Information & Inspiration: Impact of Cultural Diplomacy

One of the main goals of the international cultural policy 2021-2024 is cultural diplomacy. In bilateral relations with other countries, culture strengthens the Netherlands’ image and provides opportunities to promote mutual understanding and trust. Moreover, cultural diplomacy has great value for foreign policy in general and supports implementing the Dutch international policy (HGIS) goals. In cultural diplomacy, Dutch cultural expression is valued to support bilateral relationships with other countries. The embassies’ diplomatic work plays an essential role in this connection, as a transitional force between the global political system and the world of art and culture.

The publication Information & Inspiration: Impact of Cultural Diplomacy, which is a co-production of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and DutchCulture, offers tips and tricks and highlights best practices that can serve as inspirational tools for cultural diplomacy. These examples illustrate the connection between culture and the international policy (HGIS) goals. This publication also provides information about both Dutch and international worldwide organisations, who are a gateway to cooperation between the Netherlands and your countries.

For the next two years, the following countries are on the cultural diplomacy list: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela, Algeria, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, KSA, Oman, Qatar, UAE, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, North-Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Ukraine and Portugal.