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Meridian International Center Partner Code of Conduct – September 2024

Background on Meridian International Center Founded in 1960, Meridian International Center (Meridian) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan diplomacy center with the vision that greater understanding and collaboration between the United States and the world leads to a more prosperous future for all. Meridian believes the United States is stronger and the world is secure and more prosperous when leaders collaborate across countries and cultures.

Meridian strengthens engagement between the United States and the world to solve shared global challenges through four pillars of work: global leadership, diplomatic engagement, culture, and corporate diplomacy Our Work with Partners Meridian partners with various organizations, including vendors, contractors, subrecipients, and other external entities, to advance our mission of strengthening global engagement. Our partners are integral to the success of our operations, and we rely on their expertise and cooperation to fulfill our objectives.

As we collaborate, it is critical that partners align with Meridian’s core values of global community; collaboration; innovation; and selection of partners on merit-based qualifications. Purpose of the Partner Code of Conduct The Meridian Partner Code of Conduct (Code) sets forth the minimum standards we expect from our partners when providing goods and services to Meridian. This Code helps to communicate our principles and outline expectations for compliance with legal obligations, fair dealings, and responsible business operations.

Our Expectations of Meridian Partners Meridian expects all partners to adhere to the following principles: 1. Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Upholding a zero-tolerance policy on bribery and corruption is critical to maintaining ethical standards. Partners are expected to comply with anti-corruption laws and avoid improper payments or kickbacks, reporting any suspected incidents of bribery or unethical conduct immediately. 2.Confidentiality and Data Protection Maintaining the confidentiality of proprietary and sensitive information is critical to protecting Meridian’s operations, reputation, and compliance with legal obligations.

Partners are expected to take all necessary measures to safeguard confidential and proprietary information related to Meridian, its employees, clients, and partners. This includes implementing best practice security measures to protect any Meridian data that is shared with, processed by, or stored by the partner. Partners must comply with all relevant data protection regulations, including maintaining secure storage, access controls, and encryption where applicable.

Any breach or unauthorized access to Meridian data must be reported immediately, and steps must be taken to mitigate any risks resulting from such incidents. 3. Conflicts of Interest Ensuring that business decisions are free from conflicts of interest helps maintain trust, objectivity, and fair competition. Meridian expects partners to identify, disclose, and resolve any personal or financial conflicts of interest that could affect their work with Meridian.

Partners are expected to avoid offering gifts or favors that could influence Meridian’s decision-making. 4. Ethical Business Practices Ethical business practices build trust and support long-term, transparent partnerships. Meridian expects partners to conduct business with integrity, avoiding bribery, corruption, or fraudulent behavior. Partners are expected to operate transparently and ensure business decisions are made with honesty and fairness. 5.

Fiduciary Responsibility and Federal Compliance Contractors have a fiduciary responsibility to ensure the appropriate use of federal funds received when contracting with Meridian. Partners are expected to exercise due care in managing these funds, ensuring they are used in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. This responsibility extends to any subcontracts awarded using these funds, where partners must ensure that their subcontractors adhere to the same standards of care and compliance.

Partners must take all necessary steps to be aware of and comply with any federal requirements that flow down to them, including those related to the management and reporting of federal funds. Misuse, mismanagement, or failure to comply with federal regulations governing these funds could result in significant consequences, including termination of the contract and potential legal action. 6. Health and Safety A safe and healthy work environment promotes productivity and well-being.

Partners are expected to provide a safe working environment in compliance with all applicable health and safety laws and regulations, taking proactive steps to minimize workplace risks and prevent accidents. 7. Human Rights and Labor Practices Protecting human rights and ensuring the dignity of individuals is central to Meridian’s values. Partners are expected to prohibit the use of forced or child labor, while providing fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for workers' rights, including the right to collective bargaining.