Middle East Leadership Initiative
The Middle East Leadership Initiative empowers proven Middle Eastern leaders to address societal challenges through immersive seminars and a leadership venture as part of the Aspen Institute fellowship.
Funder: Aspen Institute
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2026 (application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Fellowship program; covers four week-long seminars and leadership venture support over two years.
Summary: Empowers proven Middle Eastern leaders to develop values-based leadership and address societal challenges through an Aspen Institute fellowship.
Description
The Middle East Leadership Initiative (MELI) is an Aspen Institute fellowship designed to empower accomplished business and civil society leaders from across the Middle East. Through a series of four immersive seminars and a required leadership venture, MELI Fellows reflect on their leadership styles, engage in text-based dialogue, and are challenged to apply their talents to address major societal issues in their communities and countries. The initiative aims to foster a diverse, action-oriented network of leaders committed to positive societal impact, and connects participants to the broader Aspen Global Leadership Network.
