Strategic Global Engagement
Equipping U.S. local leaders to develop international partnerships, multilevel dialogue, and global influence aligned with local development goals.
Our Work
Meridian Center for State and Local Diplomacy
Local leadership. Global reach.
Why this matters
Global challenges don’t stop at borders
The Meridian Center for State and Local Diplomacy helps governors, mayors, and local officials in the United States and around the world navigate and shape the global dynamics that reach their communities.
Through trusted convenings, peer exchanges, and cross-sector collaboration, Meridian ensures that local voices are represented in global conversations — and that local communities benefit from them.
Focus areas
Leading from the ground up
Local Economic Resilience
Helping communities attract foreign investment and innovation, boost exports, and create jobs through economic diplomacy.
Security & Preparedness
Providing tools and insights to address global risks — cyber threats, extreme weather events, and supply chain vulnerabilities — that impact communities directly.
Capabilities and solutions
Insights, trainings, exchanges, and partnerships
The Center supports city, state, and regional leaders with insights and networks, training and exchanges, public-private partnerships, and thought leadership — the resources they need to lead internationally.
Engage with the Center
Bring global engagement home
Whether managing extreme weather, protecting digital infrastructure, or attracting international investment, local leaders lead on global issues every day.