The International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy in Germany

"The 70th Anniversary of the End of WW2 and the Establishment of the UN: Developing Initiatives to Promote Cultural Understanding, Global Human Rights & World Peace"

(Berlin; May 21st - 24th, 2015)

Introduction

The historic day of November 9th 2014, which marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the summer of 2015 which will mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the last world war and the establishment of the UN, represent the major transitions that have taken place globally in the development of global human rights towards a more peaceful, prosperous, equal and protected society.

As we celebrate these historic occasions together throughout the world, and in particular, at a time when new forms of violence are currently on the rise, we must remember and learn from the global cooperation and diverse initiatives of that time, which have allowed us the privilege to no longer live in a region of peoples divided, cultures suppressed and voices oppressed.
The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy has therefore created the symposium in order to build on this past experience, on the one hand, and on the other hand, to formulate new initiatives, which will strengthen international relations and encourage cooperation between diverse communities based upon values of peace, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Symposium Agenda

The International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy 2015 will include keynote addresses, lectures, and interactive panel discussions and debates in order to create a platform for new initiatives to be created and proposed. To complement and support the symposium curriculum, exhibitions will be hosted parallel to the symposium sessions and site-visits will be arranged.

By creating an effective platform for global dialogue and facilitating engagement with key global decision-makers, the symposium aims to foster greater global trust and understanding, and facilitate new creative and innovative ways to solve the issues which affect the peace and prosperity of the whole world today.

Symposium Speakers

Speakers during the symposium will include leading politicians, diplomats, governmental officials, senior academics, journalists, and celebrated artists. These speakers will include a large number of individuals from the ICD Advisory Board. To learn more about the ICD Advisory Board, please click here.

Speakers for the Symposium include:

Hon. Michèle Alliot-Marie
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of France
Gitta Connemann (MdB)
Member of the German Parliament
Hon. Anna Diamantopoulou
Former Greek European Commissioner for Employment
Roderich Kiesewetter (MdB)
Member of the German Parliament
Charles Huber (MdB)
Member of the German Parliament
Marian Wendt (MdB)
Member of the German Parliament
H. E. Amb. Syed Hasan Javed
Ambassador of Pakistan to Germany
Dr. Siswo Pramono
Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Indonesia to Germany
H.E. Amb. Ranko Vilovic
Ambassador of Croatia to Germany

Symposium Locations

Based in Berlin, the conference will be hosted at a number of important political, historic, and cultural locations across the city.

Symposium Participants »

Participation in the conference is open to governmental & diplomatic officials, academics, artists, journalists, civil society practitioners, private sector representatives, young professionals and students as well as other interested individuals from across the world.

Certificate of Attendance - All conference participants will be awarded an official certificate of attendance upon completion of the program, which will provide details of the speakers who took part and the topics discussed.

If you would like to reserve a position and participate in the conference, please click on the link below and fill out the online application form:

Participant Papers »

The Conference Committee encourages academic research and analysis of issues related to the goals of the Conference. The Conference Committee would therefore like to welcome the participants of the conference to submit a paper they would like to be considered for presentation at the conference as well as being included in the proposal document that will be issued following the conference and will be sent to all governments and leaders of the international community worldwide.

Sustainable Network »


During the program participants will have a number of opportunities to network with one another, with the speakers, and with ICD Board Members and partners. Conference participants will become part of the ICD Alumni, a growing international network of people of diverse interests and backgrounds from around the world who share a commitment to intercultural exchange. Members of the ICD Alumni Group will benefit from the following opportunities: Alumni online forum, Advisory Board Networking, ICD support for individual Leadership Initiatives, free access to all ICD research, videos and photos as well as other event documentation. Participants will be able to remain in touch with each other through the ICD Networks. (more)