Overview

Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations, the Forum will focus on shaping the next chapter of global cooperation in an era of technological innovation, economic transformation and social progress. Held in parallel with the UN General Assembly High-Level Debate, the Forum provides a forward-looking platform where policymakers, diplomats, economists and cultural leaders can develop strategies to promote peace, sustainable economies and human dignity worldwide.

The Forum will highlight the supporting role of cultural diplomacy in advancing the UN drive resilient economies, inclusive societies, and constructive international partnerships. Sessions will explore how culture, creativity, and technology can foster cooperation and sustainable development, with particular focus on digital finance, impact investing, artificial intelligence, sustainable tourism and other forms of innovation. Participants will also examine opportunities to advance modern economies through inclusive growth, green innovation, responsible economic transformation and cross-border collaboration.

A key focus of the Forum will be empowering emerging leaders and next-generation changemakers to drive social impact, economic inclusion and creative solutions to global challenges. The Forum will also serve as a platform for catalysing global business partnerships by connecting governments, international organisations, and civil society to advance collaborative initiatives. Through high-level discussions, interactive sessions, and strategic exchanges, the Forum will generate forward-focused initiatives to integrate cultural diplomacy into the UN system, supporting human rights, democratic governance, and sustainable economic development.

On this milestone anniversary, the Forum will reaffirm the United Nations’ role as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and shared prosperity, positioning cultural diplomacy at the heart of a peaceful, inclusive and sustainable global future, culminating in a special Gala event at the conclusion of the Forum.

Locations

The Forum will be held in NYC, with the main conference taking place at the United Nations Headquarters. In addition, a series of sessions and events will be hosted at several of the city’s key political, historic, and cultural landmarks.

Speakers & Delegates

Speakers and delegates during the conference will include leading politicians, diplomats, and academics. 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.

Participants »

Participation in the conference is open to governmental & diplomatic officials, academics, civil society practitioners, private sector representatives and young professionals.

If you would like to reserve a position and participate in the symposium, please click on the link below and fill out the online registration form:

Participant Papers »

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