meridian’s Global leadership institute

Preparing the Next Generation of Global Leaders

About

Meridian’s Global Leadership Institute is where tomorrow’s changemakers begin their journey. Through immersive summer and semester programs in Washington, D.C., ambitious high school and college students from around the world gain the skills, networks, and confidence to lead in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Whether your future lies in diplomacy, international business, law, public policy, or global service, Meridian equips you with the insights and experiences that set you apart in college, graduate school, and beyond.

100%

of participants believe their ability to achieve a career in the Foreign Service is greater following the fellowship.

2025 Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship Participants

Future Leaders academy

High School, Grades 11–12

A one-week, pre-college summer intensive that takes students behind the scenes of diplomacy. Participants engage directly with ambassadors, government officials, and business leaders; visit embassies and global institutions; and practice negotiation and crisis management through real-time simulations.

Key Outcomes:

  • Global Leadership Certificate

  • 1:1 mentorship with seasoned professionals

  • Alumni network of rising leaders

Future leaders fellowship

(College, Rising Sophomores, Juniors, & Seniors)

A cohort-based, four-week summer fellowship designed for students eager to launch careers in international affairs, diplomacy, and global business. A one-week summer enrichment program followed by three-weeks of hands-on internship experience. Fellows gain professional experience by shadowing Meridian teams in fields like corporate diplomacy, technology and innovation, cultural exchange, and diplomatic engagement.

Key Outcomes:

  • Fellowship placement with hands-on work experience

  • Global Leadership Certificate

  • Resume-ready skills in leadership, negotiation, and policy analysis

  • Capstone project

  • Mentorship and career development in Washington’s international affairs ecosystem

Why Meridian?

With a 65-year legacy in diplomacy, Meridian International Center has prepared leaders at every level of government, business, and society. More than 180 current and former Heads of State are alumni of Meridian programs.

By joining the Leadership Institute, students tap into:

  • Unparalleled insight into Washington’s diplomatic and policy networks

  • Mentorship from global leaders across sectors

  • A prestigious institution recognized worldwide for advancing international collaboration

The steepest hill to climb for any young person looking to get involved in politics or public policy is to get their first job—the first institution willing to back their potential. By joining the Leadership Institute, students gain not only mentorship and networks, but also that critical first credential that signals readiness to future employers.

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Panel discussion at Meridian Diplomacy Forum with four speakers seated on stage and audience watching.
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Meridian International Center

Founded in 1960, Meridian International Center is a leading nonpartisan organization dedicated to strengthening diplomacy and global cooperation. We bring together leaders from government, business, science, culture, and civil society to build the trust and collaboration needed to address shared challenges.

Our mission: to empower leaders to advance the next era of diplomacy

Check out our Historic campus

“My personal learning goals for this fellowship were to become more comfortable with networking and to demystify the complexities of the Foreign Service... I am pleased to say that I have achieved my goals, emerging from this fellowship with a deeper understanding of the Foreign Service and greater ease in navigating networking environments.”

2024 Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship Participant

Join the Meridian Global Leadership Network, a lifetime community of changemakers shaping the world.

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Experience D.C. not as a tourist, but as an insider—meeting members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, and policy professionals

Immersion in Washington’s Global Affairs Network

Diplomatic Skills Building

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Learn to negotiate, present with confidence, and collaborate across cultures through hands-on workshops

Mentorship and Small-Cohort Support

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Work closely with mentors in your field of interest; get feedback and career guidance tailored to you.

Values-Driven Leadership Development

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Explore leadership principles from global changemakers while identifying your own strengths and purpose.

A Lifelong Network

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Stay connected through Meridian’s Global Leadership Network — a community of peers and professionals worldwide.

Career Pathways

Prepare for careers at the intersection of business and diplomacy—advising executives on global markets, managing corporate social responsibility initiatives, and shaping trade and investment policy.

Economic & Corporate Leadership

Meridian Center for Corporate Diplomacy

Build a career in public service by connecting communities to global networks, attracting international investment, and representing local priorities in global forums.

State & Local Government Engagement

Meridian Center for State and Local Diplomacy

Enter a rapidly evolving field where you’ll navigate international agreements on emerging tech, space exploration, and AI governance while fostering cross-border innovation partnerships.

Technology, Innovation & Space Diplomacy

Meridian Center for Technology, Innovation, and Space

Use arts, heritage, and athletics as tools to bridge divides—designing cultural exchange programs, organizing international tournaments, or managing creative collaborations across borders.

Sports & Cultural Diplomacy

Meridian Center for Culture and Sports Diplomacy

Join the ranks of diplomats, policy analysts, and negotiators working within embassies, foreign ministries, or international organizations to address global security, development, and prosperity.

Traditional & Multilateral Diplomacy

Meridian Center for Diplomatic Engagement

Lead initiatives that drive social impact—whether founding NGOs, launching social enterprises, or coordinating international coalitions to tackle pressing global challenges.

Global Leadership & Changemaking

Meridian Center for Global Leadership

Our Alumni

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T.H. Jacinda Ardern

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h.e. Anders Fogh Rasmussen

40th Prime Minister of New Zealand

35th Prime Minister of Denmark

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T.H. Charles F. Bolden Jr.

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Pam Melroy

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T.h. Janet Yellen

Deputy Administrator of NASA (2021-2025)

NASA Administrator (2009–2017)

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78th U.S. Secretary of the Treasury

T.H. tony Blair

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H.E. Luis Almagro

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1997-2007)

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10th Secretary General of the Organization of American States

CEO, Citigroup

Jane Fraser

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T.H. Margaret Thatcher

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Oscar Munoz

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h.e. António Guterres

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Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1979-1990)

CEO, United Airlines

mira murati

Chief Technology Officer, OpenAI (2022-2024)

9th U.N. Secretary-General

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