The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD) is delighted to announce the launch of a new program that it has developed as part of our Young Leaders Forums series. Scandinavia Meets Germany: A Forum for Young Leaders (SMG) will take place in Berlin from May 31st-June 5th, 2009. This weeklong event has been designed to explore and improve cultural relations between Scandinavia and Germany. The ICD is now accepting applications for participants with an active interest in the topic.

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy is an international, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization concerned with the promotion of intercultural understanding. Our activity includes the conducting of research into cultural diplomacy and the organisation of bilateral and multilateral programs and leadership initiatives. To learn more about the ICD, please visit their website. 

Scandinavia Meets Germany: A Forum for Young Leaders was created from the recognition that the countries in Northern Europe, and the relationship between them, are fundamental to the future of Europe as a whole. We are aware of and acknowledge the many and significant cultural differences between the respective countries included under the term Scandinavia. The focus of the forum has been chosen to acknowledge the value in considering the relations between Germany and the respective countries of Scandinavia at the same time, and also to recognize the political and cultural bonds that do exist between the Scandinavian countries.

The Forum will produce a dynamic, informed group of Young Leaders who are aware of the potential for Cultural Diplomacy and have the necessary resources to organize their own initiatives. These Young Leaders will have access to and be part of the Young Leaders Online Network, where they can join the group of SMG alumni, and communicate with participants from other ICD Forums. It is intended that these participants will then cooperate on independent initiatives together in their future. Ultimately the SMG Forum will improve understanding between Scandinavia and Germany, and enhance future cooperation and exchange.

The forum will not only focus on cultural relations, but will also explore economic and political relations between Scandinavia and Germany for two reasons: firstly, it is important that organizations and individuals facilitating cultural exchange are aware of relations in other areas to ensure their programs are successful. Secondly, cultural relations overlap and are linked to political and economic relations in many areas.

Please here for further information. To fill out the application form, click here.
 
For specific enquiries related to the program, please contact the forum.