The Ankara Conference on Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution

"Using Cultural Diplomacy as a Tool to Build Sustainable Peace"

(Ankara, International Conference, April 17th - 19th, 2012)

Event Introduction

There is a general consensus that the process of globalization is creating a world in which individual nation states are increasingly interdependent and interconnected. National approaches to issues including international politics, trade and economics, healthcare, immigration, tourism, and climate change are therefore increasingly dependent on the policies and approaches of neighbouring states and international partners.

Despite this growing interdependence, there remain major cultural, political, religious, and economic disputes as well as a large number of conflicts across the world with deep-rooted historical experiences, from political conflict at the international level to violent conflict at the sub-national level. The de-escalation of these disputes and conflicts requires creative thinking and new approaches that take into account both the history of the divisions and the evolving global context within which they are set.

Culture can have an extremely strong impact on societies, and should be taken into account as a factor in change and new developments in the international system. The conference therefore will look in detail at the major conflicts across the Mediterranean today, from disputes amongst communities at the local level to international disputes, reflecting on the role of cultural diplomacy as a tool for conflict resolution.

Through constructive discussion and debate the conference will assess the changing global environment and explore how non-governmental organizations, governments, and individual stakeholders can support peace building, reconciliation, and conflict de-escalation across the world.

Conference Speakers »

Speakers during the conference will include leading figures and experts from international politics, academia, diplomacy, civil society 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).

Conference Participants »

The conference is open to applications from governmental and diplomatic officials, civil society practitioners, young professionals, students and scholars, 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.

ICD Alumni Program »

All conference participants will be invited to join the ICD alumni program. The ?ICD Alumni Group? is an international network of like-minded individuals with an interest in further developing the field of cultural diplomacy through the support of intercultural relations. Participation in the group is by invitation only, and is open only to individuals who have taken part in ICD programs. Members of the ICD Alumni Group will benefit from the following opportunities (more)