Academy for Cultural Diplomacy

29/10/2026

European History in the Evolving World Order
History, Diplomacy and Dialogue in a Changing International Order
Institute of Historical Research, University of London | 26 October 2026

Historians without Borders Finland and the ICD Academy for Cultural Diplomacy organised a seminar examining contemporary international and societal developments from a historical perspective, with particular attention to Europe's position in the changing international order, the role of historical dialogue and international cooperation among historians.
The seminar was structured around three principal sessions:
Session I: Can History Help? Europe in a World of Hostile Great Powers and Unprecedented Challenges
The opening session examined the changing international order, the implications of great-power relations for Europe, and the relevance of historical interpretation to contemporary political developments and shifting alliances.
Speakers:
Professor Timothy Garton Ash – University of Oxford; keynote speaker, discussing themes from his book Europe in 7½ Chapters: The Shortest Introduction to the World’s Oldest and Newest Continent.
Professor Michael Cox – London School of Economics and Political Science.
Dr Larissa Kraft – Historian and researcher.
Session II: History Dialogues
The second session focused on the practical experiences and methodological approaches of historical dialogue. Particular attention was given to two meetings between Ukrainian and Russian historians in Finland, the preparation of a guide to organising history dialogues, and experiences of dialogue initiatives in Northern Ireland.
Speakers:
Dr Pertti Grönholm – University of Turku; presenting the experiences and initiatives of Historians without Borders Finland.
Professor Caoimhe Nic Dháibhéid – University of Sheffield; providing commentary and reflections on historical dialogue approaches, including experiences from Northern Ireland.
Session III: Historians without Borders – From Network to Organisation
The concluding session considered the organisational development of Historians without Borders, its international network and the possibility of establishing a more structured framework for participation by historians in the United Kingdom.
Speakers:
Dr Erkki Tuomioja – President of Historians without Borders Finland; former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland.
Dr Michael Weatherburn – Presenting possibilities for the participation and organisation of UK historians within the Historians without Borders framework.

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27/10/2026

Guest Professor Lecture by H.E. Ambassador Muhammad Zulqar Nain at the ICD Academy for Cultural Diplomacy
Ambassador of Bangladesh to Germany Addresses International Master's Students in Cultural Diplomacy Studies in Berlin
The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD) was honoured to welcome H.E. Ambassador Muhammad Zulqar Nain, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Germany, as a Guest Professor at the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin, where he delivered a lecture to international students enrolled in our Master's degree programmes in Cultural Diplomacy Studies.
The lecture offered students a valuable opportunity to engage directly with a distinguished diplomatic representative, gaining insights into contemporary international relations, the practice of diplomacy and the importance of intercultural dialogue in strengthening cooperation between nations.
Pioneering Academic Education in Cultural Diplomacy Since 2011
Although cultural diplomacy has historically been exercised de facto by states and civil society actors, its de jure recognition through formal academic pathways remained conspicuously absent until recent decades.
In 2011, recognising this gap, the ICD Academy for Cultural Diplomacy pioneered the world's first accredited Master's and Doctoral programmes in Cultural Diplomacy, in partnership with established European universities. These groundbreaking programmes marked an important milestone in establishing cultural diplomacy as an independent field of academic study, bringing together theoretical scholarship, diplomatic practice and interdisciplinary research.
Since 2011, more than 1,500 students have graduated from our Master's programmes in Cultural Diplomacy, establishing an international alumni network whose members contribute to diplomacy, international organisations, academia, cultural institutions and civil society across the world.
A Special Academic Relationship with Bangladesh
The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy enjoys a longstanding and particularly valued relationship with Bangladesh. Over the years, a significant number of Bangladeshi students have pursued their academic education through our programmes, contributing substantially to the intellectual diversity and international character of the Academy.
Ambassador Nain's guest lecture represents another meaningful contribution to this academic relationship, connecting diplomatic experience with the education of future generations of international professionals.
We extend our sincere appreciation to H.E. Ambassador Muhammad Zulqar Nain for sharing his knowledge and diplomatic experience with our students and look forward to continuing our fruitful academic cooperation with Bangladesh.

17/10/2026

Visit of Nigeria’s First Daughter to Germany
Chief (Mrs.) Dr. Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo
First Daughter of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Iyaloja-General of Nigeria
Chairman, National Market Council of Nigeria (NAMCOM)
Berlin–Potsdam, Germany | 12–16 October 2026

The ICD Academy for Cultural Diplomacy was honoured to organise and host the visit of Chief (Mrs.) Dr. Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, First Daughter of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, to Berlin and Potsdam from 12–16 October 2026.

This distinguished visit marked an important milestone in strengthening Nigeria–Germany relations, advancing Africa–Europe cooperation, and promoting cultural diplomacy as a bridge between nations, communities, and cultures.

Through her leadership positions in Nigeria, Dr. Tinubu-Ojo has championed women's economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, community development, traditional institutions, and the interests of market women and traders. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to deepen dialogue on the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening international partnerships, promoting sustainable development, and empowering women and young people across Africa and beyond.

The ICD Academy for Cultural Diplomacy extends its gratitude and special appreciation to the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Germany and the entire Embassy team for their invaluable support, close cooperation, and dedication, which contributed significantly to the success of this historic visit.

Above all, we express our appreciation to Chief (Mrs.) Dr. Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo for her distinguished leadership, vision, and continued dedication to advancing cultural diplomacy, strengthening international friendship, and promoting Africa's engagement with the global community.

Building Bridges Between Africa and Europe Through Cultural Diplomacy, Women's Leadership, and International Cooperation.

11/10/2026

11/10/2026

11/10/2026

10/10/2026

From Washington to the United Nations: Celebrating Dialogue, Diplomacy and Global Cooperation
Forums on Cultural Diplomacy in the USA & the UN 2026
Washington, D.C. & New York City | 5–9 October 2026
The Forums successfully concluded, bringing together an inspiring international community to advancing democracy, women's leadership, multilateralism, international cooperation and peace.
Canada was an important focus, as we advanced preparations for the forthcoming Forum on Cultural Diplomacy in Canada. Our special appreciation goes to Thi Be Nguyen, Founder of UniAction and the International Cultural Diplomacy Network in Canada, for her exceptional leadership, dedication and invaluable support in developing this initiative.
We are delighted to share photographs of our international delegation at United Nations Headquarters in New York, reflecting the spirit of friendship and cooperation and our shared conviction that cultural diplomacy plays an essential role in building bridges between nations and societies.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all partners and participants for their valuable contributions to the Forums and look forward to building upon these exchanges through new international partnerships and initiatives.
Bridging Cultures, Shaping Futures.

10/10/2026

From Washington to New York: Cultural Diplomacy, Leadership and Global Dialogue
Forums on Cultural Diplomacy in the USA & the UN 2026
Days 3 & 4 | New York City | 7–8 October 2026

Following the opening sessions in Washington, D.C., the Forums on Cultural Diplomacy in the USA & the UN 2026 continued in New York City, generously hosted by the Permanent Mission of the Principality of Monaco to the United Nations.
The New York programme benefited from the invaluable cooperation and contributions of Daphné Le Son, Deputy Permanent Representative of Monaco to the United Nations; Liz Dilizio, Director of FPCD; and Claudia Abate, Founder of the Foundation for Post-Conflict Development (FPCD); whose dedication and engagement were instrumental to the Forum.
The programme featured keynote addresses by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay, President of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA); Dr. Judy Kuriansky, UN adviser and Professor at Columbia University; and Rev. Prof. Edwin J. J. Momoh, Vice Chancellor of Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology, Sierra Leone, who addressed the importance of democracy, women’s leadership and impactful development for peace.
Two sessions explored “Cultural Diplomacy and the Role of Women, Youth and Civil Society”, featuring Yolanda F. Johnson, Founder of Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy; Patricia Leonard, Executive Director of the ASCAP Foundation; and Zuleya Cite, graduate of Seton Hall University’s School of Diplomacy; and “Multilateralism and Cultural Diplomacy”, featuring Hugh Dugan, co-author of The New Multilateralism, and Félix Bélanger, Founding President of the Museum of Salvador Dalí in Montreal.
Further contributions by Dr. Karl Moore, Dr. Prapee Apichatsakol, Dr. Zekeh Gbotokuma, Dr. Roger-Claude Liwanga and Sadik Abdi Adawe enriched discussions on international law, preventive diplomacy, global governance and maritime cooperation.
A special highlight was the presentation of The Peace Cookbook, celebrating culinary diplomacy as a powerful instrument for cultural exchange, mutual understanding and peacebuilding. Wheeler del Toro, author and culinary envoy, formally presented the cookbook to Mark Donfried, highlighting how food, shared traditions and cultural heritage can transcend political and geographical boundaries, connect communities and foster dialogue.
Our sincere appreciation goes to the Permanent Mission of the Principality of Monaco to the United Nations, particularly Daphné Le Son, as well as Claudia Abate and Liz Dilizio, for their exceptional cooperation, hospitality and commitment to advancing cultural diplomacy.
At a time of profound global challenges, the Forum reaffirmed the importance of cultural diplomacy as a bridge between nations, institutions and societies.
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09/10/2026

UN Women Executive Director H.E. Sima Bahous Welcomes High-Level Delegation to UN Women Headquarters in New York
Forums on Cultural Diplomacy in the USA & the UN 2026 | Washington, D.C. & New York City | 5–9 October 2026
Advancing Women’s Leadership Through Global Partnerships
On 8 October 2026, H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay, President of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), led a delegation to UN Women Headquarters in New York, where they were welcomed by H.E. Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women. The meeting explored opportunities for closer cooperation and future partnerships between UN Women, Women4Diplomacy International, the ICD Academy for Cultural Diplomacy and WFUNA.
For more than 20 years, the ICD Academy for Cultural Diplomacy has worked to advance women's leadership, rights and empowerment across continents. This important meeting represents another opportunity to strengthen international partnerships, expand women's participation in leadership and decision-making, and promote a shared vision of equality, democracy, diplomacy and peace.
Empowering women in leadership is not only a matter of equality it is an investment in a more peaceful, prosperous and inclusive future.

08/10/2026

Day Two in Washington, D.C. | Advancing Democracy, Women’s Leadership, International Cooperation and Peace

Forums on Cultural Diplomacy in the USA & the UN 2026
Washington, D.C. & New York City | 5–9 October 2026

The second day of the Forum on Cultural Diplomacy in the USA 2026, held on 6 October at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C., brought together ambassadors, political leaders, academics and representatives of civil society to address pressing challenges facing democracy, international development and peace. Under the theme “Strengthening Democracy, Women’s Leadership, Impactful Development and Peace,” discussions explored the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening democratic institutions and international cooperation.

The morning programme focused on women’s leadership, democratic resilience and social development, featuring Marijke Russo, Dr. Fatima Saad, Richardson Charles and Kervy Delcy. Keynote addresses by Prof. Bahar Jalali, founder of Afghanistan’s first Gender Studies Programme, and Prof. Ali Ahmad Jalali, former Minister of Interior of Afghanistan, offered perspectives on education, leadership and societies affected by conflict.

The diplomatic programme featured H.E. Daniel Castillos, Ambassador of Uruguay; H.E. Tareq Md Ariful Islam, Ambassador of Bangladesh; and Tatiana Mester-Balan, Deputy Chief of Mission of Moldova. Afternoon keynote addresses by H.E. Pjer Šimunović, Ambassador of Croatia, and H.E. Narek Mkrtchyan, Ambassador of Armenia, examined cultural diplomacy in a changing world and democracy as a pathway to peace.

A central political contribution came from Steve Israel, former Member of the U.S. Congress (2001–2017), who addressed the prospects for bipartisanship in American politics and the importance of dialogue across political divides.

The day concluded with a high-level panel on cooperation between the United States, Africa and the Caribbean, featuring H.E. Jacinth Henry-Martin OBE, Ambassador of Saint Kitts and Nevis; H.E. Momodou Lamin Bah, Ambassador of The Gambia; H.E. Alfredo F. Nuvunga, Ambassador of Mozambique; and H.E. Chibamba Kanyama, Ambassador of Zambia.

Moderated by Mark C. Donfried of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, the Forum underscored a central message: strengthening democracy, advancing women’s leadership and building lasting peace require sustained diplomatic dialogue, mutual understanding and meaningful international partnerships.