Overview

The Scotland Forum on Cultural Diplomacy 2026 will take place in Edinburgh and Glasgow from 4–8 May 2026 to examine the strategic role of culture and cultural diplomacy in addressing contemporary global challenges. With a focus on strengthening democracy, women’s empowerment, economic innovation and social impact, culture and exchange, the Forum will provide a structured setting for policy-oriented discussion, knowledge-sharing, and international cooperation.

Through keynote speeches, high-level panels, and moderated dialogues, the Forum will explore how culture and cultural diplomacy can support inclusive governance, advance gender equality, and stimulate sustainable economic development and social impact. Emphasising practical outcomes and long-term partnerships, the programme aims to connect institutions and individuals across sectors and regions, reinforcing culture as a credible and effective instrument of diplomacy, mutual understanding, and international engagement.

Speakers

Speakers during the forum will include leading politicians, diplomats, governmental officials, senior academics, and artists. These speakers will include individuals from the ICD Advisory Board. To learn more about the ICD Advisory Board, please click here.

Locations

Based in London, the Forum will be hosted across a number of significant political, historic, and cultural venues throughout the city.

Participants »

Participation in the Forum is open to government and diplomatic officials, academics, artists, representatives of civil society, members of the private sector, and young professionals.

If you would like to reserve a position and participate in the forum, please click on the link below and fill out the online application form:

Participant Papers »

The Conference Committee encourages academic research and analysis of issues related to the goals of the Conference. The Conference Committee would therefore like to welcome the participants of the conference to submit a paper they would like to be considered for presentation at the conference as well as being included in the proposal document that will be issued following the conference and will be sent to all governments and leaders of the international community.