of Journalism – How The project was implemented by U.S. based Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality Meridian International Center in collaboration (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Help Support with the U.S. Public Diplomacy Team at Media Literacy and Press Freedom,” held the U.S. Consulate General Kolkata. Thirty at the Lincoln Hall of American Centre in journalists and media professionals from all Kolkata on July 27 and 28, 2023. Berbena across India, including the North East states said, “As the world is moving to a threeof Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland, attended dimensional reality, artificial intelligence and the conclave, which covered training on AI, AR immersive technology can reshape the future and VR. Experts and trainers from the United of storytelling and journalism.” The Minister States and India provided hands-on experience Counsellor emphasised that “The Department of AI, VR and AE demos to participants. of State focuses on AI because it is at the center of the global technological revolution; advances in AI technology present both great opportunities and challenges. The United States, along with our partners and allies, can both further our scientific and technological capabilities and promote democracy and human rights by working together to identify and seize the opportunities while meeting the challenges by promoting shared norms and agreements on the responsible use of AI.” She added, “Together with our allies and partners, the Department of State promotes an international policy environment and works to build Participants experience VR technology at the Lincoln Hall of American

MERIDIAN CENTER FOR GLOBAL LEADERSHIP

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGY RESHAPING FUTURE OF STORYTELLING AND JOURNALISM

Centre in Kolkata

M E R I D I A N C E N T E R F O R D I P LO M AT I C E N G A G E M E N T 18

EMPOWERING FUTUR DIPLOMATS: THE COM COLLEGE GLOBAL AF FELLOWSHIP Expanding Access to Global Education and Foreign Affairs Career Pathways for Underserved Students

RE OMMUNITY FFAIRS

By Fatema Hosseini, Global Journalism and Communications Fellow, Meridian International Center

As organizations and the U.S. Department of State continue ongoing efforts to strengthen and diversify the diplomatic talent ecosystem, there is a revitalized recognition of the untapped potential at community colleges. Community colleges are often the entry point to higher education for historically underrepresented students, particularly first-generation, low-income, and non-traditional students from diverse backgrounds. Students at community colleges often lack access to transformational experiences like international education and travel due to the need for more resources dedicated to community college and transfer students. The consensus amongst practitioners has been widespread support toward greater opportunities for underrepresented youth and revolutionizing American representation abroad. However, despite the numerous opportunities available, many initiatives have overlooked this crucial demographic. At the 2023 SXSW EDU “Pathways for Global Affairs on College Campuses” panel discussion, Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-

Winstanley, former Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the U.S. Department of State, further explained the look to community colleges. “You do not need a degree of any kind to represent the United States," AbercrombieWinstanley said. "To be a U.S. diplomat, you need to be educated. You don’t necessarily need to be an extrovert. But you do have to be very much interested in other people, other cultures, and respect them and be able to communicate that.”

INTRODUCING THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE GLOBAL AFFAIRS FELLOWSHIP In response to this gap, Meridian International Center launched the groundbreaking Community College Global Affairs Fellowship in collaboration with Global Community College Transfers and Community Colleges for International Development. This program represents a concentrated effort to invest in and strengthen the American diplomatic corps, 19

ensuring it reflects the diversity of American society and preparing this generation of leaders with skills for 21st-century statecraft.

exchange programs during my time at Meridian, and this group stands out," Justice said. "These participants are special."

The Community College Global Affairs Fellowship’s Summer Enrichment Program in Washington, D.C., offered an immersive experience for a cohort of 29 community college, transfer, and non-traditional students over two weeks in June 2023. Designed to enhance their understanding of professional practices, diplomatic skills, and real-world scenarios, the Fellowship gave participants a unique opportunity to engage with practitioners, visit the institutions that shape foreign policy in the nation’s capital and develop essential skills for future careers in international affairs and beyond. By combining these experiences, students gained the skills necessary to thrive in a complexly globalized world.

FROM THE FELLOWS Among the Fellows is Jamal Baptiste, an organizational management student at Santa Fe College. His involvement in the Global Scholars program at his college ignited his passion for diplomacy, a goal that the Community College Global Affairs Fellowship has brought him closer to achieving. “In the future, I want to become someone who embodies the ideals of democracy," Baptiste said. "I aspire to spread peace worldwide and work in the foreign service. This program offers

The Summer Enrichment Program was supplemented by the Virtual Mentorship Program, comprised of weekly virtual sessions focused on professional development and connecting students with opportunities and networks vital for their careers in international affairs. Frank Justice, Vice President of Diplomatic Engagement at Meridian International Center and the Fellowship co-creator, emphasized the importance of collaboration and the potential of supporting under-resourced individuals. “I have hosted hundreds of 20

CCGAF particpants, Jamal Baptiste and Patty Reed, speaking on their experiiences in the CCGAF program during the program’s evening networking reception and celebration.

me the opportunity to gain further knowledge and explore the diverse roles available in government service.” Patty Reed, another Fellow, detailed how her Afro-Latina roots have fueled her passion for international affairs -- seeing the Fellowship as an invaluable opportunity to learn from others’ experiences and forge meaningful connections. “My parents, my grandparents—they all worked tirelessly to come to the U.S. and give us a better life, to chase the American dream,” she noted. Baptiste expressed the challenges of finding time for personal pursuits without financial support as a working adult. “I’m very grateful that there is compensation associated with the fellowship, which greatly frees me up to pursue this opportunity and focus on it without worrying about work,” he shared. ON THE GLOBAL STAGE The impact of the Community College Global Affairs Fellowship extends beyond the individual students. It ensures that future professionals are well-prepared to influence positive change in the world. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, where individuals from all backgrounds contribute their unique insights and perspectives, the Fellowship enhanced the diversity and strength of the federal government, fortifying its representation on the global stage. “I encourage all of you to broaden your horizons and consider careers where you believe you can make a meaningful contribution, rather than just fitting in,” remarked Clinton White, Counselor for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), at a reception during the Fellowship Summer

“I’m very grateful that there is compensation associated with the fellowship, which greatly frees me up to pursue this opportunity and focus on it without worrying about work." Enrichment Program with fellows from the Community College Global Affairs Fellowship and the 2023 cohorts of scholars from the Rangel Summer Enrichment Program and the Institute for Responsible Citizenship. Beyond offering students the chance to build skills and expand their networks, this Fellowship provided a platform for diverse voices to be heard and valued, opening doors for underrepresented individuals. The Community College Global Affairs Fellowship and similar programs will be indispensable in nurturing the next generation of global affairs practitioners. By ensuring a more inclusive, representative, and robust field of international diplomacy, these initiatives contribute to a more secure, prosperous future.

M E R D I A N C E N T E R F O R C U LT U R A L D I P L O M A C Y

July 19, 2023 - From The Hill On October 6th through October 22nd, 2018, hip hop artists Melanie Aguirre (Dancer), Kevin "DJ Kevie-Kev Rockwell" Carson (DJ), Lance Johnson (Graffiti/Aerosol Artist), and Corey "iLLspokinn" Lima (MC) traveled to Ankara and Istanbul, Turkey as part of the Next Level program.

CULTURAL DIPLOMACY IS AN ESSENTIAL US STRATEGY By Fred P. Hochberg, Chair of the Meridian International Center Board of Directors and former chair of the Export - Import Bank The Senate’s recent investigation into the Professional Golfers’ Association’s merger with Saudi-backed LIV made it clear — the Saudis have the upper hand. In the words of Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), head of the investigation, “the PGA tour will be dominated in this agreement.” The near downfall of the 107-year-old PGA at

the hands of a foreign government is but one example of America’s waning cultural influence. Even with their deep pockets, it is hard to imagine the Saudis making this attempt a decade or even just five years ago. There are other signs U.S. cultural influence is ebbing. Hollywood studios, Disney theme parks and the NBA have all come under fire

help to determine whether we can build a new international system aligned with American interests. We need to use every resource we can to give our soft power a boost, including state support — something for which there is plenty of precedent in diplomatic history and U.S. policy. On the defensive after Napoleon’s defeat in 1815, the great diplomat Talleyrand used French cuisine to entice Prussia, Russia and England to the table — quite literally. Begging for support from Paris to his embassy at the Vienna Meridian International CEO Stuart Holliday opens the evening’s program at the 3rd annual cultureFix gala and award ceremony. peace conference, Talleyrand is said to have quipped, “Sire, I need “Right now, our cultural saucepans more than written instructions!” Talleyrand got his saucepans, and the result was diplomacy is anchored in a treaty that stabilized Europe for a century.

the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, which does outstanding and essential work with only about $770 million of funding.”

for making concessions to Chinese censorship. Young Americans are just as likely to encounter content from Chinese-owned TikTok as from a U.S. movie or TV show. And Korean pop music, or K-pop, now has a good claim to being the most popular music in the world. As the world realigns in the post-Cold War era, our cultural influence is a key factor that will

At the Cold War’s start, it was Eisenhower himself who added “American” to the name of the Ballet Theatre in New York, creating the ABT, which still tours the world. At the same time, MoMA began to mount touring exhibits of Abstract Expressionist painting to showcase American creativity, which Kennedy later formalized as the Art in Embassies program. Now, the Art in Embassies collection has work by 20,000 artists. Up to now, the U.S. has largely kept pace with our rivals. Yet in the Belt and Road project that extends through Africa and Southeast Asia, the Chinese government is promoting the arts and academic exchanges alongside infrastructure. The global Russian propaganda machine is relentless, as are their systematic attempts to destroy Ukrainian culture. That the majority 23

of countries in the Global South do not agree with the U.S. policy in Ukraine suggests that something about the Russian influence strategy is working. Right now, our cultural diplomacy is anchored in the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, which does outstanding and essential work with only about $770 million of funding. By contrast, as of 2017, it is estimated that the Chinese government spent $10 billion. We need more financing and to expand our horizons. One way forward is to capitalize on our existing strengths, like education. The State Department in the past has estimated that 300 current and former heads of state were educated in America. Education is a service export, creating jobs here at home and influencing the next generation of leaders around the world. Yet the recruitment of foreign university students is not guided by any long-term strategy. There is also a rich opportunity in publicprivate partnerships. Why not incentivize a world-famous museum like MoMA, which already partners with private companies and international artists, to open branches in other nations, as the Louvre has done in Abu Dhabi? The same could be said for The Getty, the Smithsonian and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, all among the top 10 mostvisited museums in the world. Some branches of the Smithsonian — in particular the National Museum of the Native American and the National Museum of African American History and Culture — could be a great way to showcase the breadth and richness of American culture, a unique strength of ours.

It has been a long time since Talleyrand’s saucepans. Cultural diplomacy now has many digital tools available to it. To make use of them, we can launch hybrid or virtual artists exchanges, or recruit foreign students to U.S. online educational programs. American performing arts companies and museums still struggling to rebuild post-COVID could become “digital touring companies,” mounting live-streamed performances geared toward specific foreign audiences. With the explosion of AI-enabled internet, online gaming, new social media platforms, and augmented reality in the near future, there are unlimited options for what a digital cultural diplomacy policy could look like. The challenge is to expand our efforts to experiment early, to be ready for whatever medium scales next.

“Cultural diplomacy now has many digital tools available to it. To make use of them, we can launch hybrid or virtual artists exchanges, or recruit foreign students to U.S. online educational programs.”

CULTUREXCHANGES WITH JEFF KOONS An Interview Between Jeff Koons and Ambassador Stuart W. Holliday, Chief Executive Officer of Meridian International Center.

Ambassador Stuart Holliday Many people look at art and intuitively like it or don’t, but having someone who can tell you the history and context is so important. In our country, at least, that culture and the arts aren’t viewed as one of the essential disciplines like math, science

and English is unfortunate. But it can open up through various models to create opportunities for people, whether they’re poor or come from privileged backgrounds. It can have a profound effect -- just like it did on you. Jeff Koons You know, absolutely. I came from a middle-class background. I was always studying art and wasn’t prepared to

Jeff Koons’ sculpture Puppy, a 12 metres high puppy consisting of flowers, permanently on display at the front of the Guggenheim museum in Bilbaos.

go to a college other than for art. But the best opportunity that opened up was the unique experience of connectivity and being able to explore these different areas and cultures. This is what I enjoy about art. Not only can I get a sense of connectivity within myself to feel connected to human history and my potential as an individual, but to feel the connection with other artists, and their same joy, their same transcendence that they experienced through finding something greater than themselves and enjoying other artists. One of the essential things for me through my engagement with the Art in Embassies program is to be involved as an artist. The opportunity to participate in different cultural exchanges is relevant to this type of connectivity. Just the way I’d like to always think of our genes and DNA in the way they’re interconnected - the external world is interconnected similarly. It’s just outside our bodies, and it’s not internal, but this same type of linkage of being able to be part of a greater whole is taking place. Holliday

So when you think about your art, part of it is bringing people together around a shared delight, whether in Doha, Bilbao, or Los Angeles. Do you intentionally try to transcend a particular local cultural viewpoint to bring people to some higher level of shared understanding? I know you did one in Greece that brought in some of the local history and context, but talk a little about how you think of your works in terms of that universality versus the particular local connection. Koons You know, Ambassador, I have to pinch myself. When I was younger, I just wanted to participate. I wanted to be part of a group and, with my friends, speak about the possibility of art and have a view of what our generation could do and how we could give a viewpoint of what art could be. And to have that group now, to become larger, to be in dialogue, and to have the global opportunity has been a fantastic experience. And I’ve never tried to create art, just what people would like. I’ve always tried to make things that I could have some discovery for myself in what it means to be human and

Meridian International Center CEO, Stuart Holliday, interviews Jeff Koons via Zoom for the Meridian International podcast.

to be able to transcend intellectually to have a greater perspective of what my potential as a human being can be. When you’re younger, you love all those feelings and sensations of this type of experience, but at a certain point, you start to think about your own life and how the audience is equally as important to share information with.

“We all have the same hopes. We all want to have a future that can be beneficial not only to us but to what we can perceive as the future generations, and so the arts can continue this area that is possibly easier for people to understand those shared values.”

that building bridges is critical in our world, especially with all the challenges we’re facing? Koons The dialogue that takes place and that the arts can bring to the surface easily is that we have shared interests and we all have the same desires. We all have the same hopes. We all want to have a future that can be beneficial not only to us but to what we can perceive as the future generations, and so the arts can continue this area that is possibly easier for people to understand those shared values. And they are shared values, and the communication and the desire to share them have no borders. I think about different events that really could have led me to kind of have an interest in kind of more of an international area outside of York, I think in 1964 going to the World’s Fair had a nice kind of large impact.

Holliday Artists in particular, and maybe performers, conductors, and creators, seem to have more of this ability to bridge cultures than our political environment does, as you have countries competing to get the advantage. But then underneath that political level is this incredible cultural community worldwide, with people that connect immediately. Does this connect? There’ve been cultures in the past that have put art at the center, such as classical Greece and Rome, but is there anything we can do? Do you want to strengthen those cultural connections between those communities that understand

A detail of Jeff Koons’ outdoor sculpture Tulips on display at the front of the Guggenheim museum in Bilbaos.

M M E R I D I A N C E N T E R F O R C O R P O R AT E D I P LO M A C Y

THE NEW FRONTIERS OF DIPLOMACY: THE RISE OF CORPORATE DIPLOMACY By Fatema Hosseini, Global Journalism and Communications Fellow, Meridian International Center Corporations today face a complex global landscape, one where business interests and societal expectations are increasingly intertwined. Navigating this evolving reality demands a coordinated approach: corporate diplomacy. It entails developing strategic relationships and engaging effectively with stakeholders, with the dual aims of advancing business goals and contributing to the public good. The objectives of corporate diplomacy are manifold, including trust-building, risk management, meeting social responsibilities, and securing a competitive edge. In today’s interconnected world, corporations are aware that their impact extends beyond mere profits, touching communities, nations, and the environment. Active engagement with stakeholders through open dialogue and collaboration provides companies with valuable insights, aid in addressing concerns, and fosters partnerships for sustainable development. As Ambassador Stuart Holliday, CEO of Meridian International Center, articulates, companies today are emerging as new diplomatic actors capable of partnering with governments to address global challenges.

Consider Canada’s approach to trade and infrastructure investment as an example. As highlighted in “Strong Corporate Diplomacy,” the country leverages business ties and nation branding to wield influence. This cooperative strategy, aimed at mutual gain, empowers the integrated North American economy to stand against global instability. Indeed, the boundaries between the public and private sectors are becoming increasingly blurry. With companies taking on diplomatic roles central to shared challenges like climate change, governments are encouraged to engage them as partners to strengthen international relationships. Corporate diplomacy, thus, enables businesses to realize their full potential in building a sustainable world. A landmark moment in corporate diplomacy was the private sector’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Hundreds of Western companies did not merely comply with sanctions but took further steps by either completely exiting Russia or drastically reducing operations there. This highlighted businesses’ ability to forward foreign policy goals and showcased an alternative to divestment through proactive relationshipbuilding.

Puru Trivedi, Vice President of External and Corporate Affairs at Meridian, remarked that Ukraine now presents a singular opportunity to harness corporate diplomacy to reinvigorate its economy. By synergizing capabilities and resources, businesses and governments can stimulate growth and prosperity at an unprecedented scale. Governments are awakening to the power of partnering with corporations as America’s private sector steps up during global crises. The US policymakers are building bridges through forums engaging both sectors, recognizing business as critical to foreign policy. However, to achieve lasting public-private synergy, robust mechanisms for ongoing dialogue and strategy alignment are essential. Organizations like Meridian play a crucial role in facilitating this, with corporate councils and working groups advising government officials. Meridian views corporate diplomacy as a means to foster global collaboration through effective leadership and engagement of the private sector. The Meridian Center for Corporate Diplomacy serves as a platform for business

Dr. Florika Fink-Hooijer, Director-General of the Environment Department of the European Commission, provides introductory remarks during the Global Business Briefing on March 20, 2023.

leaders to navigate an increasingly complex, volatile global business environment. Their programs aim to deepen understanding of geopolitical issues, better protect companies from risk, leverage new opportunities, strengthen relationships with leaders in the government and diplomatic community, and enable companies to collaborate on shared global challenges. The future of diplomacy hinges on increased cooperation between the private sector, government, and civil society. However, the private sector requires support and resources to take on this new role successfully. Business leaders must gain deeper geopolitical insights, forge stronger networks, access more diplomatic resources, and find a platform to bridge the gaps between business, government, and diplomatic leaders. The dynamism and efficiency of the private sector are crucial to solving monumental challenges, such as post-war reconstruction. For example, Ukraine, by embracing corporate diplomacy, can accelerate its economic recovery and establish lasting partnerships that will catalyze sustainable development. With the right collaborative strategies, Ukraine has the potential to emerge stronger than ever before.

Singapore’s newly appointed ambassador the U.S., H.E. Lui Tuck Yew, enjoy remarks from Stuart Holliday at a welcome reception in the Linden Grove at Meridian House on July 12, 2023.

Original painting by Peter Waddell

Meridian Ball 55th Annual

One Night. 35 Embassies.

The Meridian Ball is one of the most prestigious annual events in Washington, D.C. that brings together public and private sector leaders to celebrate Meridian’s mission of strengthening collaboration between the United States and the world through diplomacy, global leadership and culture.

Now in its 55th year, the Ball is known for intimate Ambassador-hosted dinners, followed by dessert and dancing at Meridian House, an architectural treasure listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Friday, October 20, 2023

Meridian is the last ball of its

kind. It is a survivor of a bygone era, a vision of Washington less as it is today and more as it would like to imagine itself: elegant, serious, sophisticated and united for important issues and causes. That image transcends party lines, even in these fraught times, and explains a great deal of the ball’s enduring appeal. - Roxanne Roberts, Washington Post

The Meridian Ball generates awareness and support for Meridian International Center's mission—strengthening engagement between the U.S. and the world through global leadership, diplomatic engagement, culture and corporate diplomacy. For more information please go to meridian.org/ball. For tickets and sponsorship information email Silbi Stainton at sstainton@meridian.org or call at (202) 939- 5892.

M E R I D I A N I N T E R N AT I O N A L C E N T E R

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