Institute for Cultural Diplomacy

Our Programs

To 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)
The Academy for Cultural Diplomacy is the academic department within the ICD which works to analyze and raise awareness of the practice of Cultural Diplomacy by governments and non-state actors, and to explore new strategies for the strengthening of intercultural relations in general. Areas of particular focus include the balance of hard and soft power, intercultural exchange, the process of globalization, the interdependence of nation states, and the use of cultural initiatives to generate mutual understanding.

Programs include:

Cultural Diplomacy Research » (www.cd-research.org) - Cultural Diplomacy Research is an online resource providing commentary and analysis on the latest developments in the field of Cultural Diplomacy, and focuses on expanding the current understanding of Cultural Diplomacy, as well as the methods for which Cultural Diplomacy can be successfully implemented.
Thematic Programs » (www.icd-thematicprograms.org) - Thematic Programs are programs focused on specific political, cultural, or economic issues, or which concentrate on a particular geographical region or area. The Thematic Programs focus on the implementation and utility of Cultural Diplomacy as a tool to promote cooperation and understanding in a number of areas. Each Thematic Program includes a variety of activities based on a particular theme, ranging from International Conferences and Global Events to Interactive Panel Discussions, and Exhibitions.
Center for Cultural Diplomacy Center » (www.ccds-berlin.de) - The Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies (CCDS) is the world’s leading center for the study of Cultural Diplomacy, offering educational opportunities ranging from Weeklong seminars and Distance Learning Programs to interdisciplinary Master’s and Doctoral programs for individuals pursuing careers in academia, diplomacy, government, and/or the private sector, dedicated either wholly or in part to the field of Cultural Diplomacy.
International Conferences » (www.icd-conferences.org) - International Conferences focus on salient issues in a variety of fields ranging from Cultural Diplomacy and International Relations to Human Rights and Sustainable Development. The International Conferences provide an opportunity for larger audiences to actively participate and engage in lectures, debates, and discussions featuring high-profile figures from the fields of international politics, diplomacy, culture, academia, and the private sector.

Youth Education & Development Advancement

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy places particular emphasis on youth empowerment and education, with the belief that improving opportunities for education and youth advancement across the globe will contribute to a more stable global society. As such, the ICD has established a number of programs aimed at facilitating youth development and advancement around the world.

Programs include:

Organization for Youth Education & Development » (www.oyed.org) - The Organization for Youth Education & Development (OYED) is dedicated to the initiation, promotion, and execution of education and development programs for the youth. The OYED provides the younger generation with greater access to personal development, while increasing their chances for professional opportunities.
Young Leaders' Forums » (www.icd-ylf.org) - The ICD Young Leaders’ Forums are international networks of like-minded young individuals with an interest in developing, supporting, and sustaining intercultural relations either within a particular region or country, or between regions and countries.
Internship Project » The ICD Internship Program enables like-minded young undergraduates, graduates, and professionals the possibility to work in a multicultural environment while promoting intercultural and international programs. The Project aims to empower young professionals to engage in intercultural relations and in so doing, promote multiculturalism worldwide.

Human Rights & Global Peace

(www.icd-humanrights.org)
The ICD Program for Human Rights and Global Peace has been established to raise awareness of the universality of fundamental human rights, to promote social and economic development in developing countries across the world, and to strengthen intercultural relations between peoples and their communities at all levels in order to achieve global peace and stability.

Programs & Initiatives include:

Center for Conflict Zones Mediation » (www.cczm.de) - The Center for Conflict Zones Mediation (CCZM) is an international institution promoting processes of Conflict Resolution and Peace Building through the practice of Cultural Diplomacy.
The UN Genocide Convention » (www.un-genocide-convention.org) - The UN Genocide Convention calls for the creation of an "Independent Committee within the United Nations to revisit and review the Convention,” and in turn develop a specific proposal for revision and amendment to “the Convention”. It is our goal to enforce the prevention of the crime, thus enabling a rapid response to “Acts of Genocide” and other atrocities.
Initiative on the UN Women's Rights Convention » (www.born-equal.org) - The Initiative on the UN Women's Right Convention aims to not only raise awareness of discrimination, but also to support a diverse range of activity that promotes equality at different levels, in different regions of the world, with the goal of uniting a diverse range of representatives in support of this cause.
Environmental Responsibility & Climate Change » The Initiative on Environmental Responsibility & Climate Change focuses on the importance of building and supporting dialogue between science and civil society in order to raise awareness and provide viable solutions through domestic and international policy considerations, with the aim to draw attention, explore, discuss, and promote issues concerning environmental responsibility and climate change challenges.
Corporate Cultural Diplomacy » The Corporate Cultural Diplomacy Initiative focuses on drawing attention to and further debating the importance of CSR initiatives and diplomatic efforts of the private sector for both corporations and communities in establishing amicable relationships.