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MEDIA ADVISORY: 2026 Meridian Sports Diplomacy Forum

WHAT: Meridian International Center, a nonpartisan center for diplomacy founded in 1960, will host the Sports Diplomacy Forum , a n inaugural convening of industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and cultural influencers. The half-day event on Thursday, January 29 (1:00 P M– 5 :30 PM ET ) will explore the powerful role of sports as a catalyst for economic growth, community development, and global engagement . WHO: Confirmed 2026 Sports Diplomacy Forum speakers and leaders include: Michelle Freeman , Owner, Washington Spirit Alex Lasry , CEO, FIFA World Cup 26 NYNJ Host Committee Mark Tatum , Deputy Commissioner, NBA Rick Wade , Senior Vice President, Strategic Alliances and Outreach, U.S.

Chamber of Commerce Quinton Lucas , Mayor, KC Mayor Dilpreet Sidhu , Deputy Mayor of International Affairs, Los Angeles Mayor's Office Marjorie Harris , Co-Founder, Harris Philanthropies Kelsey Trainor , Advisor, Athena Global Advisors Jason Wright , Partner, Ariel Investments Deborah Lehr , Interim CEO, Meridian International Center 2026 Sports Diplomacy Forum Sponsors : Axio s ( Media Partner ), Jetr , Fanduel , Strauss Family Foundation WHEN: Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM ET WHERE: Meridian House, 1630 Crescent Place, NW, Washington, DC 20009 WHY: The 2026 Sports Diplomacy Forum comes ahead of the US-hosted FIFA World Cup, LA28 Olympics, and Salt Lake City Winter Olympics 2034, offering exclusive insights into sports as a powerful tool of diplomacy from senior thought leaders.

Key discussion themes will include: Winning Public-Private Partnerships Local Leaders Shaping Global Sports Diplomacy Investing in Impact Through Global Sport The Rise of Women’s Sports as a Force for Social and Economic Progress Global Impact of Major Sports Leagues and International Sporting Events RSVP: Members of the media should RSVP by contacting Meridian International Center’s Communications team at communications@meridian.org , or request an invitation here .

PHOTO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES: The Sports Diplomacy Forum offers rich coverage possibilities. Journalists can arrange interviews with leading corporate and diplomatic figures on site. Photo/video highlights include panel discussions and networking. Please email the team at Communications@Meridian.org for more information. Related News Meridian to Honor Dana White for Transforming UFC into a Global Cultural Force Meridian International Center Announces 6th Class of Culturefix Awardees Reem Acra, Firelei Báez,...

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