How the African Union is Working Towards Eradicating Hunger and Malnutrition 

The Power of International Collaboration Through Exchange  By Colin Blais, Senior Program Associate, International Visitor Leadership Program    On July 31, 2023, seven representatives from the United States Permanent Mission to the African Union arrived in Washington, DC, to begin their two-week exchange in the U.S. as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The “Best Practices to Improve Food Security” program focused on international food policy and convened networks of peers and professional counterparts in Sacramento, California and Detroit, Michigan.   Representing various offices and subdivisions within the African Union, African Union Commission and African Union Development...

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Disability Pride Month: A Diplomatic Perspective on Inclusivity

By Fatema Hosseini, Meridian Global Communications and Journalism Fellow   Disability Pride Month celebrated in July, is a significant commemoration highlighting essential aspects of diversity and inclusivity in societies worldwide. Disability Pride Month empowers individuals with disabilities, acknowledging their talents and contributions and echoing their societal values. It presents an excellent opportunity for countries to collaborate and exchange knowledge on policies and practices that encourage inclusivity not just for individuals with disabilities but also for minority communities.   For instance, the “Disability Rights: Equal Access for All,” a regional U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) for...

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From Pakistan to Peru: How IVLP TIP Heroes Are Shaping the Fight Against Human Trafficking

The Power of International Collaboration and Best Practices 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, DC; Boston, Massachusetts; and Miami, Florida, in connection...

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Explainer: Understanding Corporate Diplomacy

In an interconnected and globalized business landscape, the role of corporations extends beyond profit-making. Companies increasingly recognize the significance of their relationships with various stakeholders, including governments, communities, NGOs, and international organizations. To effectively navigate this complex environment and promote their interests while contributing to society, many organizations are embracing the concept of corporate diplomacy.   Defining Corporate Diplomacy: Corporate diplomacy consists of developing and maintaining dynamic interactions with traditional stakeholders like governments and regulatory bodies and with diverse components of society. It involves employing diplomatic strategies and practices to effectively manage relationships, mitigate risks, and create mutual understanding...

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A Journey of Transformation: Embracing Civic Engagement

To celebrate Civic Engagement Month, we are highlighting our many inspiring alumni from our Study of U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Global Student Leaders program. Through partnerships with U.S. universities and a series of interactive classroom activities, community-based projects, and site visits to U.S. cities of all sizes, SUSI students experience an in-depth investigation into program themes and enhance their understanding of American values. Mehri Gulamova of Azerbaijan participated in the 2019 SUSI for Global Student Leaders on Civic Engagement with Meridian’s partner, Bard College.   How would you define “Civic Engagement”?  My dream of becoming an exchange student in...

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