How Central Asian Countries Can Assert Their Identities Through Cuisine

By Natasha Hill, Event Coordinator, Meridian International CenterThis Article Was Originally Published in Instick Media Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan find themselves increasingly in a tug-of-war with three world superpowers: Russia, China, and now the United States increasingly desire influence in the region. Not since the fall of the Soviet Union and the need to neogtiate Kazakhstan’s relinquishing of its nuclear weapon aresenal has the Western world seemed so vested in Central Asia. Not only are world governments seemingly more interested in this region than before, but Central Asia’s tourism industry has seen an uptick in recent years. People are noticing...

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IVLP Impact Awards Perspectives: Future Leaders of Ukraine

Oksana Kovalenko is an alumna of the International Visitor Leadership Program and a 2023 recipient of the IVLP Impact Awards for her project The School for Future Leaders. Meridian International Center, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, implements the IVLP Impact Awards Initiative. IVLP Impact Awardees from across the world administer community impact projects that build on their experiences and promote innovative solutions to shared challenges. The IVLP Impact Awards Initiative aims to engage alumni, strengthen global networks, and support lasting community impact. Collaborating with Like-Minded People I work as the Deputy Dean...

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IVLP Impact Awards Perspectives: Stories of Inclusion Part III

Betty Nancy Fonyuy is an alumna of the International Visitor Leadership Program and a 2023 recipient of the IVLP Impact Awards for her project Advocacy Role of Youth in Human Rights & Rights of Persons Living with Disabilities. Meridian International Center, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, implements the IVLP Impact Awards Initiative. IVLP Impact Awardees from across the world administer community impact projects that build on their experiences and promote innovative solutions to shared challenges. The IVLP Impact Awards Initiative aims to engage alumni, strengthen global networks, and support lasting community...

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IVLP Impact Awards Perspectives: Stories of Inclusion Part II

Awiye Sharon Serkwem Evanjo  is an alumna of the International Visitor Leadership Program and a 2023 recipient of the IVLP Impact Awards for her project Rebuilding Hopes and Dreams of Internally Displaced Women. Meridian International Center, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, implements the IVLP Impact Awards Initiative. IVLP Impact Awardees from across the world administer community impact projects that build on their experiences and promote innovative solutions to shared challenges. The IVLP Impact Awards Initiative aims to engage alumni, strengthen global networks, and support lasting community impact. Inclusive Leadership and Inspiration I...

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Episode Transcript: Hank Willis Thomas: Universality x Art

  On this episode of cultureXchanges, Meridian’s CEO Ambassador Stuart Holliday speaks with artist Hank Willis Thomas on how growing up in Washington, DC shaped his artistic vision, the theme of universality in his work, and what politicians could learn from the world of art criticism. Thomas lives and works in Brooklyn, New York as a conceptual artist working on themes related to perspective, identity, commodity, media, and popular culture. His work has been exhibited throughout the United States and abroad including the International Center of Photography, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Hong Kong Arts Centre, the Witte de With Center...

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