[Aspen Institute](https://www.aspeninstitute.org)

September 2026 (application deadline, projected)

Fellowship program; covers four week-long seminars and leadership venture support over two years.

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. --- ## Due Dates - September 2026 (application deadline, anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - MELI is a fellowship program (not a direct monetary grant). - Covers participation in four week-long seminars over two years. - Includes support and mentorship for a required leadership venture. --- ## Eligibility - Open to proven leaders from the Middle East, including all countries in the region and the GCC. - Candidates are typically aged 30–45 and have already achieved significant professional success. - Fellows are selected from both business and civil society sectors, including arts, media, finance, technology, and more. - Nomination is generally required, with selection based on strong ethical and professional references and an interview process. - Fellows should be at an “inflection point” in their lives or careers and ready to consider a broader leadership role. --- ## Application Process - Candidates are nominated and then selected through a panel interview process. - The program consists of four week-long seminars over two years: - The Challenge of Leadership - The Aspen Seminar - Leading in a Global Context - The Promise of Leadership - Fellows must design and implement a personal leadership venture addressing a societal challenge in their community or country. - For application and nomination details, refer to the [program page](https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/middle-east-leadership-initiative/). --- ## Additional Information - MELI Fellows join a network of over 100 leaders from the Middle East and more than 4,000 Fellows worldwide through the Aspen Global Leadership Network. - Alumni ventures have addressed issues such as youth civic engagement, women’s employment, and independent journalism. - Fellows benefit from mentorship, peer learning, and participation in global Aspen Institute events. --- ## External Links - [Middle East Leadership Initiative Program Page](https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/middle-east-leadership-initiative/) - [About the MELI Experience](https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/middle-east-leadership-initiative/the-experience/) - [Impact of the Middle East Leadership Initiative](https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/middle-east-leadership-initiative/impact-of-the-middle-east-leadership-initiative/) - [Aspen Global Leadership Network](https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/middle-east-leadership-initiative/#) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |--------------|----------------------------------------------------------------| | Phone | (202) 736-5800 | | Contact Page | [Aspen Institute Contact](https://www.aspeninstitute.org/contact) | | Address | 2300 N Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20037, USA |

Middle East Leadership Initiative

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