"The 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of the UN: Developing Initiatives to Promote Cultural Understanding, Global Human Rights & World Peace"
(New York City; September 21st - 26th, 2015)

Symposium Overview
The historic day of November 9th 2014, which marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the summer of 2015 which will mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the last world war and the establishment of the UN, represent the major transitions that have taken place globally in the development of global human rights towards a more peaceful, prosperous, equal and protected society.
As we celebrate these historic occasions together throughout the world, and in particular, at a time when new forms of violence are currently on the rise, we must remember and learn from the global cooperation and diverse initiatives of that time, which have allowed us the privilege to no longer live in a region of peoples divided, cultures suppressed and voices oppressed.
The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy has therefore created the symposium in order to build on this past experience and to formulate new initiatives, which will strengthen international relations and encourage cooperation between diverse communities based upon values of peace, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

How can the international development sector enrich the arts?
How can the arts sector enrich international development?
The arts and international development communities both work to improve the lives of people around the
world, and there is growing interest in the integration of arts and culture in international development policy and practice. This cross-disciplinary conference will critique the role of art in international development and artists working in difficult situations, the potential for the future, and issues and challenges in bringing the two fields together. It will do so by bringing together arts and development professionals in an intimate environment to explore common interests, address issues of concern, and develop areas of cross-sector collaboration.
Sessions will cover World Bank and UN perspectives, the conflicting values of art in international
development, arts and human rights, arts and economic development, cross sector challenges and
research and sustainability.