Soft Power: How Culture Builds Trust in a Multipolar World

14:30 — 16:00 (May 21)
New Treryakov Kadashi
Plenary Hall

#international_cooperation

Roundtable Discussion

In today's shifting geopolitical landscape, culture has emerged as a vital instrument of international dialogue. It operates not through coercion but through shared values, the universal language of art, collective memory, and collaboratively constructed meaning.

Museums now function as soft power agents — platforms that represent nations abroad, facilitate exhibition and research exchanges, shape positive perceptions through nuanced meaningful engagement with heritage, forge new partnerships, and create spaces for cultural convergence even amid global tensions.

Modern cultural diplomacy demands heightened sensitivity, strategic vision, and a commitment to co-creating futures. Where direct political dialogue falters, museums continue to promote communication through the language of shared purpose, trust, and belonging.

• What role do museums play in sustaining international ties during periods of cultural and political polarization?
• How can we quantify the impact of cultural diplomacy?
• What risks and opportunities do conflicts and sanctions present for museums?

Moderator:
Anna Usacheva, Deputy Director General — Director of External and Internal Communications, Agency for Strategic Initiatives to Promote New Projects

Speakers:
Elena Gagarina, Director, Moscow Kremlin Museums
Ekaterina Pronicheva, Director, Vladimir-Suzdal Museum Reserve
Bélinda Ayessa, Director General of the Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Memorial (Congo)