The concept of Cultural Diplomacy is quite new in the field of academic research and debate. However, it is not limited to the question of diplomacy in consideration of culture alone, but also focuses on the role of cultural identity and its political, social, and aesthetic expressions through the use of the arts, including music, dance, and traditional art, among others. Furthermore, the use of Cultural Diplomacy as a vehicle of cultural communication has the potential for long term success.

Cultural misunderstandings are often the root of many conflicts. Conflicts on resources, cultural hegemony, land seizure, environmental pollution, the struggle on human rights, the loss of traditional knowledge, and ‘ways of living’ are some examples where the lack of cultural awareness can be seen as a chance for both policy makers and analysis. Looking to South and Latin America, the role of cultural identity has played an important role for the international constellation of North-South differences and the relationships between the Latin and South American countries, as well as inside of civil societies of Spain’s and  Portugal’s ex-colonies. The colonial heritage in the countries is still valid and creates social and cultural conflicts within the society, which also affects the environmental problem set. The call for a fair resource distribution, the chance for development, and sufficient protection against the geography of inequality is articulated through cultural differences.

The "Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy in Latin America" will therefore look to these issues, and explore, analyze, and discuss the issues at hand in order to develop sustainable solutions and promote the use of Cultural Diplomacy in conflict resolution.

To see the full agenda, please see the conference website.