International Center Alliance of Civilizations

18/09/2025

During the VIII Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana, the International Center Alliance of Civilizations proudly renewed its partnership agreement with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), represented by H.E. Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for UNAOC.

This renewal marks a powerful reaffirmation of our shared commitment to advancing peace, understanding, and cooperation worldwide. Together, ICAC and UNAOC will continue to collaborate closely on initiatives that are deeply aligned with our missions, including:

➡️ Promoting Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue
➡️ Fostering Social Inclusion, Combating Xenophobia, Hatred, and Religious Intolerance
➡️ Implementing the UN Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites
➡️ Sharing Best Practices and Knowledge
➡️ Empowering Youth as Advocates for Intercultural Understanding

For ICAC, this renewed agreement is not only a recognition of our dedication to building bridges between cultures and faiths, but also an important step forward in ensuring that our global efforts create lasting, meaningful impact.

We look forward to the next chapter of cooperation with UNAOC, as we work hand in hand for a more inclusive, respectful, and peaceful world.

27/05/2025

As part of the 3rd Skopje Cultural Diplomacy Forum, a compelling side event was held featuring a focused discussion on the initiative “Historians Without Borders” – a unique global effort to promote dialogue, mutual understanding, and peace through collaborative historical reflection.

The session was headlined by former Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja, founder of Historians Without Borders, who shared his vision on the importance of history as a tool for reconciliation and diplomatic engagement.

The conversation was enriched by insights from two prominent Macedonian historians:

Prof. Dr. Mitko Panov, President of the Institute of National History, who reflected on the responsibility of historians in shaping national narratives with integrity and openness.
Prof. Dalibor Jovanovski, who emphasized the importance of academic cooperation across borders to counter manipulation of historical facts and promote shared truths.
Together, the speakers underscored that history, when addressed transparently and collaboratively, can serve as a bridge rather than a barrier—helping nations move from conflict toward understanding.

This session reminded us that cultural diplomacy is not only about art and tradition—it’s also about the stories we tell and how we tell them.

23/05/2025

Session 4 – Roundtable
Title: “Art as a Tool for Diplomacy: Building Bridges through Culture”

The session was opened by Zoran Ljutkov, Minister of Culture, who in his opening remarks emphasized the power of art as a means to connect and foster dialogue among diverse cultures and nations.
The speakers, including Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, former Director-General of ISESCO; Benedetto Zakiroli, President of the European Coalition of Cities Against Racism; Peng Guan, Founder of the International Asian Cultural Society; and Melpomeni Korneti, former Deputy Minister of Culture, shared their experiences and insights on the role of art as a key tool for cultural diplomacy and building bridges between communities.
Following the discussion, participants had the opportunity to enjoy a tour of the permanent exhibition at the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle, where they were introduced to significant historical artifacts that tell the story of the Macedonian struggle and identity.

This session highlighted the importance of culture and art as a foundation for understanding, cooperation, and peace among peoples.

22/05/2025

The session “Small States, Big Impact: Navigating Global Challenges through Collaborative Multilateralism and Cultural Diplomacy was the focal point of the third session of the Forum on Cultural Diplomacy, hosted by the President of Macedonia, Prof. Dr. Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova.

In her speech, she recalled the words of the Macedonian revolutionary Goce Delchev, who envisioned the world as a field for cultural, not military, competition among nations. “I wonder,” said Siljanovska-Davkova, “was Goce Delchev announcing the birth of Macedonian cultural diplomacy?”
“As a Member of Parliament, I participated in the first Forum on Cultural Diplomacy. I am pleased to be the host today. It is time for culture to receive its rightful place in diplomacy — precisely what you are all doing,” Siljanovska-Davkova concluded.
The former President of Macedonia, Prof. Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, emphasized that culture builds bridges, not walls. “It is time,” Ivanov stressed, “to overcome the mentality that small states are powerless and to network through multilateral and regional institutions.”
The speakers, including the former President of the Czech Republic Vaclav Klaus and senior Italian expert Rosetta Epifani, shared their professional insights on the topic.
“The United Nations General Assembly is the only platform where small states are equal to large ones,” highlighted Volkan Bozkir, former President of the UN General Assembly, underlining the importance of this institution.
In his speech, Henry Jones, advisor to the Secretary of State of Arkansas, emphasized the importance of culture and identity, especially for small states.

Following the official addresses, an open debate allowed for interaction between the speakers and participants, encouraging the exchange of ideas and innovative approaches for the future.
This session highlighted the importance of joint action by small states as a key factor in achieving global peace, stability, and development.

21/05/2025

The second session of the Third Forum for Cultural Diplomacy was held at the Parliament under the title “The Future of Democracy in a Fragmented World: How to Strengthen Democratic Institutions?”, aiming to initiate a meaningful debate on the challenges and opportunities facing democratic systems today.

The session was officially opened by Afrim Gashi, President of the Parliament, who emphasized in his opening address the need to focus on one of the advantages of cultural diplomacy — fostering better mutual understanding.

Former President of the Republic of Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov, also addressed the session, stressing the importance of political stability and leadership in turbulent times, as well as the necessity of transparency in order to build strong and stable institutions.

The session featured addresses by renowned political leaders and former high-ranking officials:

Ranko Krivokapić, former President of the Parliament of Montenegro (2003–2016) and Minister of Foreign Affairs (2022);

Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, Chair of the Alba Party from Scotland;

Davor Filipović, former Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Croatia;

Delia Domingo Albert, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines;

Saranda Imeri Stafai, Chair of the Committee on Culture and Tourism.

The session concluded with a general debate, allowing participants — including the Vice Presidents of the Parliament, political party coordinators, and members of the Committee on Culture and Tourism — to actively take part in the discussion, exchanging opinions and ideas about the future of democracy.

20/05/2025

The Third Forum for Cultural Diplomacy Officially Opened.

With the first session held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the forum was officially opened today under the title “Sustainable Development and Cultural Diplomacy – Fostering Global Partnerships.”

The Forum is dedicated to fostering intercultural dialogue, building bridges between nations, and creating new global partnerships.

At the opening, a strong message was delivered about the importance of cultural diplomacy as a key element in promoting understanding, tolerance, and peace worldwide. The speakers shared their visions of a world where cultural differences are not a barrier but a foundation for cooperation and prosperity.

The first session, titled “Sustainable Development and Cultural Diplomacy – Fostering Global Partnerships,” brought together prominent leaders from Macedonia and across Europe.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Timco Mucunski, as the host of the Forum’s opening, expressed that it was an honor for the Ministry to host the Forum for Cultural Diplomacy. He emphasized that the Ministry will continue to dedicate itself to promoting Macedonian culture on the global stage.

Opening remarks were also delivered by Ivan Ivanov, Chairman of the Executive Board of the International Center “Alliance of Civilizations,” as well as former President of the Republic of Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov, and Dr. Mark Donfried, Director of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin.

Keynote addresses were also given by: Václav Klaus, former President of the Czech Republic, Rexhep Meidani, former President of the Republic of Albania, Miro Kovač, former Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia, and Erkki Tuomioja, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland.

The session opened space for reflection on sustainable development as a global priority and the role of cultural diplomacy in building long-term partnerships.

Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and exchange experiences with the speakers, creating a dynamic platform for new ideas and joint initiatives.

20/05/2025

We kicked off the 2025 Skopje Cultural Diplomacy Forum with its first side event held at the Mother Teresa Museum.

H.E. Delia Domingo Albert, the first woman Foreign Minister of the Philippines and in Asia, visited Skopje to turn over a painting and historical documents honoring Mother Teresa, who received the Ramon Magsaysay Award from the Philippines even before her Nobel Peace Prize.

The event brought together several distinguished guests, including the ambassadors of Germany, Romania, and Japan, highlighting the power of cultural diplomacy in fostering global partnerships. A special emphasis was placed on the legacy of Mother Teresa, as well as the vital role of women in world diplomacy.

The event is co-organized by the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin and the Cabinet of the former President of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

18/05/2025

Skopje Cultural Diplomacy Forum 2025
“Sustainable Development and Cultural Diplomacy – Fostering Global Partnerships”

📅 May 19–22, 2025 | 📍 Skopje

From May 19 to 22, the city will host the Third Cultural Diplomacy Forum, bringing together leaders, visionaries, and policymakers from around the world to discuss the future of global cooperation.
The forum is organized by the Office of the former President of the Republic of Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov, the International Center for the Alliance of Civilizations (ICAC), the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy from Berlin, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Culture of Macedonia.
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Форум за културна дипломатија во Скопје 2025
„Одржлив развој и културна дипломатија – Поттикнување на глобални партнерства“

📅 19–22 мај 2025 | 📍 Скопје
�Од 19 до 22 мај, Скопје ќе биде домаќин на третиот Форум за културна дипломатија, каде што лидери, визионери и креатори на политики од целиот свет ќе се соберат за да разговараат за иднината на глобалната соработка. Форумот е организиран од Кабинетот на поранешниот претседател на Република Македонија, Ѓорге Иванов, Меѓународниот центар „Алијанса на цивилизациите“, Институтот за културна дипломатија од Берлин, во соработка со Министерството за надворешни работи и трговија и Министерството за култура на Македонија.

11/04/2025

https://new.mia.mk/en/story/%C2%A0затворена-меѓународната-конференција-дијалог-за-единство-и-мир-сеќавање-на-минатото-обликување-на-иднината

11/04/2025

https://play.mrt.com.mk/play/583635

Во организација на Кабинетот на поранешниот претседател Ѓорѓе Иванов се одржува конференција „Дијалог за единство и мир- сеќавање на минатото, обликување на идни....

11/04/2025

https://vecer.mk/makedonija/7d8ee508-b46e-4075-8a23-974114e40ee6-1

Со јасни пораки на надеж, соработка и заедничка иднина, денеска беше официјално отворена Меѓународната конференција „Дијалог за единство и мир: Сеќавање на минато...