The International Conference on Cultural Diplomacy & the UN

"Cultural Diplomacy & Soft Power in an Interdependent World: The Opportunities for Global Governance"

(New York City & Washington D.C.; February 21st - 24th, 2012)

Event Introduction

The “Conference on The United Nations and Cultural Diplomacy” is one of a three – part series of International Conferences held by the ICD on the issue of ‘International Institutions and Global Governance: The Role of Cultural Diplomacy’. The aim of the conference this year is to reflect on the role of the United Nations within the international system, on global governance as a whole in terms of key international issues and on how Cultural Diplomacy takes place. The program will consist of lectures, seminars, debates and panel discussions that will feature leading figures from international politics & diplomacy, academia, civil society, and the private sector.

In an age of international instability and discontent the United Nations marked a transition towards a more soft power based approach to international relations. With its specific aim to foster peace and cooperation agreements, the United Nations was the first institution to focus on relations between states and international understanding. Cultural Diplomacy is becoming increasingly important within international relations and The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy reflects the desire to expand on this work.

This conference will focus on and analyze “Could Cultural Diplomacy represents a useful tool for fostering international cooperation within an institutional framework and within the wider global government?”

Conference Locations »

Based in Washington D.C. and NYC, the conference will be hosted at the UN headquarters in NYC and in the UNDP offices in Washington D.C (more)

Conference Participants »

The conference is open to applications from governmental and diplomatic officials, civil society practitioners, young professionals, students and scholars, private sector representatives, journalists, and other interested stakeholders from across the world.

If you would like to reserve a position, please click on the "Apply Now" link below:

Certificate of Attendance

All participants will be awarded an official certificate of attendance upon completion of the program, which provides details about the speakers and topics at the conference. Each certificate will be signed by members of the ICD's Advisory Board.

Conference Speakers »

Speakers during the conference will include leading figures and experts from civil society, international politics, academia, diplomacy, and the private sector from across the world. These speakers will include a number of individuals from the ICD Advisory Board (for further information about the Advisory Board please click here).

Participant Papers »

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy encourages research and progressive thought on the fields of culture, globalization, and international relations. As such, the ICD welcomes participants of the conference to submit relevant papers addressing topics within these fields particular to their interests and passions. Participants can submit papers written in the past for other purposes or ongoing research, or written specifically for the conference. Groups of students are also allowed to submit collaborative pieces of work.

Conference Agenda »

The goal of the United Nations and Cultural Diplomacy Conference is to induce new momentum in the debate about the role of international institutions such as the United Nations, the working of global governance as a whole and effectiveness of Cultural Diplomacy. In discussing these issues The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy hopes to facilitate new tools to promote international relationships and cooperation in a globalised world.

The Congress seeks to achieve a deeper understanding of Cultural Diplomacy policies in this new modern age and will achieve these goals by exploring the routes and avenues by which a balance can be sought between ‘hard’ and ‘soft power’ represented by institutions such as the United Nations. (more)