Funder: Aspen Institute
Due Dates: Class VII nominations closed | May 9–14, 2027 (Seminar 1) | October 17–22, 2027 (Seminar 2) | March 5–10, 2028 (Seminar 3) | October 15–20, 2028 (Seminar 4)
Funding Amounts: Two-year fellowship covers seminar tuition, materials, and lodging; Fellows pay travel and incidental expenses
Summary: A values-based leadership fellowship helping proven Middle East leaders turn their experience and resources toward community and regional impact.
Key Information: Third-party nomination is required; individuals cannot apply, and all four seminars require full attendance.
Description
The Middle East Leadership Initiative (MELI) at the Aspen Institute brings together proven leaders across the Middle East to address pressing societal challenges. Its two-year fellowship uses text-based dialogue to deepen self-awareness, explore values and purpose, and strengthen leadership with integrity. Each class includes 20–24 Fellows, largely from business and civil society, who build connections across national, sectoral, and ideological lines.
Fellows attend four approximately week-long seminars and pursue an Impact Journey: an initiative of their own design that puts their values and leadership into action for their community or the region. The program supports a shared focus on prosperity and well-being and connects participants to the Aspen Global Leadership Network. Fellows’ work has included expanding employment opportunities for women in Saudi Arabia and encouraging youth civic engagement in Palestine.
