The 75th Anniversary of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is a major milestone in the program’s history. It offers us a chance to reflect on the impact of the program by examining the numbers. More than 335 current or former heads of government are IVLP alumni. Meridian International Center is proud to have coordinated the programs of 50% of these alumni.
Past Forward: Contemporary Art from the Emirates is the first and largest touring exhibition of Emirati art in the United States. Michiganders can find it on display at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum on-campus at Michigan State University through October 18. This exhibition offers visitors perspective on the impact of rapid economic development in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the rich heritage of the Emiratis, and the struggle to maintain a balance between seizing a bright future and honoring traditional roots. Continue
I had never met an Inspector General before and honestly before the meeting I had to research what the role’s responsibilities included. His office was at least 30 stories up the Rhodes State Office building and outside the windows I could make out the finer details of the LeVeque Tower. Roman fasces and art deco figures set in glazed white terra-cotta tiles lined its walls. It was designed to be a foot taller than the Washington Monument. During my travels around Columbus the building had served as my landmark and it was remarkable to be at the same height as it now.
As August, and consequently summer, sadly comes to a close, the Meridian Center for Cultural Diplomacy is back to round up some of this past month’s soft power events. The following selection highlights cultural exchange through community engagement in the globalized world. For the summer season, this interconnectedness means lots of festivals, so read on to see how diverse communities are coming together to celebrate around the world.
It is hard to keep the energy flowing when you are exhausted after completing a tight, four-week academic program, but the excitement and restlessness of being in a city that is considered the power center of the world, doesn’t allow you the time or the space to rest! You chose to keep the buzz going to explore what is so special about this place and what is waiting for you in this epicenter of the United States. The thrill doubles when the subconscious keeps reminding you that you are in Washington DC where the Office of the U.S. President...
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