Meridian’s Culturefix blends creativity and diplomacy
Diplomats and the creative industries collided in Washington last month for Meridian International Center’s fifth edition of its signature cultural diplomacy event, Culturefix. Hosted on June 5 at Meridian’s White-Meyer House, the annual event brought top voices in art, design, sports, diplomacy, media and more to discuss how culture can advance US diplomatic interests and global cooperation.
The summit kicked off with morning conversations piloted by leading creatives and a performance by the Jerusalem Youth Chorus. Notable speakers included conceptual artist Sanford Biggers, designer Mark D. Sikes, NFL Executive Vice President of Club Business Peter O’Reilly and Nigerian-born NFL player Efe Obada on how their industries are transforming diplomacy, trade and identity in the 21st century.
The evening concluded with the Culturefix Gala, honoring leaders who advance cultural diplomacy on the world stage. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell received the 2025 Meridian Global Leadership Award for his efforts in expanding the NFL’s international reach. Anna Deavere Smith, Sanford Biggers and Mark D. Sikes were named 2025 Meridian Cultural Diplomacy Honorees.
This year’s event also marked the renaming of the Meridian Center for Cultural Diplomacy to the Meridian Center for Sports and Cultural Diplomacy, aimed to integrate culture and sports into US foreign policy collaboratively.
On the occasion, Meridian CEO Ambassador Stuart Holliday said in a statement, “In a time of shifting global power, the U.S. must elevate culture as a diplomatic tool to advance our interests. When we lead with the arts, with sport, with storytelling, we don’t just engage audiences — we create the connective tissue of diplomacy.”
Photography by Jess Latos
Embassies mark anniversaries of independence
A celebration of Djiboutian diaspora was feted at the Willard InterContinental Hotel for the country’s 48th anniversary of independence on June 27. Presiding over the event, Ambassador Mohamed Siad Doualeh emphasized the partnership between the US and his country.
African Union Commission Chairman Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Djiboutian residents and members of the diplomatic corps underscored the country’s essential role in international trade, maritime security and maintaining stability in key global shipping routes, including the Bab El-Mandeb Strait.
The small East African nation gained independence from France on June 27, 1977.
Photos courtesy of the Embassy of Djibouti
The Embassy of Burundi celebrated its national day on July 5 at Ambassador Jean Bosco Barege’s Maryland residence. The event featured traditional cuisine, music and dance, attended by Burundi diaspora, fellow diplomats and government officials.
Burundi gained independence from Belgium on July 1, 1962 and became a republic in 1966.
Photos courtesy of the Embassy of Burundi
