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Description
The project “Cultural Diplomacy Youth Forum AGORA” will be the starting point of the participation of the young people with concerns in order to establish a new social debate on the Greek cultural identity. By taking part in it, the participants will have the opportunity to be members of an establishment which realises the very essence of democracy by cultivating moral virtues such as respect for discussion and diversity of opinion while giving them at the same time the opportunity to express their personal opinions leading thus to the development of the sense of their personal and collective responsibility. The establishment of the project “AGORA” is considered to be an imperative, as it will awaken the political awareness of the young. In addition, the crisis of the political institutions and the reduced participation of the young in civil society confirm the aforementioned. So, the purpose of Agora is to operate in an innovative way, adapted to the contemporary needs, and cultivate the political and social awareness. This initiative will include the presentation of the key aspects of Cultural Diplomacy. Interactive exercises with contemporary examples of Cultural Diplomacy will follow presented by the means of technological tools (of non-formal education). After that, a debate will follow on the basis of specific questions. At the same time, our event will be video recorded in the website of our institute which has 20.000 subscribers. In conclusion, the people who will benefit from this venture will be young people aged 18-30 years old who will actively participate in making political decisions during public debates and who will promote volunteering and mutual respect. In the end of the event, they will be able to have an overall view on specialised aspects of political life such as Cultural Diplomacy.
Summary of project results
The project sought to address the lack of understanding and engagement with cultural diplomacy among young people. It aimed to promote the integration of cultural diplomacy into civic society and enhance the soft power of the country. By focusing on young individuals, the project aimed to foster greater participation in public affairs and improve interpersonal relationships across borders, encouraging active dialogue and cooperation among young people from different cultural backgrounds.
The initiative organized a series of educational events designed to familiarize young people with the principles of cultural diplomacy and provide a platform for public dialogue. Participants were encouraged to collaborate on issues related to cultural diplomacy and explore its role in promoting soft power and nation branding. Through these events, participants enhanced their skills and learned about good practices in cultural diplomacy. The initiative also facilitated networking among young people, particularly students, fostering continued academic and diplomatic discussions beyond the events.
The project successfully engaged 193 young individuals, aged 18-30, in the functions of an open democratic community, providing them with valuable insights into cultural diplomacy and its role in foreign policy and nation branding. Participants gained new perspectives on their involvement in public affairs and strengthened ties with other students from different universities, contributing to a lasting network of individuals committed to cultural diplomacy. The project also helped enhance the soft power of the country by promoting greater awareness and engagement with cultural diplomacy among youth.