Promoting professional and academic enrichment through direct engagement conferences in Western Asia & North Africa

Upcoming virtual event organized by the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies and The Exchange Foundation

The Exchange Foundation is an effort by the non-profit, 501(c)3 Foundation for Global Political Exchange to promote professional and academic enrichment through a variety of small group, direct engagement conferences in Western Asia and North Africa.

During their stay, typically lasting five days to one week, participants from around the world listen to and question leading intellectuals, activists and politicians representing an array of different points of view in a specific country.

The first Exchange was launched in June 2008 in Beirut, Lebanon. Now, more than a decade later, 1,200+ people from 51 different countries have attended 50 different Exchanges in the region.

Crucially, all funding for the Exchange comes from only two sources: The participants themselves who pay the participation fee or scholarship recipients who benefit from individual, charitable contributions designed specifically to broaden the social, political and geographic diversity of each Exchange table. As such, there is no government, commercial or non-profit support, an aspect that we believe provides a relatively independent platform for dialogue and understanding.

Listen to and question leading intellectuals, activists and politicians

Broad social, political and geographic diversity of speakers

Creating an independent platform for dialogue and understanding

More than 1,200 participants, 51 countries, 50 different Exchanges

The best immersion course on a country in transition I’ve seen.

Dr. Alfred Stepan

Dean of the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University

There could not exist a more thorough and intensive immersion into Lebanese history and politics than The Exchange.

Nathan Wexler

Phd. Candidate

I learned more in my 10 days at the Beirut Exchange than in any university course on the subject! This was a wonderful experience filled with fascinating speakers.

CBS News reporter

Nicole Sganga

A well-oiled program that brings you an impressive number and selection of speakers from across the spectrum. Worth every penny!

Oliva Holt-Ivry

Senior Programs Advisor on Women, Peace, and Security, U.S. Department of State

Illuminating and life changing experience. I will recall the Exchange as one of the most authentic educational experiences of my life.

Sahar Rizvi

Masters Candidate

Research Fellow of the Conflict Research Unit of the Clingendael Institute

Dr. Jalel Harchaoui

Time-tested technique and tactful diplomacy enables The Exchange to achieve an environment conducive to attention, dialogue and reflection.

Intensive & Immersive Courses on Western Asia & North Africa

Unique access to information, perspectives, updates and analysis.

Access to information

Gain direct insight and rare first-hand knowledge about the country from a wide range of perspectives.

First-hand knowledge

Engage with speakers during the sessions and connect with them after the Exchange.

Connect with speakers

Participants will have the opportunity to meet, listen and engage leading social, political and economic actors from across the spectrum in Western Asia and North Africa

Dialogue with Leaders

Participants will have the opportunity to meet, listen and engage leading social, political and economic actors from across the spectrum in Western Asia and North Africa

Dialogue with Leaders

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