On November 21, the second day of the Forum of Armenian Arts and Culture, a panel discussion was held on “Cultural Diplomacy as a Strategic Instrument of Soft Power.”

During the discussion, the speakers explored the potential applications of cultural diplomacy tools, new models of collaboration between state and diaspora institutions, and ways to preserve, promote, and enhance the international recognition of Armenian culture.

The panel highlighted the role of arts and culture as instruments of external influence, shared successful examples of increasing the global visibility of Armenian culture, and examined the significance of culture in the context of public diplomacy and the development of bilateral relations.

The discussion was moderated by Alain Navarra-Navassartian, Art Historian, Sociologist, and President of the Hyestart NGO.

The panel featured:

• Macha Gharibian, French-Armenian Pianist, Singer, and Composer;
• Varujan Vosganian, President of the Union of Armenians of Romania, Writer, and President of the Writers’ Union of Romania;
• Hrachya Boyajyan, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia, Co-founder of the Mkhitar Gosh Armenian Studies Center at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Representative of the Armenian National Minority in the Joint Commission of the Government of Poland and National and Ethnic Minorities, Chair of the Editorial Board of Munetik magazine and the Munetik.pl information portal, and President of the Armenian–Polish Community Committee;
• Vanane Ararktsyan, Executive Director of the Keron Development Foundation;
• Mikayel Ohanjanyan, Sculptor and Artist.