Overview

Over the past decade, the United States and the world have faced a range of complex and interconnected challenges. Geopolitical tensions continue to influence global relations, while environmental change and social issues such as inequality, migration, public health, and community cohesion place increasing pressure on societies.

Across the United States, communities are adapting to economic transitions, political divisions, and shifting social norms. Questions of inclusion, civic participation, and public trust underscore the importance of open dialogue and cooperation. At the same time, rapid advances in technology, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and cryptocurrency are reshaping how people work, communicate, and govern. These innovations create opportunities for progress, yet also bring new challenges related to information accuracy, data protection, and the preservation of personal and collective autonomy.

In response to these developments, the US Forum on Cultural Diplomacy has been established to examine how cultural diplomacy can help address these challenges through dialogue, collaboration, and constructive engagement. The Forum seeks to advance democracy, sustainable development, and global security. Its programs and initiatives will focus on a range of themes, including partnerships with Africa, the Americas, and Central Asia, as well as women’s leadership, security, development, and emerging economies, all reflecting the Forum’s broader mission.

Through the exchange of ideas and the promotion of mutual understanding, the Forum aims to strengthen cooperation between the United States and its global partners, while helping communities at home and abroad navigate today’s rapidly changing political, social, and economic landscape.

Locations

The Forum will take place in Washington D.C. and will be hosted in the US Congress as well as at a number of important political, historic, and cultural locations across the city.

Speakers & Delegates

Speakers during the forum will include politicians, diplomats, governmental officials, and senior academics. These speakers will include individuals from the ICD Advisory Board.

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 conference, 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.

To read articles submitted by participants of our international conferences or to submit a paper please click here ».