WHO WE ARE
In an era of deepening global polarization, the International Cultural Diplomacy Network (ICDN) is Canada's independent institution built specifically to use culture as the mechanism for building the trust that trade and diplomacy depend on. The ICDN brings together Canada's cultural communities, government institutions, private enterprise, and partnering nations into a single network, putting the country's cultural strengths to work to open markets, deepen international relationships, and build understanding across borders.
WHY WE EXIST
In 2019, the Senate called for cultural diplomacy to be built into the architecture of Canada's trade and foreign policy, not run as a single department's program. ICDN was founded to help do that work by bridging cultural differences through learning from each other, understanding and respecting each boundaries.
" Trust is the currency of global relations,
and respect for cultural difference is how trust is built! "
OUR VISION
A world connected from the ground up, where positive cultural exchange ensures global trust, mutual respect, and sustainable growth.
OUR MISSION
To promote cultural diplomacy connecting Canada with our international partners and allies by drawing on Canada's cultural communities, government, and businesses to put the country's cultural strengths to work — opening markets, deepening international relationships, and building understanding across borders.
OUR VALUES
Members of the International Cultural Diplomacy Network must share commitment to fostering mutual respect and empathic dialogue, and utilizing these foundational values to build trust, drive positive change and sustainable, shared growth across global communities.
