UK Forum on Cultural Diplomacy 2026
“Strengthening Democracy, Women’s Leadership, Impactful Development and Security”
Forum Overview
Over the past decade, the world has experienced rapid change and dynamic developments. Geopolitical shifts continue to influence international relations, while societies are adapting to environmental changes, migration flows, evolving social norms, and public health challenges. Communities are navigating economic transitions, political debates, and questions of inclusion, civic engagement, and public trust, emphasizing the need for a greater dialogue and collaboration. At the same time, technological, economic, and cultural transformations are reshaping our daily lives. Breakthroughs such in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructures, and the cryptocurrency markets are redefining work, communication, and governance, creating new opportunities for innovation and cooperation.
In this vibrant context, the UK Forum on Cultural Diplomacy 2026 has been established to showcase how cultural diplomacy can drive solutions, foster collaboration, and create opportunities for progress. The events will take place in the Houses of Parliament both the House of Commons and the House of Lords providing a unique platform for discussion at the heart of UK democracy.
The UK Forum on Cultural Diplomacy 2026 will cover a wide range of topics, featuring initiatives on Africa, the Arab countries, Central Asia, women’s empowerment, security, and development, as well as related issues and contemporary economic topics including artificial intelligence, digital infrastructures, and cryptocurrency, all designed to support the Forum’s overall objectives as a whole.
The Scotland Forum »
The event will take place in the framework of “The Scotland Forum”. The Scotland Forum is an initiative aimed at enhancing Scotland’s international engagement across economic development, intercultural relations, and academic collaboration. Grounded in inter-parliamentary cooperation and supported by public-private partnerships, the initiative brings together lawmakers, academics, and business leaders to deepen ties and foster collaboration. More
Speakers & Delegates
Speakers during the forum will include leading politicians, diplomats, governmental officials, senior academics, and artists. These speakers will include individuals from the ICD Advisory Board. To learn more about the ICD Advisory Board, please click here.
Locations
Based in Westminster, London, the Forum will be hosted across a number of significant political, historic, and cultural venues throughout the city.
Participants »
Participation in the Forum is open to government and diplomatic officials, academics, artists, representatives of civil society, members of the private sector, as well as young professionals and students.
If you would like to reserve a position and participate in the forum, please click on the link below and fill out the online application form:
Participant Papers »
The Forum Committee encourages rigorous academic research and analysis on issues related to the objectives of the Forum. Accordingly, the Committee warmly invites Forum participants to submit papers for consideration, both for presentation during the Forum and for inclusion in the proposal document that will be issued following the event and distributed to governments and leaders of the international community worldwide.
