Institute for Cultural Diplomacy

Our Programs

Our Programs

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy’s primary activity focuses on the development and the promotion of the field of Cultural Diplomacy with the aim to raise awareness and understanding of the field across the globe both locally and internationally; The ICD works continuously to develop new and innovative initiatives in the field of cultural diplomacy. In addition to 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 partnering and communicating with other actors in the field.

The ICD activities are implemented and executed through the following partner institutions (each institution focuses on strengthening inter-cultural understanding within a particular area):

ICD Academy for Cultural Diplomacy »

The Academy for Cultural Diplomacy aims to develop and raise awareness of the theory and practice of cultural diplomacy and related fields (such as human rights, international law, creative industries, and the performing arts) as well as to explore new strategies for the strengthening of intercultural relations and promoting global peace.

Activities of the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy include:

  • Center for Cultural Diplomacy Center »

    The Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies (CCDS) is one of the the world's leading institution for the study of Cultural Diplomacy, offering educational opportunities ranging from Professional Development and Distance Learning Programs to interdisciplinary Master's and Doctoral programs for individuals pursuing careers in academia, diplomacy, government, and/or the private sector.. (www.ccds-berlin.de)
  • International Conferences »

    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.

Inter Parliamentary Alliance for Human Rights & Global Peace (IPAHP) »

The Inter Parliamentary Alliance 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. To pursue these aims, the Initiative for Human Rights and Global Peace conducts four main types of activity:

Human Rights Initiatives include:


The ICD Academy House of Arts & Culture »

The ICD Academy House of Arts & Culture is a 5-building compound located in the north of Berlin. ICD House is a multi-purpose location that has been designed to provide an independent forum for interaction and exchange between groups and individuals from Berlin’s diverse communities including politicians, diplomats, cultural practitioners, academics, civil servants, and private sector representatives.

The ICD House of Arts & Culture serves as the Headquarters of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy and the institutions below:


Organization for Youth Education & Development (OYED) »

The Organization for Youth Education & Development (OYED) operates under the legal framework of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy and is organized in cooperation with national governments. The Organization is dedicated to the creation, promotion and execution of youth-oriented education and development programs.

Over the past decade, the OYED has managed to bring thousands of young people together from every corner of the world to discuss and promote issues that are vital to the younger generation.

To further promote and empower youth, the OYED undertakes a wide variety of different educational and professional initiatives.

These activities include the following:

  • International Conferences & Events »
    The OYED organizes and hosts events around the world at both the very high-level (including Heads of State, Ministers and Members of Parliament) and at the grass-roots level working with local communities and schools. The intention of the events is firstly to raise awareness and promote the issues that lie at the core of the OYED, secondly to expand the network of partners and youth of the OYED, and thirdly to further promote the mission of the OYED, so that it is implemented increasingly at the local, national and global levels.
  • OYED Young Leaders’ Forums »
    Through its Young Leaders Forums, the OYED is empowering the next generation of young leaders from around the world by creating exchange programs, events, programs and follow-up projects between them. By working with the next generation of leaders, the OYED and its partners have a unique opportunity to empower youth and have a long-term impact on the future global leadership.
  • Internship Project »
    The OYED Internship Project, which has now existed for ten years, was officially launched in January 2008 and has been successful in achieving its main purpose of enabling like-minded students and young professionals to come to Berlin and engage in intercultural and international programs. The internship program is an ongoing, evolving project and, as such its ultimate goal is to enable and empower young professionals to engage in intercultural relations and in so doing promote multiculturalism worldwide.