The International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy 2010:

Culture, Globalization, and International Relations over the next Two Decades

(Berlin; May 23rd - 30th, 2010)
The International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fields of international relations and cultural studies. Held annually in Berlin by the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, the event brings together renowned figures from international politics and academia to speak to an interdisciplinary audience including diplomatic and political representatives, scholars and academics, students and young professionals, and other interested stakeholders. The International Symposium 2010 will focus on the relationship between culture, international relations, and globalization through a program of lectures, discussions, debates, and cultural activities.

The change over the past two decades from an international system based on independent nation states to an interdependent world facing global challenges has been widely explored and analyzed. This shift has placed a higher priority on nation states working closely with one another and pursuing sustainable multilateral approaches to tackling global and regional challenges. The International Symposium 2010 will build on the foundation of these discussions by exploring the challenges that lie ahead and the complex relationship between culture, international relations, and globalization over the next two decades.

Symposium Agenda »

The International Symposium 2010 will be split into three complementary parts. The program will begin by looking in greater detail at "culture" and "identity" and how these terms are used and understood today. During this part of the program participants will have the opportunity to experience Berlin's famous "Carnival of Cultures".

The second part of the program will build on these components by considering the role that culture plays in contemporary international relations and the process of globalization. During these three days the concepts of "cultural diplomacy" and "soft power" will also be explored in more detail.

The final part of the program will apply these discussions to one of the key issues that will determine global politics over the coming years – Afghanistan and stability in Central Asia.

The Symposium will be split into the following three parts:
  • "Defining and Understanding Culture in an International Context"
    (23rd - 25th May) more »
  • A Three Piece Puzzle - "The Relationship between Culture, International Relations and Globalization"
    (26th - 27th May) more »
  • "Understanding Afghanistan and Central Asia: Supporting Democracy and Stability - The Path Ahead"
    (28th - 30th May) more »
For more information about the Symposium Agenda please click here.

Symposium Speakers »

The speakers during the International Symposium 2010 will include leading figures from international politics, academia, civil society and the private sector, from across the world. more

Symposium Participants

The Symposium participants will include young professionals and students, political and diplomatic representatives, scholars, journalists, civil society practitioners, economists, and other stakeholders in international relations from across the world.

Symposium Locations »

The Symposium will be based at the ICD House, located on the historic Kurfürstendamm in West Berlin. Sessions during the program will also take place at external locations including the German Foreign Office, the German Parliament, the Berlin City Hall, the Olympic Stadium, Berlin Embassies, and the Berlin Theatre on Kurfürstendamm. more

Certificate of Attendance

All participants of the Symposium will be awarded an official certificate of attendance at the end of the program. This certificate will confirm attendance and provide details of the speakers who took part during the program and the topics discussed.

Sustainable Network

Participants of the symposium will become part of a growing international network of people from across the world with different fields of interest and levels of experience who share a commitment to intercultural exchange. Participants will be able to remain in touch with each other through the ICD Online Network. This network represents a medium through which members can exchange information on research, job opportunities, related events, and coordinate their own cultural exchange initiatives. The ICD will help to support the symposium participants in their future activities by providing guidance and advice on possible research topics and helping to support members who plan to organize their own cultural exchange initiatives.