The Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts has established a Cultural Diplomacy Research Office, which it says will serve as its scientific and research hub for cultural diplomacy, international cultural relations and cultural policy.
Academician Marios Joannou Elia has been appointed Scientific Director of the Office and will also chair its Steering Committee.
In a statement, Joannou Elia said cultural diplomacy is a field of knowledge, creativity and international engagement.
“Through the establishment of the Office, we seek to connect research with diplomacy, artistic creation and international networks, creating new opportunities for cooperation and for a meaningful presence of Cyprus in the world,” he said.
The Steering Committee also includes Academician Elena Mouzala as Vice-Chair, Academician Kyriakos Demetriou as Secretary and Christina Ioannou as Administrative Secretary.
According to an Academy announcement, the establishment of the Office is part of its strategy to strengthen scientific research and international cooperation and to promote the Republic of Cyprus through culture, science and the arts and letters.
Its main mission is to advance research, documentation and academic study in the field of cultural diplomacy, as well as to develop initiatives aimed at strengthening the international cultural presence of both the Republic of Cyprus and the Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts.
The Office will develop partnerships with academies of sciences, universities, research centres, cultural institutions and international organisations. It will also work closely with the Presidency of the Republic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Deputy Ministry of Culture and corresponding institutions in other countries, with the aim of promoting cultural diplomacy and intercultural dialogue.
Its main activities will include scientific studies and research, the development of international partnerships and networks, the organisation of international conferences, symposia, scientific lectures and workshops, exhibitions and cultural and artistic events, the publication of scientific books and studies and participation in European and international research programmes.
Through its work, the Office aims to promote Cyprus’ cultural heritage, contemporary intellectual and artistic creation and scientific output, while also strengthening the Republic’s international presence through cultural diplomacy.
The Academy said the establishment of the Cultural Diplomacy Research Office is an important institutional initiative that enhances its role as a leading scientific and intellectual institution in Cyprus and as an active partner in the international academic and cultural community.
