Middle East Leadership Initiative
Developing a new generation of community-spirited leaders in the Middle East.
Who We Are
The Middle East Leadership Initiative (MELI) identifies and motivates proven business and civil society leaders from countries in the Middle East — encompassing all countries in the region, including those in the GCC — to apply their unique skills and platforms to solving pressing societal challenges in their communities and countries.
Using the time-tested Aspen Institute method of text-based dialogue and building upon the Institute’s commitment to values-based, action-oriented leadership, the program provides selected “Fellows” with the impetus and perspectives necessary for effective, enlightened leadership in business and in society at-large.
Now, MELI has connected more than 100 values-driven, action-oriented leaders from across the Middle East. They come from a variety of sectors, including from the arts, media, finance/banking, retail, telecommunications, real estate, technology, and many others. Fellows get nominated to this program based on strong ethical and professional references, and are selected by a panel through interviews. MELI Fellows join more than 4,000 other Fellows from 62+ countries as part of the Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN).
MELI was founded in 2009 by Henry Crown Fellows Chadia El Meouchi Naoum and Shane Tedjarati in partnership with the Aspen Institute.
Our Approach
Our community of leaders embrace an ambitious and abundant mindset. Across all sectors, we come together under one north star of intergenerational family prosperity and well-being.
Building Fellowship
We provide an opportunity for a highly diverse community of proven, high-integrity, entrepreneurial leaders to pause, reflect, and refine how they lead in their homes, at work and in the world at large. Using the Aspen Institute’s time-tested leadership seminar model, we challenge them to “paint their lives on a broader canvas” and to stretch and do more for their societies.
Catalyzing Impact
Through their required leadership venture, MELI Fellows explore how to leverage their talent, experience, and access to address major societal issues in the region. From providing employment opportunities to women Saudi Arabia to inspiring civic engagement among youth in Palestine, MELI Fellows are moving the needle their communities’ most complex challenges.
Forging a Global Network
Through the partnership with the Aspen Institute, MELI Fellows are part of the larger AGLN, a worldwide community of successful, high-integrity, entrepreneurial leaders committed to making the world a better place. MELI Fellows have an opportunity to meet other Fellows from around the world at the “Leading in a Global Context” seminar, as well as larger annual events like the Resnick Aspen Action Forum.