Welcome to Cultural Diplomacy in Africa: A Forum for Young Leaders

Cultural Diplomacy in Africa: A Forum for Young Leaders (CDA) is an ever-increasing network of young individuals from across the world who share an interest in Africa and want to take an active role in improving intercultural and inter-state relations across the continent. The program fully promotes the use of cultural diplomacy as a basis for advancing these relationships and focuses on the recognition of cultural diplomacy as an important tool in addressing the array of complex challenges that Africa currently faces. The forum conducts on-going activities and discussions aimed at supporting the development of communication between African states and strengthening relations between different countries and cultural groups within Africa. The continent is characterized by a myriad of different identities, cultures and traditions, and the forum seeks to celebrate and recognize the advantages of such diversity. African cultures are diverse and varied and not static, and like most of the world have been impacted upon by both internal and external forces.

The network also endeavors to promote stronger and more amicable connections between African nations and the rest of the world. The forum approaches these objectives in a number of ways, including inviting participants to weeklong seminars which focus on a variety of themes and involve a series of lectures from high profile speakers with extensive knowledge and/or experience on the relevant themes, follow up discussions, debates, a variety of workshops and leadership initiative programs. Outside the seminars, participants are also involved in conferences, festivals and the turning in of papers, all dedicated to the topic of improving intercultural dialogue across the African continent. Taking part in the Young Leaders Forum allows like-minded individuals to share their thoughts and ideas and work together towards establishing a better cultural climate for future generations both in and across Africa and around the world.

The forum approaches these objectives in a number of ways, including inviting participants to weeklong seminars which focus on a variety of themes and involve a series of lectures from high profile speakers with extensive knowledge and/or experience on the relevant themes, follow up discussions, debates, a variety of workshops and leadership initiative programs. Outside the seminars, participants are also involved in conferences, festivals and the turning in of papers, all dedicated to the topic of improving intercultural dialogue across the African continent.

About CDA Weeklong Seminars (More »)

Individuals can join the CDA Forum by taking part in one of the CDA Weeklong Seminars, which are held every 4-6months. Each CDA Weeklong Seminar will be focused on a specific theme related to the African continent and the goals of the Forum. These Weeklong Seminars include lectures, seminars, and workshops lead by experts from the fields of politics, academia, and civil society, as well as cultural and social activities. In addition to raising awareness amongst the participants of the field of cultural diplomacy and salient issues concerning the African continent, the week also provides an opportunity to network and experience the vibrant city of Berlin.

Once they have joined the CDA Forum, members are supported by the ICD in organizing leadership initiatives, conducting academic research, and are invited to join the ICD Online Forum - enabling them to share information and communicate with like-minded individuals across the world. .

Application Form - Join the Forum (More»)

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

If you would like to reserve a position and participate in the seminar, please click on the link below and fill out the online application form:

Participant Papers »

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy encourages academic research and analysis of issues related to the goals of the conference, and would therefore like to welcome conference participants to submit a paper they would like to be considered for presentation at the conference.

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 seminar 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).