Trust Through Exchange
Deepening people-to-people diplomacy through cultural and athletic storytelling, performance, and creative collaboration.
Our Work
The Meridian Center for Culture and Sports Diplomacy
Harnessing the power of culture and sports.
Why this matters
Culture and sport transcend politics and language
The Meridian Center for Culture and Sports Diplomacy mobilizes athletes, artists, and cultural leaders as global connectors — building trust, amplifying American values, and creating shared narratives across borders.
As the United States prepares to host major global events — including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and the 250th anniversary of American independence — Meridian is helping shape how the world experiences America.
Focus areas
Three ways culture moves diplomacy
Global Reach Through Culture
Showcasing American values and creative innovation while empowering cultural institutions and artists to lead on the global stage.
Sports as Strategic Diplomacy
Using sport as a tool for youth engagement, community empowerment, and cross-border collaboration.
Signature convening
The Meridian Sports Diplomacy Forum
Launched January 29, 2026, in Washington, DC, the Meridian Sports Diplomacy Forum brings together industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and cultural influencers to examine the growing power of sport in global affairs.
As the United States prepares to host a historic slate of global sporting events, Meridian highlights the role of sports as a strategic asset — opening markets, shaping culture, building trust, and advancing American leadership.
Capabilities and solutions
Trainings, exchanges, exhibitions, and partnerships
The Center delivers trainings and exchanges, exhibitions, public-private partnerships, and geopolitical insights and networks — mobilizing the cultural and athletic communities as instruments of engagement.
Get involved
Put culture and sport to work for diplomacy
Partner with the Center on exchanges, exhibitions, and convenings that build trust across borders.