The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy LEADERS FORUMS Young Leaders Forums Icd - Institute for Cultural Diplomacy

icd - institute for cultural diplomacy icd YOUNG The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy LEADERS FORUMS Young Leaders Forums icd - institute for cultural diplomacy icd YOUNG The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy LEADERS FORUMS Young Leaders Forums Table of Contents Welcome to the ICD Young Leaders Forums .................................................5 About the Weeklong Seminars ......................................................................7 Seminar Methodology ................................................................................................7 Networking, Social and Cultural Activities ..................................................................8 Summer Events 2012 .................................................................................................9 About the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy ................................................11 ICD´s Philosophy .......................................................................................................11 ICD´s Role & Mission .................................................................................................12 ICD Initiatives - “What we stand for” ........................................................................12 ICD´s Methodology & Activity ....................................................................................12 ICD Achievements in the Field of Cultural Diplomacy .................................................13 What is Cultural Diplomacy? .........................................................................18 Definition ..................................................................................................................18 History ......................................................................................................................18 Cultural Diplomacy in Practice ...................................................................................19 The Importance of Cultural Diplomacy .....................................................................19 Cultural Diplomacy in the Private Sector ....................................................................20 www.icd-ylf.org - ICD Young Leaders Forums 2 icd - institute for cultural diplomacy icd YOUNG The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy LEADERS FORUMS Young Leaders Forums Statement about Cultural Diplomacy by the President of the ICD Young Leaders Forums, the Hon. Yasar Yakis Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey There is not yet a universally recognised definition of cultural diplomacy. The concept has existed for many, years but did not become an independent discipline of its own until relatively recently. Countries are naturally inclined to regard cultural diplomacy as a means to export their culture to other countries. As a result of this, the initial definitions of cultural diplomacy gave priority to the idea of exporting the cultural values of one country to another, rather than engaging in a cultural interaction. For the purposes of this piece, I define cultural diplomacy as the pursuit of better mutual under- standing with the aim of eliminating differences of perceptions between nations or as a means to support foreign policy with activities in cultural areas. In this sense it differs from the exercise of exporting the values from one country to another. In order for cultural diplomacy to be effective, it should be an exercise of give and take and not a one way street. The goal is not to prove that one culture is superior to the other, but rather to understand that certain concepts are perceived in a different manner in other cultures. This awareness may help avoid misunderstandings in the practice of international relations. This is all the more poignant if two cultures do not find simi- larities in one another, here cultural diplomacy can help them to appreciate their diversity, rather than use it as a point of estrangement. Unlike classical diplomacy and economic relations, cultural diplomacy comes to fruition over a longer span of time, as it has to be recognised by the people. Once a cultural exchange is fully accepted into the mentality of a people, it embeds itself and becomes part of the culture of the recipient person or society. Democracy and fundamental rights and freedoms, are some of the most universally accepted values within the international community. However there are differences regarding the scope of ac- ceptance of these fundamental values in various cultures. Nations, like societies and communities cannot be easily coerced into embracing values that do not naturally align with their own culture. If we can make cultural diplomacy an interaction by balancing previously unequal relations, these fundamental rights, freedoms and democracy may seem less like a cultural imposition. www.icd-ylf.org - ICD Young Leaders Forums 3 icd - institute for cultural diplomacy icd YOUNG The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy LEADERS FORUMS Young Leaders Forums The internet and other developments in the field of telecommunications have facilitated the interaction between countries and individuals. These advances have meant that cultural diplomacy has become important in contemporary relations, because the contacts between the members of different cultures have become much more intensified in the present globalized world. While classical diplomacy, that is to say political relations among countries, is handled almost exclusively by the State and economic relations are conducted mainly by economic actors, cultural diplomacy requires the involvement of multiple actors from various section of society. This inclu- des; higher education institutions, NGOs, trade unions, political parties, tourism agents, sports- men, artists and professional associations. Cultural materials such as books, films and songs are also used as means of cultural diplomacy, but for them to be effective they should not besmirch the values of the other cultures. Countries that embark upon the exercise to expand the values of their own society to the societies of other countries should ensure that these values are fully respected and upheld at home, before they are exported. The values of a society that are seen to be poor representations are unlikely to be accepted easily by others. Perception is as important as reality; a set of values that may be the best suited for a community may not be adopted if it is perceived as unfit by the members of a target society. The Institute of Cultural Diplomacy works towards combatting the dangers of misperception and misunderstanding through cultural exchange and dialogue. By conducting extensive research in a unique field, it has established itself as an exceptional forum to discuss the various components of cultural diplomacy. The institute dedicates itself to the pursuit of peaceful international cohabita- tion through this ever evolving arm of soft power. Yasar Yakis www.icd-ylf.org - ICD Young Leaders Forums 4 icd - institute for cultural diplomacy icd YOUNG The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy LEADERS FORUMS Young Leaders Forums Welcome to the ICD Young Leaders Forums The ICD Young Leaders Forums are international networks of like-minded individuals with an interest in developing, supporting and sustaining intercultural relations. The first Young Leaders Forum was developed in 2003 and we have since developed and launched a variety of different bilateral and multilateral Forums that focus on a diverse range of relationships across the world. Over the past decade the ICD Young Leaders Forum has grown to become one of Europe’s largest independent cultural exchange organizations, hosting programs that facilitate interaction among individuals of all cultural, academic, and professional backgrounds, from across the world. We have developed these Forums to provide a platform for the next generation of leaders to ex- plore the potential of organized cultural exchange in the international environment and to use the networks they become part of to organize their own leadership initiatives. Through the sustaina- ble networks that are created, the Young Leader participants are able to have a significant impact in enhancing and sustaining the international relations. The program serves as a platform and resource than empowers each of the young leaders to strengthen their careers and support their individual projects and initiatives that take place after the weeklong seminar has been completed. The Aims of the Forums Are: • To foster an international network of likeminded individuals who have an interest in supporting and strengthening intercultural relations between the countries and cultures in focus. • To give Forum members a greater awareness of the history, development, and future of the field of cultural diplomacy and its application to the bilateral or multilateral relationship in focus. • To offer Forum members access to a range of informed perspectives and insights on cultural, political, and economic issues in the relationship or region in focus. • To support ongoing activity and projects, in particular leadership initiatives, by Forum members, that will have a significant positive impact at either the local, national or international level of the countries and communities where the participants are most interested www.icd-ylf.org - ICD Young Leaders Forums 5 icd - institute for cultural diplomacy icd YOUNG The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy LEADERS FORUMS Young Leaders Forums How do I join a Forum? You can join a Forum by taking part in a Weeklong Seminar. The

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