Cultural diplomacy is the Exchange of ideas, information, art, language and other aspects of culture among nations and peoples in order to foster security, peace, development, and sustainability for humanity.

The Cultural Diplomacy Programme explores how the soft power of the arts, the celebration of cultural heritage, and the impact of global cultural exchange can foster mutual understanding, build trust among nations, and support global cooperation. Culture—through music, art, language, and shared traditions—has long played a vital role in promoting dialogue, strengthening social cohesion, and contributing to peaceful engagement. As a form of soft diplomacy, it has often been at the forefront of peaceful responses to global challenges. Cultural expression can open pathways for connection where traditional channels may be limited, helping to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and foster inclusive, cross-border collaboration.

When cultural diplomacy is integrated into multilateral frameworks, educational initiatives, and international policy efforts, it becomes an especially powerful tool, opening new pathways for connection, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, the pursuit of the Pact for the Future, and fostering inclusive, cross-border collaboration.

The programme offers interdisciplinary training, research opportunities, and hands-on engagement with international institutions, enabling participants to develop leadership skills at the intersection of culture and policy and to recognize the enduring power of culture in shaping a more peaceful and sustainable world.

In 2025, the International Academy for Arts and Cultural Studies (IAA), as a strategic implementing partner, is launching alongside UNITAR a series of new global initiatives aimed at advancing cultural diplomacy, education, and international collaboration. These include the Visiting Scholar Programme—focused on public arts and civic leadership in partnership with Teachers College, Columbia University—and a Internship, Fellowship, and Research Programme designed to engage students, professionals, and artists with the United Nations system through research, mentorship, and thematic training aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Pact for the Future. These initiatives are supported by an esteemed network of academic partners, including Columbia University, Tsinghua University, EUniWell, Shanghai University, Berklee College of Music, and Select Education, among others, whose collaboration provides critical academic depth, global reach, and cross-disciplinary expertise.

The Soft Power of Cultural Diplomacy

Culture plays a vital role in fostering mutual understanding and has often been at the forefront of peaceful responses to global challenges. Throughout history, cultural heritage and the arts have meaningfully contributed to dialogue and reconciliation, opening pathways for cooperation where other channels may be limited. As a form of soft diplomacy, cultural expression—through music, art, language, and shared traditions—cultivates empathy, deepens cross-cultural understanding, and promotes respect for diversity and equity. Music, in particular, has long served as a universal language, capable of uniting communities, honoring collective memory, and creating spaces for reflection and connection. By elevating the role of culture in international engagement, we affirm its enduring capacity to advance inclusive dialogue, strengthen social cohesion, and contribute to sustainable peace.

Category 1. Cultural Diplomacy Research and Education Programmes

1. Oberlin Programme 

   UNITAR New York Office, Oberlin College, and the Global Foundation for the Performing Arts are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Fall 2023 Bachelor's Degree programme. Bachelor's Degree Programmes by Oberlin are specifically designed to promote quality education and are a unique opportunity for students to gain invaluable skills in this field.

   All majors within Oberlin College are available to apply, from both the College of Arts and Sciences and the Conservatory of Oberlin College. It is open to students from all disciplines and is an excellent opportunity to expand one's knowledge and experience to promote the mission of quality education.

   Oberlin College has been carefully selected by UNITAR to join its global education network, as the college shares the same vision of promoting a global community and cultural and soft diplomacy. UNITAR is excited to partner with Oberlin College in providing students with an opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become leaders in this field.

   The Bachelor's Degree programme will focus on the development of communication and leadership, with a particular emphasis on the SDGs. Students will be exposed to a range of diverse practices and traditions and will be encouraged to develop their own unique perspective on these issues.

   The programme is led by highly experienced and knowledgeable Oberlin faculty. Students will have access to a range of resources and support services, including academic counselling, career advice, and networking opportunities.

   To be eligible for the programme, students must have completed high school or its equivalent and meet the admission requirements of Oberlin College. Applications will be accepted from students all over the world, and no prior experience of working experience is required.

   This Bachelor's Degree programme is a truly unique opportunity for the mission of quality education by helping students to develop their skills. and to make a positive impact in the world. We encourage all eligible students to apply and look forward to welcoming the successful applicants to our programme in Fall 2023.

   OBERLIN COLLEGE BACHELOR'S DEGREE PROGRAMME - APPLICATION PROCEDURE

2. Columbia University - Teachers College Visiting Scholar Programme

   Launching in Fall 2025, the Columbia University - Teachers College Visiting Scholar Programme is a year-long, practice-based initiative in cultural diplomacy and public arts, hosted by Teachers College, Columbia University in collaboration with the International Academy for Arts and Cultural Studies (IAA) and UNITAR New York Office. This programme cultivates leadership at the intersection of the arts, education, and international collaboration. Participants engage in interdisciplinary coursework across departments such as Arts & Humanities, International & Transcultural Studies, and Organization & Leadership, exploring themes including public art, civic engagement, cultural diplomacy, media, and global leadership. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a joint certificate issued by IAA, UNITAR, and Teachers College.

3. Cultural Heritage Programmes

   Our Cultural Heritage programmes highlight the power of preservation, education, and public engagement through exhibitions, galleries, and collaborative initiatives. By showcasing diverse traditions, artistic expressions, and historical narratives, these programmes foster cross-cultural understanding, celebrate global diversity, and promote dialogue around shared human values.

4. International Workshop and Forum Programmes

   The International Workshop and Forum Programmes are global conferences, forums, and convenings designed to explore the role of cultural diplomacy in addressing today’s most pressing challenges.  These programmes create inclusive spaces for artists, scholars, policymakers and emerging leaders to come together in dialogue, exchange, and creative collaboration.

   Held in partnership with international institutions, the forums emphasize the power of culture to foster understanding, spark innovation, and build bridges across borders.  Through interactive discussions, artistic engagement, and cross-sector exploration, participants are invited to imagine new pathways toward peace, equity, and global sustainability.

Category 2. Cultural Diplomacy Professional Development Programme

1. Global Internship/Fellowship

   Launching in Fall 2025, the Global Internship, Fellowship, and Research Programme is a practice-based initiative hosted by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, New York Office in partnership with the International Academy for Arts and Cultural Studies (IAA). Developed in collaboration with leading institutions, including Tsinghua University, Shanghai University, Columbia University, EUniWell, Select Education, and Berklee College of Music, among others, the programme offers university students, early-career professionals, researchers, faculty, and artists a unique opportunity to engage with the United Nations system and its affiliated entities. Participants contribute to thematic training and research aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Pact for the Future, while benefiting from mentorship and dialogue with diplomats, Nobel laureates, and global experts.

Category 3. Cultural Diplomacy Showcase Programmes

1. Carnegie Hall Concerts 

   Annual Carnegie Hall Concerts honoring the work of the President of the General Assembly, the diplomatic and the UN Staff communities.

2. Connection – Art Exhibition Programme
   In 2025, UNITAR and IAA alongside Teachers College, Columbia University, and partnered with The Shanghai Public Art Cooperation Center (PPAC), is producing an exhibition entitled “Lighting up Life with Intangible Cultural Heritage,” a multimedia and instillation art experience to be launched at the United Nations Headquarters in December 2025, featuring a variety of leading artists from around the globe. This exhibition will then be toured around the world, including featured displays in New Zealand, France, South Africa, and China, among other locations.