Youth Education & Development Advancement
Young Leaders' Forums - Forthcoming Conferences
(November– December, 2013)
www.icd-ylf.org
To apply, please visit: http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/index.php?Application-Forms

The Young Leaders' Forums are international networks of like-minded young individuals with an interest in developing, supporting, and sustaining intercultural relations. Over the past decade, the ICD Young Leaders' Forums have grown to become one of Europe’s largest independent cultural exchange organizations, hosting programs that facilitate interaction among young individuals of all cultural, academic, and professional backgrounds from across the world.

We are currently accepting applications for the following conferences:

Cultural Diplomacy in Africa: A Forum for Young Leaders (CDA)
"Using Art and Film as Tools for Sustainable Development within Africa"
(Berlin; December 3rd – 7th, 2013)
www.icd-africa.org
*****
Africa Meets Europe: A Forum for Young Leaders (AME)
"Engaging Cultural Tradition into Dual Strategies of Progress"
(Berlin; December 3rd – 7th, 2013)
www.icd-africa.org
*****

Africa Meets China: A Forum for Young Leaders (AMC)
"Fostering Intercultural Exchange between today’s Economic Giants"
(Berlin; December 3rd – 7th, 2013)
www.icd-africa.org
*****

Nigeria Meets China: A Forum for Young Leaders (NMC)
"Expanding Sino-Nigerian Intercultural Relations for better Political, Commercial, & Military Cooperation"
(Berlin; December 3rd – 7th, 2013)
www.icd-africa.org
*****

Africa Meets the USA: A Forum for Young Leaders (AMUSA)
“Launching a New Era of enhanced Cultural Engagement between Two Regional Powers”
(Washington D.C.; November 3rd – 7th, 2013)
www.icd-africa.org
*****

Nigeria Meets the USA: A Forum for Young Leaders (NMUSA)
“Cementing Nigeria-US Intercultural Relations: Economic Stability & Security through Joint Action”
(Washington D.C.; November 3rd – 7th, 2013)
www.icd-africa.org
*****

Ethiopia Meets the USA: A Forum for Young Leaders (EMUSA)
"Formulating Ethiopian-American Cooperation Strategies for the next Decade"
(Washington D.C.; November 3rd - 7th, 2013)
www.icd-africa.org

For further information please contact us at: info@culturaldiplomacy.org


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To view the complete ICD Calendar of Events for 2013-2014, please visit : http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/index.php?en_calendar

The Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies (CCDS) is the world's leading center for the study of Cultural Diplomacy offering diverse educational opportunities. Our education programs are provided along 4 lines: Graduate Degree Programs in Cultural Diplomacy, E-learning courses in cultural diplomacy, Professional Development Programs (Certificate Programs) and Study Abroad Credit Programs - dedicated either wholly or in part to the field of Cultural Diplomacy.

The objectives of the CCDS are to extend current research, programs, and practices in the field of Cultural Diplomacy and create a platform to promote and sustain inter-cultural dialogue at all levels. The CCDS is committed to the promotion of and the development of applied cultural diplomacy studies, as well as excellence in the advancement and research in the rapidly evolving field of Cultural Diplomacy.

Our Faculty »
The Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies, offers educational and academic programs in partnership with leading universities and institutions from around the world, which allows students to explore, to analyze and to experience cultural diplomacy both in theory and practice at the local and international levels. The CCDS focuses above all on exploring the balancing between hard and soft power, the process of globalization in an interdependent world, multiculturalism, intercultural dialogue & exchange, human rights, and the ability for culturally based initiatives to further mutual understanding and in turn to foster global peace and stability.

The programs offer high levels of leadership and provide students the skills to shape their future leadership roles, while addressing the critical issues challenging the world today. The programs provide advanced knowledge and analytical tools for the study and practice of cultural diplomacy and the potential that it has in shaping international policies and global strategies.
Our Programs
The Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies, offers educational and academic programs in partnership with leading universities and institutions from around the world, which allows students to explore, to analyze and to experience cultural diplomacy both in theory and practice at the local and international levels. The CCDS focuses above all on exploring the balancing between hard and soft power, the process of globalization in an interdependent world, multiculturalism, intercultural dialogue & exchange and the ability for culturally based initiatives to further mutual understanding and in turn to foster global peace and stability.

The programs offer high levels of leadership and provide students the skills to shape their future leadership roles, while addressing the critical issues challenging the world today. The programs provide advanced knowledge and analytical tools for the study and practice of cultural diplomacy and the potential that it has in shaping international policies and global strategies.

The Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies offers the following Programs:

Distance-Learning Programs on varying topics of Cultural Diplomacy »
Professional Development Programs in Cultural Diplomacy »
MA Programs in Cultural Diplomacy »
PHD Program in Cultural Diplomacy »

About Berlin »
There is nowhere quite like Berlin. Few other cities have played such an instrumental role in global affairs over the past 100 years. It has been, in every sense of the word, a battleground; not just for armies, but for the ideas and philosophies that are the very foundations of politics and society. Berlin remains a cultural extravaganza to this day, with young people from across Europe flocking to the former Eastern part of the city: Cheap accommodation, a thriving cultural and artistic scene, and a vibrant nightlife await them. In the center of the city, Berlin's status as the capital city of Europe's largest economy and the driving force of the EU is increasingly apparent: International NGOs and multi-national companies are establishing office and headquarters here. It was little surprise that US President Barack Obama choose Berlin as the location for his first public speech in Europe, addressing an audience of hundreds of thousands, he proclaimed "look at Berlin, where a wall came down, a continent came together, and history proved that there is no challenge too great for a world that stands as one."

Welcome to Africa Meets China: A Forum for Young Leaders (AMC)

Africa Meets China: A Forum for Young Leaders (AMC) is a network of young professionals and individuals who have an interest in exploring and strengthening the relations between Africa and China. The ultimate goal of the forum is to educate, enhance and sustain the African-American relationship by empowering the next generation of young leaders from Africa and China.

Africa and China share an umbilical relationship that is blossoming. China's engagement with Africa is not new. However, most recent engagement gained impetus in the context of its policy (from 1998 onwards), which is increasingly linking China's domestic socio-economic priorities and needs to its global strategic aspirations as a "soft power". The Chinese are in Africa building roads, investing in real estate and tourism. It is estimated that around 800 Chinese corporations doing business in Africa, most of which are private companies investing in the infrastructure, energy and banking sectors. In contrast to the US and European policies, which enforce many embargoes against some African countries, China stands against embargoes. Chinese policy allows Chinese businesses to penetrate even deeper to the African continent. As part of its engagement, China is making tremendous efforts to acquire knowledge on Africa and to expand cultural exchanges between the country and the continent. The number of African Studies Centers in China has increased exponentially in the last decade, alongside the increase in the number of Chinese students of African studies and languages. Consequently there has been this growing strategic partnership between China and Africa a noticeable impact on the performance of African economies.

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy now provides a forum to embrace and examine the field of cultural diplomacy and its importance in African- Chinese relations. During a weeklong seminar, participants have the opportunity to get detailed information about the current African -Chinese relations and discuss their thoughts and ideas about future bilateral cooperation. At the AMC weeklong seminar every participant has the chance to meet prominent experts of the field and work in a multicultural environment. The Forum's weeklong seminar is a perfect opportunity for those who are studying in the field of International Relations, International Business, European and African Studies and any areas related to African-Chinese relations, or for those who are simply interested in the present and the future of the cooperation between Africa and China. The forum organizes conferences, public lectures, events and online activities which gives exclusive access to the members of the forum.
About AMC Weeklong Seminars

Weeklong Seminars are held every 4-6 months and consist of 4-5 day programs of lectures, seminars, and workshops, together with cultural and social activities. The Seminars aim to give the participants an insight into key perspectives on, the African- Chinese relationship and to introduce them to a network of like-minded individuals, and allow them to explore the cultural landscape of the city of Beijing. Speakers during the seminars include individuals from the fields of politics, diplomacy, academia, culture & the arts, civil society, and the private sector. Once individuals have taken part in an AMC Weeklong Seminar and joined the forum, they become a part of the ICD's network, which facilitates communication between like-minded individuals across the world.

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

Africa Meets China: A Forum for Young Leaders (AMC) is open to all individuals with an interest in exploring and strengthening the African- Chinese relationship. To join the forum you must take part in one of the AMC Weeklong Seminars, which will be held every 4-6 months.

If you would like to reserve a position and participate in the seminar, please click on the "Apply Now" link below and fill out the online application form:
Next Weeklong Seminar
(Berlin; December 4th - 6th, 2013)
In addition to looking in greater detail at the history and development of cultural diplomacy, the next AMC Weeklong Seminar will focus on the following theme:
"Fostering Intercultural Exchange between today´s Economic Giants"


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).
Nigeria Meets China: A Forum for Young Leaders is a network of young professionals and individuals who have an interest in exploring and strengthening the relations between Nigeria and China. The ultimate goal of the forum is to educate, enhance and sustain the Nigerian-Chinese relationship by empowering the next generation of young leaders from Nigeria and China.

China, with its fastest growing economy in the world and as one of the BRIC countries, is firmly establishing itself as a prominent member of international politics. The potential which lies in strengthened relations with China has not been lost on the governments of many African countries. Nigeria, as the most populous African country has much to gain from cooperation with China and vice-versa, with a booming Chinese population in need of an ever-increasing flow of oil and petroleum. The first direct contact between the two countries is not specific. The Sino-Nigerian diplomatic cooperation started on February 10, 1971 but relations have been continuously improving since the 21st century with increasing Chinese investment and diplomatic contact.

Primarily economic in nature, the dynamics of the Sino-Nigerian relationship can be diversified much further via strategies of Cultural Diplomacy. This invaluable tool holds much potential in bringing increased mutual acceptance and understanding, thereby solidifying and stabilizing their relationship, so that bilateral cooperation delivers on the promise to bring more economic, political and cultural benefits in the future for both Nigeria and China.

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy now provides a forum to embrace and examine the field of Cultural Diplomacy and its importance in Sino-Nigerian relations. During a weeklong seminar, participants have the opportunity to explore in great depth the current relations between China and Nigeria and exchange ideas about future bilateral cooperation. At the NMC weeklong seminar, every participant has the chance to meet prominent experts of the field and work in a multicultural environment. The Forum's weeklong seminar is a perfect opportunity for those who are studying in the field of International Relations, International Business, African Studies and any areas related to Sino-Nigerian relations, or for those who are simply interested in the present and the future of the cooperation between Nigeria and China. The forum organizes conferences, public lectures, events and online activities which gives exclusive access to the members of the forum.
About NMC Weeklong Seminars

Weeklong Seminars are held every 4-6 months and consist of 4-5 day programs of lectures, seminars, and workshops, together with cultural and social activities. The Seminars aim to give the participants an insight into key perspectives on, the Sino-Nigerian relationship and to introduce them to a network of like-minded individuals, and allow them to explore the cultural landscape of the city of Abuja. Speakers during the seminars include individuals from the fields of politics, diplomacy, academia, culture & the arts, civil society, and the private sector. Once individuals have taken part in an NMC Weeklong Seminar and joined the forum, they become a part of the ICD's network, which facilitates communication between like-minded individuals across the world.

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

Nigeria Meets China: A Forum for Young Leaders (NMC) is open to all individuals with an interest in exploring and strengthening the Sino-Nigerian relationship. To join the forum you must take part in one of the NMC Weeklong Seminars, which will be held every 4-6 months.

If you would like to reserve a position and participate in the seminar, please click on the "Apply Now" link below and fill out the online application form:
Next Weeklong Seminar
(Berlin; December 3rd - 7th, 2013)
In addition to looking in greater detail at the history and development of cultural diplomacy, the next NMC Weeklong Seminar will focus on the following theme:
"Expanding Sino-Nigerian Intercultural Relations for better Political, Commercial, & Military Cooperation"


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).