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IntroductionFounded in 1999, the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy is an international, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization with headquarters in Berlin, Germany. The ICD´s ultimate goal is to promote global peace and stability by strengthening and supporting intercultural relations at all levels. Over the past decade the ICD has grown to become one of Europe’s largest independent cultural exchange organizations, hosting programs that facilitate interaction among individuals of all cultural, academic, and professional backgrounds, from across the world.PhilosophyThe ICD understands that in an increasingly globalized world, in which people are able to travel and exchange information faster than ever before, there is a growing interdependency between nations. As a result, successful inter-cultural interaction will undoubtedly become a major challenge for international relations in the 21st century.The ICD believes that inter- and intra-cultural relations can be strengthened and maintained through dialogue. This, in turn, leads to a better understanding and greater trust between cultures, prevent misunderstanding, improve communication and cooperation and help to reduce the likelihood of socio-cultural conflicts. Role & MissionThe major objectives of the ICD are to extend current research, programs and practices in the field of cultural diplomacy and create a platform to promote and sustain inter-cultural dialogue at all levels. The ICD sees the role of researching, promoting and developing the field of cultural diplomacy as an integral part of its mission.Activity & MethodologyTo further promote the field of cultural diplomacy the ICD organizes programs that aim to develop the participants' awareness and understanding of the theory and practice of cultural diplomacy. The aim of the ICD's programs is to impress upon participants the value of cultural diplomacy, and to encourage and support them to explore the field further and subsequently to initiate independent projects. The ICD actively encourages and supports cultural diplomacy as an academic discipline.In addition, ICD's works to consider new initiatives and opportunities for the field that have not previously been explored. As well as promoting cultural diplomacy through its own initiatives, the ICD also promotes cultural diplomacy by actively supporting the work that is already being done in this area by communicating with, partnering, and publishing material by other actors in the field. ICD programs can be split into three distinct categories: the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy activities, Youth Education & Development Advancement programs and the Human Rights & Global Peace programs. Each category focuses on strengthening intercultural understanding within a particular field. Academy for Cultural Diplomacy (www.icd-academy.org)
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