Panel Session

Culture as a Basis of Trust on the Path to Harmony in the World

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In times of global transformation and increasing instability, culture is becoming not only a reflection of national identity but also a powerful tool for building trust between people, communities, and nations. Today, cultural diplomacy plays a key role in overcoming mistrust, reducing tensions, and creating space for dialogue.

Participants in this discussion will explore how cultural cooperation helps to foster mutual understanding; how both traditional and contemporary cultural practices contribute to peaceful coexistence; and how the experience of local initiatives can be scaled up to the international level. Special attention will be given to concrete case studies, approaches, and tools that have already proven effective in building trust.

Practical
Focus

  • The session will not only offer an exchange of views but will also showcase practical examples and instruments that participants can apply in their own countries or organizations:

    • Successful formats of cultural exchange
    • Examples of using digital technologies to strengthen cultural dialogue
    • Practices of engaging youth and local communities in international projects

Guiding
Questions

  • What role does culture play in building and strengthening trust? What contemporary challenges does culture face as a "space of trust," and how can these be addressed?

  • How can cultural differences be transformed into a resource for cooperation? Can intercultural dialogue serve as a tool for reducing confrontation and finding shared values? Given the diversity of cultural models, how can mutual enrichment help move from difference toward synergy and reconciliation?

  • How can trust-building through culture in local communities be scaled to the international level? How have cultural projects, initiatives, or institutions (such as museums, festivals, and educational programs) overcome distrust and built bridges between groups and countries?

  • How can cultural diplomacy, through the promotion of cultural diversity and synergy, contribute to building trust in contemporary society?

Guiding
Questions

Moderator

Dolgopolova Alena
Journalist, public figure, expert in the field of international cultural cooperation (Russia)

Speakers

  • United Kingdom
    Henderson-Stewart David
    Сhairman of the board of directors Raketa Watch Factory (United Kingdom)
  • China
    Liu Debing
    of the Advisory Board of the Center for International Business Ethics (CIBE) at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), Senior Consultant to a number of government agencies and institutions
  • Italy
    D’Agostino Roberto
    Founder RDA Consulting, Visiting professor Ural Federal University, Honorary Consul of Italy in Ekaterinburg
  • Russia
    Pavlova Anastasia
    Public figure, writer, international expert on the formation of public diplomacy and the promotion of interstate innovative cultural, tourist and educational products. Deputy Chairman of the Public Chamber of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) for international cooperation
  • Venezuela
    Ferrer Juan Miguel Diaz
    Professor of the Diplomatic Academy of Venezuela, former Deputy Minister of Culture of Venezuela
  • France
    Perru Elena
    Writer, Director of the French Institute of Culture, former adviser to the President of France Jacques Chirac
  • Kingdom of Morocco
    Jamai Samir
    Professor of Art Education, Vice President of the Association of Moroccans of the World for Communication, Development and Social Services, Founder of the SAJA brand
  • Kazakhstan
    Usenbaeva Nurzhamal
    People’s Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Tatarstan, Honored Worker of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, laureate of the State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan, opera singer
  • Germany
    Bartesch Rainer
    Musician, composer, winner of international competitions of classical and contemporary music