Participants and Partners

The strength and effectiveness of Hollings Center programs derives from its unique blend of participants and partners. Since its inception in 2004, the Center has carefully crafted a balance of backgrounds and viewpoints for the promotion of better dialogue.

Our dialogues bring together a geographically significant group of participants and partners to build networks and promote cross-cultural understanding.

  • 74 Countries

    The Center strives for geographic variety in all of its programs to allow for greater cross-cultural opportunities and global solutions. This includes Muslim-majority and non-Muslim-majority alike.

  • 39 U.S. States & Territories

    The Center aims to have representatives from across the whole of the United States, not just major metropolitan areas. Participants have come from every major geographic region of the US.

Dialogue participants and partners represent a wide array of expertise and disciplines. This carefully crafted balance opens minds to new ideas and opportunities.

  • Universities

    Participants include faculty, researchers, scholars, and students from universities and colleges around the world. The Center has partnered with many universities in the US, Türkiye, and the rest of the world.

  • Think Tanks

    The Center has partnered with US and global think tanks to discuss matters of policy and analysis. The Center regularly includes fellows and experts from these organizations.

  • Non-Governmental Orgs.

    Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) often provide on-the-ground connections to groups and individuals actively working to solve challenging issues. Furthermore, they help organize follow-on activities.

  • Government Representatives

    The Center connects with representatives of government agencies and legislatures, as well as diplomats. Establishing these relationships can impact other dialogue efforts and policy discussions.

  • Business & Trade Orgs.

    Public-private partnerships and the private sector can be major drivers of economic development. The Center engages business leaders and entrepreneurs to provide a difference of perspective.

  • Journalists & Media Outlets

    Freedom of speech and accuracy of facts are critical to fostering dialogue. To enhance understanding the Center regularly engages journalists and media outlets for first-hand knowledge.

  • Next Generation

    The Center believes engaging the next-generation of leaders and thinkers is critical to the long-term maintenance of dialogue. Many of the Center's programs focus on providing opportunities to this group.

  • Scientists & Scientific Orgs.

    Too often, there is a disconnection between science and policy. As data and data collection becomes increasingly important to make policy decisions, the Center invites members of the scientific community into its programs.

What our participants and partners have to say about us...

There is no doubt that the Hollings Center methodology is effective. A recent survey of past Hollings Center participants showed that over 90% of respondents are highly satisfied with the strength of the format and the quality of the discussion. Almost all participants responding to the survey report continued contact with their fellow dialogue participants. Hear directly from participants themselves what they have to say about our programs:

The Hollings Center for International Dialogue is a refreshing departure from the typical Washington, DC based institute: it keeps a very low profile and regularly accomplishes exactly what it has set out to do. It does so by organizing small, private roundtables… [that] inculcate a sense of honesty and modesty among the participants that most international panels or conferences fail to capture.

American Participant
Multiple Dialogues

Perception change takes time, but this is the starting point. When we were coming we were in a different mentality. I would say it’s more than 50% changed. We learned a lot of new things here. We made so many good friends. I know each and every person can bring a positive change.

Pakistani Participant
Dialogue: Afghanistan-Pakistan Partnership Summit II

I spoke with a great deal of participants that challenged my thinking in a substantive way. What was of particular interest was the interaction I had that discussed the role of whether water is a public good or market commodity. My thinking has evolved due to this interaction.

American Participant
Dialogue: The Water, Energy, Food Nexus

The unique thing we had was [multi-sector representation] in the room at this dialogue. What happens usually is that NGOs sit in a corner and talk to each other, same with other sectors. We should all go back... with this mindset.

Participant
Dialogue: Social Integration through Entrepreneurship

This event provided an excellent combination of expertise, perspectives, and national experiences. I feel lucky to have participated in an event where the discussion was high quality, wide ranging and respectful.

UAE Participant
Dialogue: High and Dry - Addressing the Middle East Water Challenge

A non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to fostering dialogue between the United States and countries with predominantly Muslim populations in the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Eurasia and Europe

E-mail: info@hollingscenter.org

US Phone: +1 202-833-5090

Istanbul Phone: +90 530 151 5603

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