Symposia Partners:

Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy in Latin America

“The Colors of Latin America: Preserving Traditional Arts & Heritage in a Multicultural World”

(Berlin; August 14th - 16th, 2013)

Symposium Overview

The countries of Latin America play host to a diverse range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The Iberian colonization of large parts of the South American continent in the 16th century led to the introduction of French, Spanish, and Portuguese culture in the region, and this mĂ©lange, (strengthened even further by the cultural remnants of pre-Columbian civilizations, the influx of European immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries, and the introduction of Africans to the continent), has led to the development of one of the most clear-cut examples of a cultural melting pot in current existence. This is not to say, however, that the “cultures” of this expansive area have blended into one universal cultural paradigm: the diverse range of peoples across the South American continent have often maintained important elements of their own personal cultures, while also adapting aspects of the wide-reaching regional cultural identity, possessing a multitude of languages, dialects, religious beliefs, and popular cultures aspects.

Given the multitude of cultural identities present across Latin America, there has been increasing concern about the preservation of cultures on the continent, particularly in light of the recent destruction and deterioration of Aztec and Mayan cultural heritage sights in the region. Furthermore, as the full effects of globalization continue to be realized and Latin American becomes an increasingly prosperous economic power on the world stage, there exists fears that the countries of the continent could become westernized, diluting their own cultures in the process.

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy has therefore developed the International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy in Latin America with the aim of presenting to the world an original perspective on Latin America and its unique heritage, and will explore the potential of arts and culture to successfully support regional development.

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.

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

Sustainable Network »

During the program participants will have a number of opportunities to network with one another, with the speakers, and with ICD Advisory 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 »)

Symposium Speakers »

Speakers during the Conference will include leading dignitaries, heads of state, ministers, politicians, diplomats, academics, authors, human rights activist, journalists, authors, and artists, as well as figures and experts from international politics, economics, the cultural sector, diplomacy, and civil society and private sector representatives from around the world. 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

Participant Papers »

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy encourages academic research and analysis of issues related to the goals of the Symposium, and would therefore like to welcome participants to submit a paper they would like to be considered for delivery at the Symposium. Following the Symposium, select papers will be chosen to be included in the proposal document that will be issued and sent to all governments and leaders of the international community.


Certificate of Attendance

All Symposium participants will be awarded an official Certificate of Attendance upon completion of the program, which will provide details of the speakers who took part in the event and list the topics that were discussed. Each certificate will be signed by members of the ICD Advisory Board.

Symposium Agenda »

The International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy in Latin America will outline the cultural heritage of the nations in the region, exploring individual cultures whilst also probing the existence of a universal Latin American cultural outlook. The Conference will examine the challenges that the region may face in the future, whilst also highlighting its current successes. In addition, the symposium will underline innovative and successful Cultural Diplomacy practices in the preservation of arts and heritage across the multicultural continent. (More »)