By Ambassador (ret) Greta C. Holtz, President and CEO, Amideast
In 2026, Amideast marks 75 years of working within communities across the Middle East and North Africa region, and beyond. Over the years, the region has experienced profound change—politically, economically, and socially. Through it all, one lesson remains constant: meaningful relationships and trust between people and institutions are built over time and are necessary for stability and prosperity.
This anniversary is an opportunity not only to reflect on where we have been, but also to consider what our long-term engagement in the region and beyond has taught us and why it continues to matter.
Trust Is Built Through Transparency and Quality
Trust is not built overnight. For 75 years, Amideast has built and maintained consistent, reliable, and transparent relationships across the region and has delivered concrete results for individuals and institutions. Our programs are the gold standard in English language learning, education abroad, exchanges, workforce development, and more. Adapting to changing local contexts makes us agile, transformational, and responsive. It has also reinforced an important tenet: programs are most effective when they are tailored to the communities they serve.
At a time when many across the region continue to navigate difficult circumstances, trusted partners are more important than ever.
Opportunity Extends Across Generations
The impact of education is rarely limited to a single moment. It unfolds over time, often in ways that are not immediately noticeable.
Students who gain access to new opportunities go on to become teachers, entrepreneurs, public servants, and leaders in their communities and beyond. They mentor others, create jobs, and contribute to institutions that strengthen their societies. In this way, the effects of a single opportunity can extend across generations.
This continuity, one of the most powerful aspects of our work, serves as a reminder that investing in people is an investment in the future.
Access and Skills Matter More Than Ever
While the core principles of partnership remain the same, the context continues to evolve. Today, students and professionals face increasing demand for skills, credentials, and international experience.
Access to high-quality academic instruction, durable skills development, language training, and recognized language proficiency assessments plays a critical role in enabling individuals to pursue academic pathways, enter the workforce, and compete in a global economy. Institutions, too, are seeking ways to strengthen capacity and respond to these changing needs.
Organizations that can bridge local knowledge with global opportunity have an important role to play.
Looking Ahead
The most meaningful way to mark this anniversary is not simply to look back, but to reaffirm our long-standing commitment: to stay engaged, to adapt, and to continue building the partnerships that make opportunity possible.
Marking 75 years is a significant milestone, but it is not an endpoint. The need for skills development, cross-cultural understanding, and institutional partnerships remains as strong as ever.
Looking ahead, Amideast will continue to work alongside partners across the Middle East and North Africa region, and beyond expanding access, strengthen systems, and support the next generation of learners and leaders.
The most meaningful way to mark this anniversary is not simply to look back, but to reaffirm our long-standing commitment: to stay engaged, to adapt, and to continue building the partnerships that make opportunity possible.