Agenda

In an age of shifting alliances, redrawn trade relationships, and renewed debate over global security, diplomats, policymakers, and business leaders are navigating a dramatically changing world order. This private breakfast salon brings together ambassadors and Washington insiders to examine how President Trump’s administration is redefining diplomacy—reshaping America’s role on the world stage and charting new approaches to power, partnership, and resilience.

Speakers

Brian Ballard | President, Ballard Partners  

Deborah M. Lehr | Interim CEO, Meridian International Center 

Omar Vargas | Vice President, Global Public Policy, General Motors 

Take time to connect with leaders across sectors while fueling up for the morning. It’s an opportunity to build and strengthen the relationships that make this Summit so impactful. Join a Catalyst Conversation for an intimate deep dive or meet the people behind Meridian’s dynamic centers driving global collaboration. During the “Meet the Meridian Center Leads” networking hour, learn more about the newly launched Centers for Technology, Innovation, and Space and for State and Local Diplomacy, and reconnect with experts leading Meridian’s ongoing initiatives across diplomacy, culture, and leadership. 

New Center Leads:

Max Bouchet | Director, Meridian Center for State and Local Diplomacy

Jim Golsen | Vice President, Meridian Center for Corporate Diplomacy

TK Harvey | Vice President, Meridian Center for Culture and Sports Diplomacy

Hana Hausnerova | Vice President, Meridian Center for Global Leadership, Customized Exchanges

Kellee Wicker | Vice President, Meridian Center for Technology, Innovation, and Space

Catalyst Conversations are back for a second year, bringing an innovative format and dynamic environment for attendees to engage with speakers and fellow participants in insightful conversations. These focused, diverse discussions will take place in 20-minute intervals during networking breaks. Each conversation will delve into a specific topic in a small group, allowing attendees to explore the day’s theme of Shaping Geopolitical Futures in greater depth.

Spaces are limited and available on a first-come basis—arrive early to secure your place!

Shaping the AI Frontier: Standards, Sovereignty and Security

The White House’s recently unveiled AI Action Plan aims to cement U.S. dominance in artificial intelligence through innovation, setting international standards, investing in domestic infrastructure, and expanding exports of the American AI tech stack. This discussion explores how the plan reshapes technological independence and international influence through the export of integrated AI solutions—bundling chips, cloud infrastructure, models, and applications—as a cornerstone of tech diplomacy promoting free-enterprise values. It also considers governance challenges such as data sovereignty, trust, balancing innovation, and allied cooperation. This 20-minute Catalyst Conversation will highlight how sovereignty, security, and global competition intersect to shape the future of AI policy.  

Speakers:

Ben Brody | Technology Reporter, Punchbowl News  

Gerry Petrella | General Manager, U.S. Public Policy, Microsoft

Location: Great Hall (second floor)

The Future of Payments Modernization and Impact of Economic Innovation for Global Prosperity

Payments modernization is no longer just a tech upgrade; it’s a strategic imperative for the Canadian and U.S. economies amid surging real-time transaction demands and growing global competition. Aging legacy infrastructure is increasingly fragile and unable to meet consumer and business expectations for instant, seamless payments. Explore how collaboration among fintech innovators, regulators, and policymakers can accelerate the transition to a modern, secure, and inclusive payment infrastructure. This 20-minute Catalyst Conversation will highlight the geopolitical stakes of payment infrastructure as a tool of economic sovereignty and global competitiveness, emphasizing the urgency of closing the gap with international leaders. 

Speakers:

Bryan Bossin | Head of Government Relations and External Affairs, Interac Corp.

Bernard Boutin | Head of Corporate Affairs, Canada and LATAM, Intuit

Jacob Chappell | Group Product Manager, QuickBooks Payments Money Team, Intuit

Location: Library (third floor)

This opening session will frame the day’s Summit through the lens of Meridian’s 65-year legacy as a trusted convener across sectors, governments, and borders — and mark the launch of its new Center for State & Local Diplomacy and Center for Technology, Innovation, and Space — offering a forward-looking vision for the evolving architecture of global engagement and the new actors shaping diplomacy in a complex international landscape. 

Speakers:

T.H. Fred P. Hochberg | Board Chair, Meridian International Center 

Deborah M. Lehr | Interim CEO, Meridian International Center 

As global power dynamics evolve, the United States faces critical choices about how to lead, compete, and cooperate in a rapidly changing world. In this fireside conversation, Rep. Ami Bera, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, will explore what U.S. strategic leadership means in an era of geopolitical uncertainty—from strengthening alliances and securing economic resilience to shaping the norms of emerging technologies. This discussion will set the stage for how America and its partners can navigate shifting global futures with purpose and unity.

Speakers:

T.H. Ami Bera | U.S. Representative (CA-6)

Heather Nauert | Acting Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs and U.S. Department of State Spokesperson (2017 - 2019)(Moderator)

Understanding how communities perceive their economic conditions, trust in institutions, and aspirations for mobility provides powerful context for today’s geopolitical shifts. This data-driven spotlight will highlight exclusive global findings from the Gallup World Poll—tracking hundreds of key indicators across more than 140 countries—revealing trends in sentiment that are shaping local, regional, and international agendas. 

Speaker:

Dan Foy | Principal, Global Analytics, Gallup 

In a world where geopolitical realignments and rapid technological change are reshaping influence, the leaders who succeed will be those who can build trust, develop agile talent strategies, and deploy innovation with foresight. This session maps the emerging nexus of trust, talent, and technology, asking what kind of leadership the moment demands. From cultivating next-generation executives to shaping international talent flows, explore how companies and countries alike are leveraging workforce strategy as a new form of soft power. 

Speakers:

April Miller Boise | Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Intel 

Her Excellency Anniken Huitfeldt | Ambassador of Norway to the U.S.

Liz Landers | White House correspondent, PBS News Hour (Moderator)

Tom Monahan | Chief Executive Officer, Heidrick & Struggles 

Awardee:

Mary T. Barra | Chief Executive Officer, General Motors (pre-recorded) 

Speakers:

Natalie Jones | Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Meridian International Center

Omar Vargas | Vice President, Head of Global Public Policy, General Motors 

As technology and increased global competitiveness continue to reshape multiple industries, manufacturing supply chains are undergoing a profound evolution. Companies are redefining supply resilience and competitiveness by balancing simplified supply chains with global interdependence. Emphasizing forward-looking collaboration and agility, this session examines how advanced industry ecosystems—where AI and electrification drive innovation, efficiency, and resilience—are shaping the future of manufacturing. It will highlight successes, ongoing challenges, and the technological and policy innovations driving resilient, competitive industry development, offering practical lessons and collaborative approaches that foster sustainable growth and adaptability. 

Speaker:

Shilpan Amin | Global Chief Procurement and Supply Chain Officer, General Motors 

Steve Clemons | Editor at Large, The National Interest

A key request from Summit attendees? More networking opportunities. So many new partnerships and ideas have emerged from Meridian connections. Chat with a potential collaborator and imagine the ways you might work together, or head to a catalyst conversation for an intimate deep dive.  

Catalyst Conversations are back for a second year, bringing an innovative format and dynamic environment for attendees to engage with speakers and fellow participants in insightful conversations. These focused, diverse discussions will take place in 20-minute intervals during networking breaks. Each conversation will delve into a specific topic in a small group, allowing attendees to explore the day’s theme of Shaping Geopolitical Futures in greater depth.

Spaces are limited and available on a first-come basis—arrive early to secure your place! 

Charging Innovation: AI and Energy Policy

Artificial intelligence is transforming global industries and redefining the scale of energy demand. This discussion will explore how next-generation, carbon-free energy technologies are being developed to deliver reliability, resiliency, and sustainability on a global scale. It will also examine how collaboration across the private and public sectors is accelerating innovation that links energy advancement with industrial competitiveness. This 20-minute Catalyst Conversation will consider how the convergence of AI, energy, and policy is reshaping the foundation of modern growth and global leadership. 

Speakers:

Craig Sundstrom | Head of Energy and Sustainability Public Policy, Americas, Amazon Web Services

Dr. Ben Reinke | Senior Vice President, Global Business Development and Deputy Chief Commercial Officer, X-Energy 

Location: The Great Hall (second floor)

Charting the Future of Trusted Security Cooperation

As global security challenges intensify, states are increasingly looking to deepen international and bilateral partnerships as well as develop new pathways for trusted defense and technology cooperation. This conversation will explore how the United States and its allies can deepen coordination on deterrence, nonproliferation, and capacity-building while maintaining rigorous safeguards on sensitive technologies. From nuclear-powered submarines to advanced cyber capabilities, this 20-minute Catalyst Conversation will examine how trusted partnerships can expand shared security objectives without eroding global norms—and how future frameworks might balance innovation, transparency, and strategic stability in an increasingly complex defense environment. 

Speaker:

T.H. Bonnie Jenkins | Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security (2021-2024)

Roy Kapani | Chairman and CEO, SEACORP (Moderator)

Location: The Library (third floor)

With escalating cyber threats from sophisticated adversaries, securing America’s digital infrastructure is a critical national priority. National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross is spearheading an aggressive strategy to unify cyber policy, modernize federal networks, and foster strong collaboration between government and industry. These efforts include reauthorizing critical cybersecurity legislation, upgrading federal technology, promoting security and privacy by design, and streamlining regulations to enable effective defense. By aligning national capabilities and shaping adversary behavior, the United States aims to maintain its leadership in cyber resilience and technological innovation, ensuring a robust and forward-leaning cybersecurity posture. This conversation explores the complex coordination and forward-looking policies required to transform national cybersecurity defenses amid evolving digital threats. 

Speakers:

T.H. Sean Cairncross | U.S. National Cyber Director

Kellee Wicker | Vice President of the Center for Technology, Innovation, and Space, Meridian International Center (Moderator)

As energy access, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies redefine national competitiveness, governments and industries worldwide are reassessing the assets that service as leverage in global economic and strategic negotiations. This session explores how critical resources—such as AI capabilities, energy supply chains and digital currencies—are deployed as geopolitical bargaining chips to advance economic sovereignty and influence in a complex and rapidly shifting international landscape. 

Speakers

Jarrod Agen | Deputy Assistant to the President and Executive Director, National Energy Dominance Council

Jessica Dean | Host, CNN Newsroom (Moderator)

Nicole Isaac | Vice President, Global Public Policy, Government Affairs, Cisco 

T.H. Summer Mersinger | Chief Executive Officer, Blockchain Association

In a world defined by rising economic fragmentation and intensifying national interests, countries are recalibrating their strategies to safeguard sovereignty and secure advantages in an increasingly complex global economy. As multilateral trade agreements face strain and protectionist policies grow, this session will explore how these shifts are reshaping trade relations, investment flows, and market stability worldwide. Panelists will discuss the delicate balance between competition and cooperation, and what this evolving geoeconomic landscape means for global prosperity and economic diplomacy in the years ahead. 

Speakers:

T.H. Dina Powell McCormick | Vice Chair, President, and Head of Global Client Services, BDT & MSD Partner 

H.E. Jose Manuel G. Romualdez | Ambassador of the Philippines to the U.S. 

Paige Willey | Deputy Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and Deputy Director, White House National Economic Council

Deborah M. Lehr | Interim CEO, Meridian International Center (Moderator) 

Under the America First framework, foreign direct investment has become a driving force for U.S. economic renewal, empowering states and cities to compete globally by leveraging their regional strengths. From critical minerals and energy to advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology, targeted partnerships with trusted allies are repositioning local economies as essential contributors to national growth and security. Across the country, U.S. governors and mayors and their diplomatic and corporate partners are developing tailored strategies to welcome investments that enhance national security and economic growth across vital sectors. On the day of the launch of Meridian’s new Center for State and Local Diplomacy, this conversation with Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy explores how state and local governments are translating national priorities into actionable strategies—unlocking new opportunities for investment, job creation, and American competitiveness.

Speaker:

T.H. Mike Dunleavy | Governor of Alaska 

Edward Luce | U.S. National Editor and Columnist, Financial Times (Moderator)

This tribute honors Ambassador Stuart W. Holliday in recognition of his 18 years as CEO of Meridian International Center. His visionary leadership has been instrumental in advancing American diplomacy, building global partnerships, and strengthening Meridian’s role as a premier platform for international collaboration and cultural exchange. His enduring legacy reflects a deep commitment to fostering diplomacy through meaningful engagement around the world. 

Speakers:

T.H. Fred P. Hochberg | Board Chair, Meridian International Center 

T.H. Stuart W. Holliday | CEO Emeritus, Meridian International Center

Speaker:

Arthur R. Collins | Managing Partner, theGROUP