Special Report: All Diplomacy is Local - Strengthening City and State Statecraft

ALL DIPLOMACY IS LOCAL STRENGTHENING CITY AND STATE STATECRAFT

Contributing Partners

ABOUT MERIDIAN INTERNATIONAL CENTER

Meridian International Center is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 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 and prosperous future for all. 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.

Akram and Lourdes Elias

Fred Hochberg and Tom Healy

Gwen and Stuart Holliday

Soledad and Robert Hurst

Manisha and Roy Kapani

Meridian Staff Acknowledgments

Frank Justice, Vice President, Center for Diplomatic Engagement

Katherine Boyce, Senior Director, External Affairs

Vishva Bhatt, Senior Diplomatic Engagement Associate

Lucky Barbieri, Program Officer

Maria Canellis, Director of Events

Ellie Warner, Director of Institutional Advancement

Steven Greenwald, Corporate Relations Manager

Silbi Stainton, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Philanthropy

Melanie Collins Diaz, Program Associate

Danielle Najjar, Director, Communications and Marketing

Kristina Arreza, Digital Marketing Coordinator

Erik Cieslewicz, Video Production Manager

Rebecca Bernbach Graves, Senior Coordinator, Visual & Graphic Design

We believe we are stronger at home when globally engaged, so 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 three core pillars of programs:

Global Leadership : Building the next generation of global leaders empowered to create change through exchange and training programs

Culture : Increasing understanding of the United States and other countries through shared interests in art and culture

Collaboration : Strengthening policy decisions and outcomes by accelerating collaboration across borders, industries and sectors

Brad Wedzi (University of Georgia) in conversation with a colleague after the “Ukrainian Mayors: Remembrance, Resilience, Revival” session at the 2023 Meridian Diplomacy Forum in Meridian House in Washington, DC on April 12. Photo by Stephen Bobb.

Ambassador Luis Gilberto Murillo Urrutia (Embassy of Colombia) shakes hands with Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. (Democracy Strengthener Award Recipient with Mauricio Ramos, Meridian Trustee and Millicom CEO, at the 2023 Meridian Diplomacy Forum kickoff dinner at the Colombian Ambassador’s residence in Washington, DC on April 11.

Photo by Oskar Dap.

INTRODUCTION FROM OUR CEO

American success and alliances worldwide are intrinsically linked to the policies and actions undertaken within the United States. Recognizing this connection, there is growing need to expand the responsibility for international affairs beyond Washington and the federal government.

As cities and states emerge as influential global actors in diplomacy, their evolving impact on a wide range of areas, including international trade, business development, climate change migration, and global health, becomes increasingly apparent.

One key attribute that sets cities and states apart is their consistency and proximity to their consistents - qualities valued by corporations and governments globally. When the foreign policy of the federal government may undergo significant changes every election year, American and foreign cities can be reliable partners in trade and various other issues.

Through our longstanding partnership with the U.S. State Department on the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), Meridian has been deeply involved in subnational diplomacy. Over the course of six decades, we have facilitated meaningful exchanges among thousands of public officials and community leaders from around the world, connecting with them with mayors, governors, city council members, school board members and more.

Educating foreign diplomats on the importance of engaging with American cities and states has been a vital objective of the Meridian Center for Diplomatic Engagement. We partnered with the National Governors Association for a conversation on how engaging at the state level is key to success of diplomats and the private sector to the meetings with the Governors of Utah, Oklahoma, Virginia, and Arkansas, Meridian is committed to promoting state and city leaders as a resource for the diplomatic corps in Washington. In 2023 alone, we co-hosted a program with Brookings on the rise of subnational diplomacy, featuring esteemed guests such as Argentine Ambassador Jorge Arguello, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, and Ambassador Nina Hachigian, the State Department's inaugural Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy. This was followed by the 2023 Diplomacy Forum which included thought-provoking panel discussions around developing international affairs strategies for states and municipalities, the rise and growing power of city networks, and constructing next-generation cities to address global challenges.

By facilitating the sharing of knowledge and building networks, Meridian aims to transcend traditional boundaries of the public and private sectors within cities and regions, leading to unprecedented success. The frontier of diplomacy continues to evolve, and Meridian remains committed to shaping it's future, working hand in hand with leaders to navigate the complexities of the 21st century statecraft required for effective global collaboration.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, MERIDIAN INTERNATIONAL CENTER

THE RISE OF SUBNATIONAL DIPLOMACY: TOP TAKEAWEAYS

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE NEW STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICE FOR CITY & STATE DIPLOMACY

Ambassador Hachigian outlined three major goals of the new office: to serve as a conduit for states and cities to obtain the “tangible benefits of foreign policy”; encourage U.S. local leaders to engage internationally; and to encourage the State Department to engage subnational actors across the U.S. and around the world. Since very few U.S. cities and states have offices dedicated to international engagement, the Office for Subnational Diplomacy will provide many of the resources necessary to ensure that U.S. local leaders are able to engage on an international level. This includes advice on protocol and engagement, as well as focus on activating (or re-activating) fellowships, outreach through the Office of Foreign Missions, and State department alumni to supply additional international capacity. Fortunately, the new Office has been received enthusiastically by mayors, governors, and their existing representative networks, as well

as other parts of the State Department and Administration.

GLOBAL INTERACTION IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF CITIES AND STATES/ DOLLARS AND CENTS OF GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

As the economy becomes increasingly globalized, cities and states that are looking through an international lens stand to benefit the most. In Phoenix, foreign direct investment has diversified the economy and brought skilled positions and job training to the city. In Argentina, foreign direct investment in provinces has offered such great opportunities for the country that Argentina is actively seeking to direct foreign investment to the country through governors’ offices. Ambassador Argüello discussed the Embassy of Argentina's “Federal Agenda Program,” a program in which the embassy works with the country's 23 provinces, in addition to the city of Buenos Aires, to attract foreign investment opportunities. As Ambassador Argüello put it, each province's natural resources and regulatory environment

Subnational diplomacy is taking center stage as the U.S. Department of State appointed a Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy and is hosting the Cities Summit of the Americas in April. The program was done in partnership with the Brookings Institution on January 17, 2023.

Tony Pipa, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Center for Sustainable Development, Ambassador Nina Hachigian, U.S. Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy, T.H. Kate Gallego, Mayor of Phoenix, Arizona, and H.E. Jorge Argüello, Ambassador of Argentina to the U.S., speak on panel at “Strengthening Foreign Policy through Subnational Diplomacy” on January 17, 2023 at Meridian House in Washington, DC. Photo by Kris Tripplaar.

represent a unique investment opportunity for the private sector.However, cities and states are not the only ones that benefit from this global interaction. Ambassador Hachigian emphasized this while discussing the soft power potential that subnational leaders offer to their countries.

ARE INNOVATION LABS FOR ADDRESSING OUR SHARED

The Honorable Nina Hachigian, Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy, U.S. Department of State

COOPERATION ON GLOBAL ISSUES REQUIRES LOCAL ACTION AND LEADERSHIP

Cities and states are taking the lead on global issues. Many are implementing measures to combat human trafficking and reduce the devastating impacts of climate change. Others are taking charge of refugee resettlement efforts and/or coping with political instability. In the case of climate policy, Mayor Gallego pointed out that, while many national governments are not meeting their commitments on climate, many cities are. One clear example of these efforts is C-40, the network of more than 100 cities seeking to confront climate change, which has built momentum on climate adaptation and mitigation that is driving improvements in cityscapes and infrastructure. This example, along with many others, reflects an idea that Ambassador Hachigian shared with the panel: “Cities are innovation labs for addressing our shared challenges.”

SHARING KNOWLEDGE ACROSS CONTEXTS

“There are a lot of stereotypes that mayors think a lot about potholes. And, in our case, they are true! And we’re doing that at the international level!” Municipal leaders are confronting many of the same domestic issues

and as much innovation is created and invested in locally, some of the best transmission of ideas that are truly innovative can take place at the subnational level. For example, Mayor Gallego cited Phoenix’s “cool pavement” program’- a program that seeks to lower the temperature of paved roads by 10 degrees Fahrenheitas an example given that the program may be adapted to the Argentine context based on engagement at the recent C-40 World Mayors Summit in Buenos Aires. “Being able to talk to the local government folks in Argentina makes me better at my job, so it’s been a win for… the people of Phoenix, but certainly for me as mayor,” said Mayor Gallego.

SUBNATIONAL DIPLOMACY OF THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

Panelists pointed to the important links that the Sister Cities network has created over the 60 plus years of its history, such as the relationship between Taipei and Phoenix, which has fostered a vibrant Mandarin program in the city as well as increased economic development. They reflected on the legacy that networks like these create and the importance of maintaining and honoring them even as municipal and state administrations change. Furthermore, panelists and attendees considered the positive impact that organizations like the Conference of Mayors and the National Governors Association have had on international engagement, given their ability to convene subnational leaders from around the U.S. and the world. Now looking into the future, particularly at the Cities Summit of the Americas in April 2023 in Denver, Colorado, Ambassador Hachigian hopes to create “a lasting mechanism for international engagement at the local level”.

“CITIES

CHALLENGES.”

EMPHASIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF CITY AND STATE DIPLOMACY IN SHAPING FOREIGN POLICY

Diplomacy is an ever-changing artform that shifts with the times and the needs of a nation. American success abroad and on the world, stage is directly linked to U.S. policies and actions at home. This includes expanding the responsibility of international affairs beyond Washington and the Federal government. Held on April 12, 2023, the 2023 Meridian Diplomacy Forum, "All Diplomacy is Local: Strengthening City and State Statecraft," underscored the vital role of cities and states in shaping diplomacy and foreign policy.

Taking place at Meridian’s historic campus in Washington, DC, the day-long event featured expert speakers and practitioners who shared insights on various themes around city and state statecraft, including the importance of subnational actors, the role of innovation, the significance of culture and identity, the need for collaboration, and the challenges and opportunities facing city and state diplomacy.

The program opened with eye opening remarks by T.H. Vadym Boichenko, Mayor of Mariupol, Ukraine; T.H. Oleksandr Markushyn, Mayor of Irpin, Ukraine; and T.H. Volodymir Karpliuk, Former Mayor, Irpin, Ukraine; Head of Irpin Reconstruction Summit that demonstrated Ukrainian city leaders’ unrelenting determination towards the future through leading efforts to revitalize their communities and construct more sustainable, modernized cities.

The Meridian Diplomacy Forum 2023 provided an important platform for discussing the significance of city and state diplomacy in shaping foreign policy and highlighted the need

Hongxia Liu (NYU Shanghai) shared a few words during the “How Preserving Democracy Domestically Strengthens It Globally” session at the 2023 Meridian Diplomacy Forum in Meridian House in Washington, DC on April 12. Photo by Stephen Bobb.

Volodymyr Karpliuk (Irpin Reconstruction Fund) answered audience questions during the “Ukrainian Mayors: Remembrance, Resilience, Revival” session at the 2023 Meridian Diplomacy Forum in Meridian House in Washington, DC on April 12. Photo by Stephen Bobb

for collaboration and innovation in addressing global challenges.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SUB-NATIONAL ACTORS

Sub-national actors such as cities, states, and regions play an increasingly essential role in shaping global politics and diplomacy. Forum speakers highlighted that these actors have the flexibility and innovation to tackle global challenges such as climate change, migration, and economic development. They emphasized that sub-national actors have direct relationships with their counterparts in other countries, enabling them to drive international cooperation and collaboration.

THE ROLE OF INNOVATION

Innovation emerged as a crucial factor in driving city and state diplomacy. The forum showcased innovative solutions developed by cities and states to tackle sustainability, urban planning, and technology-related challenges. Speakers also noted that innovative approaches to diplomacy, such as public-private partnerships, can lead to effective and sustainable solutions.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CULTURE AND IDENTITY

The forum speakers stressed the importance of culture and identity in shaping city and state diplomacy. They highlighted that cities and states could leverage their unique cultural and

historical identities to build relationships with other countries and promote their interests. Moreover, culture and identity can shape public perceptions of cities and states, influencing their economic and diplomatic power.

THE NEED FOR COLLABORATION

Collaboration among cities, states, and other sub-national actors drives effective diplomacy. The forum emphasized that collaboration can help promote innovation, share best practices, and build stronger relationships with counterparts in other countries. Collaboration among sub-national actors can also help fill gaps left by traditional diplomatic channels.

THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FACING CITY AND STATE DIPLOMACY

The forum featured discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing city and state diplomacy. Speakers noted the difficulties of limited resources, lack of recognition, and the need to balance local and national interests. However, they also identified opportunities for sub-national actors to drive innovation, build relationships with other countries, and shape global policy.

“CITIES ARE BANDING TOGETHER TO TACKLE OUR SHARED GLOBAL ISSUES OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND MIGRATION. THEY WERE THE FRONT LINES IN DEALING WITH COVID-19 AND THEY ARE THE ONES MOST CLOSELY TASKED WITH TRANSITIONING OUR COMMUNITIES TO THE DIGITAL ECONOMY."

Attendees during the “The Advent of Subnational Diplomacy” session at the 2023 Meridian Diplomacy Forum in Meridian House in Washington, DC on April 12.

Photo by Stephen Bobb

Ambassador Stuart Holliday, Chief Executive Officer, Meridian International Center

H.E. SHAIKH ABDULLA BIN RASHED AL KHALIFA

MARITZA T. ADONIS, J.D., MCIARB

AMBASSADOR OF THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN CEO, MTA VISIONS GLOBAL CSR & GOV’T RELATIONS

T.H. VADYM BOICHENKO ALEXIS GORDON

MAYOR OF MARIUPOL, UKRAINE

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MANAGER AND CHIEF OF PROTOCOL, CITY OF CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

T.H. JON HUNTSMAN KATE JOHNSON

FORMER U.S. AMBASSADOR TO CHINA AND 16TH GOVERNOR OF UTAH

HEAD OF U.S. FEDERAL AFFAIRS, C40 CITIES

DEAN, ELLIOTT SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

THE URBAN FUTURIST INC | SMART CITIES COUNCIL | CHARTER CITIES INSTITUTE

T.H. NINA HACHIGIAN JEAN-FRANÇOIS HOULD

SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR CITY AND STATE DIPLOMACY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

PRADNYA JOSHI

NATIONAL WEEKEND EDITOR, WASHINGTON POST

DIRECTOR, QUÉBEC GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN WASHINGTON, DC

VOLODYMYR KARPLIUK

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, IRPIN RECONSTRUCTION FUND

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, KAMPALA CAPITAL CITY AUTHORITY

MAURICIO RAMOS

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, ENVIVA MAYOR OF BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA

MAYOR OF IRPIN, UKRAINE

JESSICA REYNOLDS ALEXIS ROIG

MILLICOM SENIOR DIRECTOR, MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

SCITECH DIPLOHUB

T.H. LEVAR STONEY

MAYOR, CITY OF RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

2023

EMÉRITA TORRES DR. JENNIFER TURNER LI ZHU

VICE PRESIDENT OF POLICY, RESEARCH AND ADVOCACY, COMMUNITY SERVICE SOCIETY OF NEW YORK

DIRECTOR, CONSERVATION PROGRAM, PAULSON INSTITUTE

DR. ALYSSA AYRES ALBY BOCANEGRA

DOROTHY KISAKA YANA KRAVTSOVA

T.H. CLAUDIA LÓPEZ T.H. OLEKSANDR MARKUSHYN

CEO,

CEO,

DIVE DEEPER: WATCH OUR SESSIONS

UKRAINIAN MAYORS: REMEMBRANCE, RESILIENCE, REVIVAL

As Ukrainians grapple with the challenges of an ongoing war, city leaders are demonstrating their unrelenting determination by turning their focus towards the future. Learning from the past and building on the present, mayors and municipal officials are leading efforts to revitalize their communities and construct more sustainable, modernized cities. This session addressed the status of the Ukrainian communities of Mariupol and Irpin, and, in the case of Irpin, their plans for what’s next. New survey data on what the citizens of Irpin believe is most important in the revival of their community as shared as we explored the intersection of leadership and resilience.

T.H. Vadym Boichenko, Mayor of Mariupol, Ukraine

T.H. Oleksandr Markushyn, Mayor of Irpin, Ukraine

T.H. Volodymir Karpliuk, Former Mayor, Irpin, Ukraine; Head of Irpin Reconstruction Summit

Diane Hoskins, Co-CEO, Gensler

Sofia Song, Global Cities Lead, Gensler

SIDESTEPPING THE STALEMATE: U.S.CHINA CLIMATE PARTNERSHIPS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL

While U.S.-China tension at the national level is a serious impediment to global progress on our shared climate and environmental crises, avenues for cooperation and movement on climate targets remain ripe among American and Chinese cities. This conversation showcased current and previous sustainability partnerships between U.S. and China municipalities and explored

paths that remain open for collaboration at the local level among public, private and civil society environmental leaders in biodiversity conversation, clean energy development, emissions reduction, climate adaptation and similar environmental arenas.

T.H.

Lina Garcia, Director of International Affairs, U.S. Conference of Mayors (Virtual)

Li Zhu, Director of Conservation, Paulson Institute

Dr. Jennifer Turner, Director, China Environment Forum, Wilson Center

THE ADVENT OF SUBNATIONAL DIPLOMACY

Introducing the main themes for this year’s Diplomacy Forum, this keynote session highlighted the importance of subnational diplomacy by drawing on the experiences of two internationallyminded mayors from the U.S. and Colombia. The conversation explored how these municipal leaders have positioned their cities internationally by demonstrating their capacity to engage in global initiatives that address shared challenges. It also offered insight into how cities are leading the way towards sustainable development by showcasing Bogotá’s Voluntary Local Review on the SDGs.

Moderator: Dr. Alyssa Ayres, Dean of Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University

T.H. Claudia López, Mayor of Bogotá, Colombia

T.H. Levar Stoney, Mayor of Richmond, Virginia

Greg Nickels, 51st Mayor of Seattle, Washington (Virtual)

Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy Nina Hachigian (U.S. Department of State) highlighted the priorities and expectations surrounding the inaugural Cities Summit during the “Cities Summit of the Americas Preview” session at the 2023 Meridian Diplomacy Forum in Meridian House in Washington, DC on April 12. Photo by Stephen Bobb.

An attendee connected with speaker Dorothy Kisaka (Kampala Capital City Authority) during the 2023 Meridian Diplomacy Forum in Meridian House in Washington, DC on April 12.

Photo by Stephen Bobb.

Levar Stoney, Mayor of Richmond, Virginia, in conversation with Dr. Alyssa Ayres, Dean, Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University, and T.H. Claudia López, Mayor of Bogotá, Colombia during "The Advent of Subnational Diplomacy" panel. Photo by Stephen Bobb.

CITIES SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS PREVIEW

The Cities Summit of the Americas is a first-of-its-kind subnational diplomacy gathering that assembled hundreds of state, city and community leaders from across the Americas for a three-day long conference in Denver, Colorado from April 26-28. Organized by the U.S. Department of State in partnership with the State of Colorado and the City of Denver, the Cities Summit sought to ensure leader-level commitments made at the Ninth Summit of the Americas held last year in Los Angeles. The State Department Office of City and State Diplomacy highlighted some of the priorities and expectations surrounding the inaugural Summit, and detailed some of the key issues to be explored including climate and environment, energy transition, housing and safety, and democracy and inclusion.

Moderator: Emérita Torres, Vice President of Policy, Research and Advocacy, Community

Service Society of New York

Alby Bocanegra, Founder, The Urban Futurist

Kate Johnson, Head of U.S. Federal Affairs, C40 Cities

Dorothy Kisaka, Executive Director, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA)

GOING GLOBAL: DEVELOPING INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS STRATEGIES FOR STATES AND MUNICIPALITIES

THE RISE AND GROWING POWER OF CITY NETWORKS

There is growing realization that international organizations and national governments are unable to tackle the widespread social, economic, and environmental issues afflicting our planet alone. Community-level actions are needed as well. Cities around the world are answering this call, with mayors and municipal officials increasingly banding together to tackle global issues like climate change, democracy preservation, digital rights, and forced migration. This session examined the proliferation of city coalitions and their ability to collectively implement strategic actions and position cities as legitimate international actors within our global system.

As cities and states in Europe, China, and elsewhere in the world expand their global reach through the establishment of international affairs offices, American municipalities are falling behind. This reality precludes U.S. local governments from securing the economic benefits of trade, investment, and tourism, while preventing their communities from weighing in on important global issues like climate change and migration. This session explored the international portfolios of subnational governments in the U.S. and around the world. It also addressed common barriers for local governments and officials interested in engaging globally, including sources of funding, metrics of success, and public apprehension.

Moderator: Maritza T. Adonis, Chief Executive Officer, MTA Visions Global CSR & Gov’t Relations

Ambassador Nina Hachigian, Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy, U.S. Department of State

Jean-François Hould, Director, Quebec Government Office in Washington

Alexis Roig, CEO, SciTech DiploHub

LEVERAGING GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS FOR COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE

Mauricio Ramos, CEO, Millicom

T.H. Fred P. Hochberg, Vice Chair, Meridian International Center

Ambassador Nina Hachigian, Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy, U.S. Department of State

THE INTERSECTION OF LOCAL AND GLOBAL

LOCAL ENGINES DRIVE INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS

While the CHIPS and Inflation Reduction Acts aim to boost American manufacturing and return more of the supply chain to the U.S., international trade and investment remain instrumental to maintain and build strong local economies. In fact, cities and states may increase their engagement with foreign governments through economic diplomacy as U.S. exports become more competitive. This session made the case for why international trade matters, while exploring how city and state officials can best aid the international ambitions of their local businesses and engage with international companies. It also highlighted different ways in which the Federal government supports municipalities in global trade amidst shifting supply chains and a new trade paradigm.

Moderator: P.J. Joshi, National Weekend Editor, Washington Post

Alexis Gordon, International Business Manager and Chief of Protocol, City of Charlotte

Yana Kravtsova, Executive Vice President, International Market Development and Public Affairs, Enviva

Jessica Reynolds, Senior Director, Office of International Investment and Trade, Maryland Department of Commerce

His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla Bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the U.S.

Emérita Torres, Vice President of Policy, Research and Advocacy, Community Service Society of New York, moderates the panel "The Rising and Growing Power of City Networks."

Photo by Stephen Bobb.

EXCERPT: HOW PRESERVING DEMOCRACY DOMESTICALLY STRENGTHENS IT GLOBALLY

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 Democracy Strengthener Award awardee, Governor Jon Huntsman Jr., explored his experience combating domestically and internationally forces that are averse to democracy and democratic principles and highlighted his thoughts on how the U.S. can effectively strengthen democracy globally while dealing with a highly polarized population and an increasingly antagonistic international system.

TO WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW, USE THE QR CODE.

On left: Governor Jon M. Huntsman Jr., 2023 Meridian Democracy Strengthener Awardee in conversation with Ambassador Stuart Holliday

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.

STRENGTHENING COLLABORATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE CITIES SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS

The 2023 Cities Summit of the America brought together over 500 subnational leaders from across the Western Hemisphere, representing government, civil society, business, culture and the arts, as well as indigenous and underrepresented groups.

Meridian was honored to participate in the Cities Summit to provide a platform to strengthen the engagement and serve as a connector to the various stakeholders at the intersection of city and state diplomacy and the international stage. By leveraging our extensive network, including the private sector, U.S. government, and foreign governments, Meridian facilitated productive discussions and knowledge sharing.

Meridian collaborated with the Financial Times and Millicom/Tigo to explore avenues for collaboration between state and private sectors to ensure the effective integration of Latin American cities and communities into digital ecosystems. These discussions were instrumental in identifying both the opportunities and challenges in fostering sustainable infrastructure development. While there, we connected with Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs, Dilawar Syed, who shared insights on the existing mechanisms and programs supporting public-private investment in sustainable infrastructure projects.

T.H. Reta Jo Lewis, Chair of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, provided valuable perspectives on financing mechanisms for infrastructure initiatives. Karim Lesina, Executive Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer at Millicom, offered industry-specific insights and strategies to drive digital transformation in Latin American cities. Bob Peck, Principal and Government + Defense Practice Area Leader at Gensler, contributed expertise on urban planning and design approaches that align with sustainable business goals.

Check out the key highlights below:

• Ilan Goldfajn, President, IDB Bank discussed the power of connectivity in enabling inclusion. Going on to explore the success of Montevideo and its integration of the digital city, strong and a strong focus on building education and skills.

Ambassador Stuart Holliday particpates in a panel at the Cities Summit of the America with (from left to right) Claudia López Hernández, Superior Mayor, Bogotá, Michael Stott, Latin America Editor, Financial Times, Carolina Cosse Garrido, Mayor, Montevideo,and Ricardo Quiñónez Lemus, Mayor, Guatemala City.

• Mauricio Ramos, CEO, Millicom (Tigo) urged the need to get LatAm more on the map and visible for future investment.

• Carolina Cosse Garrido, Mayor, Montevideo commended that there is a talent shortage in Uruguay. Montevideo is working actively to attract tech CEOs and innovation.

• Claudia López Hernández, Superior Mayor, Bogotá highlighted that you cannot have tech innovation without good education, therefore, we must provide people with the means to educate themselves digitally, thus closing the digital divide and digital segregation.

• Ricardo Quiñónez Lemus, Mayor, Guatemala City shared that the secret to good relations between North and South American regions has to do with supporting common causes, such as job creation and economic growth.

TO WATCH THE FULL PANEL, USE THE QR CODE

SENIOR STAFF FROM GOVERNORS’ OFFICES DISCUSS HOW TO BEST ENGAGE AT THE STATE LEVEL

Engaging at the state level is key to the success of diplomats and the private sector alike. On December 14, 2022, Meridian hosted a Diplocraft program in partnership with the National Governors Association featuring Nikki Guilford (Office of the Governor of Ohio Mike DeWine), Alex Hermann (Office of the Governor of New Jersey Phil Murphy), Christina Gungoll Lepore (Office of the Governor of Oklahoma Kevin Stitt), and Jim McCleskey (Office of the Governor of North Carolina Roy Cooper) for a conversation moderated by Tiffany Waddell (National Governors Association).

Here are some top takeaways from the program:

DC Offices are Embassies of the States

For the foreign diplomatic corps, the DC office is a good entry point as the office operates as a “mini-embassy” in Washington, DC. The head of the office typically represents the governor, state administration, and delegation to the federal government. The DC office relays information from the federal government back to the states. DC offices also liaise with the federal government to

Nikki Guilford (Office of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine), Jim McCleskey (Office of North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper), Tiffany Waddell (National Governors Association), Alex Hermann (Office of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy), and Christina Gungoll Lepore (Office of Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt), discuss how to best engage at the state level at a Diplocraft program on December 14, 2022. Photo by Kris Tripplaar.

gain perspective on certain issues that may have national security implications, from sanctions to immigration.

Governments Engaging in the International Sphere for Economic Development

A primary aim for international engagement for state governments is economic development—state officials prioritize import, export, and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). States often get into bidding for FDI at the national and international level. Some states work with non-profits that increase economic development through relations with the international community. With many issues that cause partisan division, economic development can be a unifier within states.

Who’s in charge, anyway?

Each state has different mechanisms for international engagement, and a unique power structure. Navigating a state administration can be tricky even for those that work in the governor’s office. In some states, it may be the Department of Commerce that handles foreign economic investment, while some may have protocol offices to receive foreign dignitaries. In some states, the legislatures take an active role in welcoming international visitors, while some may be received primarily by the Secretary of State. Another avenue of engagement is through consul generals on a regional level.

Be Ready for Upcoming Trade Mission Trips

The COVID-19 pandemic severely slowed down trade mission trips by governors since 2019. There has been an uptick in trips in 2022 and will be more trips planned for 2023. Some states have international trade offices through gubernatorial-backed non-profits that are the gateway to doing business with states. However, there is a has been a slow downward trend for states to have international trade offices since the 2000s. The landscape in the international sphere of trade and trade missions has changed but governor’s offices realize the importance of these offices and trade missions and are using modern methods to reach their goals.

Gubernatorial level meetings require clear objectives.

Meetings with governors are typically not due to courtesy or protocol. Meeting with a governor directly is typically reserved for an ambassadorial-level meeting. Staff-level meetings are more common at the secretary level and where a lot of work is done. Keep in mind – the time of a governor is limited – so, be prepared with a clear agenda and objectives for the meeting. Governors’ offices enjoy welcoming diplomats to visit their state to see what it has to offer for foreign countries.

"Cities stand as examples of continuity and stability. Local leaders can provide that."

“We know democracy is under attack both at home and abroad-this issue is not political gain, it’s personal…in this time of divisiveness and political vitriol, it is [the culture of] service that will help to save us.”

"The greatest challenge politically and economically right now is how we run cities. If we lead with inclusion, care and collective action, we will move forward. Building institutions that work on a local level is the goal."

- Ambassador Stuart Holliday, Meridian International Center

- The Honorable Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland

- Mayor Claudia Lopez, Mayor of Bogota