Dean of the San Jerónimo University College in Havana, Sergio Raymant Arencibia Iglesias
Abel Prieto Jiménez, President of Casa de las Américas
Distinguished ministers
Your Excellencies Ambassadors
Representatives of prestigious universities
Dear colleagues of the diplomatic corps
Academics
Artists
Intellectuals
Ladies and gentlemen.
It is an honor to welcome you to San Gerónimo University College in Havana, a historic and emblematic space for Cuban cultural activity and an expression of the highest and most sublime intellectuality on our island, to begin the International Seminar on Cultural Diplomacy.
Let me first express my deepest gratitude to the Office of the City Historian, UNEAC, the Institute of Information and Social Communication, and especially the Hanns Seidel Foundation, among many other institutions whose invaluable support and collaboration have been vital to the realization of this unique event.
We are gathered at a moment of momentous importance, in which global interconnectedness, while offering unprecedented opportunities, also poses challenges of considerable magnitude. Challenges that demand, more than ever, constructive dialogue and deep mutual understanding among nations. It is in this context that diplomacy emerges as an invaluable tool, a strategic instrument for fostering cooperation, dialogue, and peace, and where culture gains strength.
Over the course of these three days, this space will serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas, a stage for academic debate and in-depth reflection, where we will explore the transformative potential of what we call cultural diplomacy. We are not referring to an abstract concept, but rather a practice with deep roots in the history of international relations.
Cultural diplomacy, although not always identified with that name, has played a significant role in interactions between peoples since ancient times.
From the international projection of the Cuban National Ballet, under the masterful direction of our first ballerina, Alicia Alonso, to the work carried out by our own Alejo Carpentier as a cultural bridge between Cuba and France, to cite just two of our most eloquent examples, culture has proven to be a silent and profound ambassador, a transmitter of values, identity, and the wealth of our nation.
Cultural diplomacy is not a unilateral process. It is an invitation to understand others, to appreciate their uniqueness, and to build bridges that transcend differences. In the current international landscape, characterized by complexity and uncertainty, this invitation takes on particular urgency.
The seminar, conceived as a space for meeting and reflection, will address a wide range of crucial topics:
- It will examine the theoretical and conceptual foundations of cultural diplomacy, as well as its practical application in the contemporary international context.
- It will analyze the fundamental role played by Foreign Ministries, Ministries of Culture, and other relevant institutions in the promotion, development, and implementation of this strategic tool.
- It will examine success stories from various regions of the world, with the goal of extracting valuable lessons and learning from comparative experiences.
- It will delve into the potential of cultural diplomacy as a tool for conflict resolution, promoting peace, and fostering reconciliation between nations.
- As a priority, it will explore ways to foster cultural cooperation networks between our countries, promoting inclusion and diversity, and adapting to the challenges and opportunities of new technologies. We will consider, for example, so-called "digital diplomacy" and the role of social media as an extension of the public sphere.
- And finally, the promotion of cultural cooperation networks, especially between countries in the South.
The remarkable participation of more than 150 attendees from dozens of countries, including distinguished representatives of international organizations, governments, foreign ministries, and the diplomatic corps, is a clear testament to the global interest and relevance of this topic. The more than 60 presentations, which will be presented and debated in six working committees, will provide a rich diversity of perspectives and approaches, enriching the analysis and discussion.
For the Higher Institute of International Relations (ISRI) and the Raúl Roa García Honorary Chair, this seminar represents a milestone of singular importance. Both institutions, pillars of diplomatic training and thought in Cuba, have collaborated closely in the conception and organization of this event, consolidating their commitment to the study and practice of cultural diplomacy.
The seminar is the culmination of a sustained effort and the starting point of a promising trajectory. A path that aims to equip our future diplomats, academics, artists, and cultural managers with the conceptual and practical tools necessary to navigate effectively in the complex and dynamic field of international relations.
This is, therefore, an effort that seeks to respond to the pressing need, felt globally, to update and perfect diplomatic strategies.
Cultural diplomacy, in its deepest essence, is an act of recognition of the interdependence between nations, an affirmation of the importance of intercultural dialogue, a commitment to culture's capacity to connect human beings beyond their borders, ideologies, and differences. It is the recognition that, in the richness of our cultural diversity, lies one of our greatest strengths as humanity.
Cuba, with its rich and vibrant cultural heritage, with its history of resilience, creativity, and solidarity, offers a significant contribution to this global dialogue. Our internationally recognized culture is a bridge that connects us to the world, a space where we can share our values, our aspirations, and our vision of a more just, equitable, and sustainable future.
The intrinsic value of this seminar lies in the exchange of knowledge, open and constructive dialogue, and the creation of lasting collaborative networks. We hope that this meeting will serve as a catalyst for joint research projects, academic exchanges, and innovative initiatives that strengthen cultural diplomacy as an effective tool for peace, conflict resolution, the promotion of cultural inclusion and diversity, and sustainable development.
Distinguished participants, colleagues, friends:
I invite you to make the most of these three days of intense academic work, debate, and shared learning. I urge you to maintain a receptive attitude to the richness of cultural diversity, to exploring new ideas, to building bridges of understanding, and to strengthening bonds of cooperation.
We are convinced that this seminar will leave us with a significant legacy, not only in the academic field but also in the diplomatic practice of our respective countries. I am confident that, together, we can contribute to building a future where culture is a determining factor for a more just, peaceful, united, and prosperous world.
I formally declare the International Seminar on Cultural Diplomacy open.
Thank you so much.
(Cubaminrex)