Cultural diplomacy, which has existed for centuries, is a celebrated form of international relations today, resting on the exchange of cultural values and ideas. It is a lofty ideal whose ultimate goal is to promote mutual respect and understanding between nations. In the pursuit of fostering global peace and harmony, it operates across diverse cultural fields, including art, literature, science, education and sport.

In a world often seemingly ruled by war and conflict, cultural diplomacy is not a luxury, but a necessity. It stems from the increasing need for intercultural dialogue and diversity, shared universal and human values and civil society as the locus of cultural exchange. If the ultimate goal of politics is to find partners among governments, the goal of cultural diplomacy is to make friends among people. When we speak of politics, we speak of leaders, but when we speak of culture, we speak of communities and people.

Cultural diplomacy is also an essential tool for challenging claims of "cultural superiority" by celebrating human differences and recognizing other cultures and values. As a long-integral form of soft power, which relies on the ability to persuade and educate, cultural diplomacy is guided not by the idea of a clash of civilizations, but a clash of ignorance.

Cultural diplomacy also aims to promote national interests through peaceful means. There is no better way for a nation to cultivate and utilize its cultural ideals than to put forward the best image of itself. For diplomats, entrusted with representing their nations' interests outside their borders, cultural diplomacy is the best companion.