Talkback: Leadership Reimagined Through Cultural Diplomacy with Ambassador Simona Miculescu

In a global reality marked by devastating wars and the AI factor, cultural leadership faces significant challenges but also has unprecedented opportunities. Cultural ambassadors, through their unique position, can bridge divides, promote cultural understanding, and harness technology to preserve and enhance cultural heritage. Their role is critical in shaping a future where cultural diversity is respected and celebrated amidst rapid technological advancements and geopolitical tensions. 

Cosmin Chivu, Associate Professor at Sands College of Performing Arts, New York (USA), talked with Ambassador Simona Miculescu, President of the 42nd General Conference of UNESCO, Former Permanent Representative of Romania to the United Nations, about the new meaning of cultural diplomacy in promoting impactful and lasting global engagements that transcend traditional political boundaries. The event was highlighted in the official programme as Talkback: Leadership Reimagined Through Cultural Diplomacy.

Cosmin Chivu: We're very, very grateful for your time and for accepting this invitation on short notice. I'm going to go ahead and ask the first question, and I kindly ask you to share your expertise on how cultural diplomacy could reshape the traditional notions of leadership. What qualities do you believe are essential for leaders who wish to engage in effective cultural diplomacy?

Simona Miculescu: I have to say that I appreciate the fact that you managed to gather so many people after lunch. So, thank you for being here, everyone. It's quite a pleasure to be with you, at least virtually. I cannot wait to attend the festival on the 28th. It has been part of my life for so long, and I am sure you have experienced many amazing things before I also have this chance. In fact, you have the best example of cultural diplomacy right there in front of your eyes.

I have to say that answering this question could take about half an hour of discussion. So even though I'm a diplomat, I will try to be very concise. On a funny note, I remember when I was an ambassador to the United Nations, each time an ambassador would start by saying they would be brief, they wouldn't stop. So, I try to resist that temptation.

Because UNESCO is all about cultural diplomacy, I am very proud and happy to tell you that I'm not only the ambassador to UNESCO for Romania, but as of November 2023, I was also elected president of the German Conference of UNESCO, a leading governing body. As the head of this conference and an ambassador, I find cultural diplomacy quite impactful, and I promote it whenever and wherever I can. That is why I accepted your invitation with such pleasure.

Regarding cultural diplomacy, I would start by saying that it can only be sustainably fostered through inclusion and empowerment. From my perspective, leaders shape a new role for artists and creative communities in the realm of cultural diplomacy, transitioning from spectators or passive actors to active agents of cultural diplomacy.

As cultural diplomacy deeply enhances and revitalizes traditional notions of leadership, it must be positioned as a catalyst for societal reflection, creation, and enrichment. And again, UNESCO is all about this. You might know that UNESCO has seven conventions, most of which deal with culture, such as the Convention for the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the Convention for World Heritage, and the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. These are just three examples. I believe UNESCO is the best global platform for creating policies regarding cultural diplomacy and for promoting the values of cultural diplomacy.

Simona Miculescu: As far as the qualities of leaders who want to get involved in cultural diplomacy are concerned, I think that the general qualities of leadership apply. However, it is absolutely essential for them to deeply understand how culture affects their work, environment, community, and the world. They must embrace and strive to understand cultural differences and the diversity of cultural expressions. I have to say that the convention I mentioned earlier is a great tool for your studies if you're interested.

I believe it's essential to be an effective communicator. There is no leadership without proper communication skills, and in the case of cultural diplomacy, you can imagine how sophisticated these skills need to be. Cultural diplomacy adds a layer of sophistication, particularly intellectual sophistication. Empathy and kindness are crucial qualities for any type of leader, including those in cultural diplomacy.

I'm a champion of empathy and kindness, partly because there is so much hate prevailing in the world right now. So please, be real leaders, because a true leader is empathetic, kind, nice, and inspiring. You can be truly inspiring by being kind and empathetic. Personal and professional development is also a must for a leader in cultural diplomacy. You always need to keep pace with the evolution in all the areas that cultural diplomacy covers.

Cosmin Chivu: I don't know if you can see the room, but we have several leaders here. In fact, the room is filled with leaders of important organizations, both local and international, from the president of the Romanian Culture Institute, who is honored to be here today, to the executive director of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. So we are in good hands. I would like to ask you next how cultural diplomacy could generate political and social change. Do you have any examples where this particular journey of generating political and social change has been successful in your professional experience?

Simona Miculescu: Thank you. And of course, my warm greetings to the president of the Romanian Culture Institute and the executive director of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I was in Edinburgh a couple of years ago, and I'm very excited. I hope to meet you when I'm in Sibiu. You mentioned that these are young leaders, beginners in leadership, but you are speaking about people who are really making a mark in this field. Now I feel a little intimidated, but I’ll manage. I'm very pleased to have you here to share your experiences with your younger colleagues and especially those interested in this beautiful and noble field.

Cultural diplomacy is undoubtedly a catalyst for social transformation. It shapes the shared imagination and cultural identity of nations on the international stage, contributing to new horizons for the communities they represent. The best example that comes to mind from my own experience is a significant case study demonstrating the impact of cultural diplomacy at social, political, and diplomatic levels.

One of the most touching episodes of my diplomatic career happened on December 1, 2022, Romania's National Day. The Romanian Blouse was inscribed by Romania and the Republic of Moldova on UNESCO's intangible heritage list of humanity. There was a very powerful campaign to lobby for the inscription because the experts had some doubts, particularly regarding the relationship between communities and governmental structures. There was a tremendous effort from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Culture in both countries, along with NGOs, who were strong advocates for the Romanian Blouse.

For instance, the La Blouse Roumaine community in Romania, founded by Andreea Tănăsescu, played a crucial role. This community made the world fall in love with the Romanian Blouse again. They also created the Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse, which takes place today, 11 years ago. This is why I proudly wear the Romanian Blouse today, showcasing how cultural diplomacy, driven by civil society rather than governments, can have a global impact.

So, if you look at the profile of La Blouse Roumaine, you'll see that it's not just Romanians but people from all over the world, celebrating the Romanian Blouse by wearing it. Tens and hundreds of thousands of people, from Alaska to Australia, are participating.

Regarding the impact, I have to say that the inscription was not just a campaign but a victory. The Romanian Blouse has now secured its rightful place in the intangible heritage. However, the consequences of this cultural diplomacy exercise are very significant after the inscription. Being part of the UNESCO World Heritage List involves not only rights but also responsibilities in preserving the Romanian Blouse. This greatly influences the communities, their lives, and their traditions. These communities are the main heroes in this achievement because, without their role in preserving this jewel of Romanian identity over the centuries, we wouldn't be here today.

Cosmin Chivu: Thank you for sharing this important information. I must confess, I had no idea that today was the Universal Day of the Ia, the Romanian Blouse. I would like to shift gears and mention that over the past four years, the world has gone through significant transformations and we are now in a post-pandemic environment, marked by several global conflicts. I would assume that UNESCO's priorities are shifting according to these socio-political realities. Would you mind sharing with us the current priorities of UNESCO, and where culture fits within these priorities?

Simona Miculescu: Well, I would like to remind everyone that the magic of UNESCO covers culture, education, science, communication, and information. Culture is one of the main areas, and the interest and attention that UNESCO gives to culture never change. Culture remains a constant top priority. UNESCO is a key global partner for institutions around the world mandated to foster culture and cultural diplomacy. If you don't know by now, I must tell you about the significant role of culture in society and UNESCO's role in promoting it.

There was a historic moment two years ago when a landmark declaration was made, officially recognizing culture as a common good. This declaration highlights the importance of granting culture its rightful place in society. The notion that culture is not profitable is a misconception; culture is profitable in many ways, including financially. Every effort UNESCO makes to leverage the cultural sector must be understood through the lens of cultural diplomacy. At the end of the day, every stakeholder in a community's or country's cultural landscape is connected to other diplomatic agents, and UNESCO is fully aware of this.

From its work on world heritage, as I mentioned, to its myriad programs at global and local levels aimed at protecting, enhancing, and uplifting cultural initiatives, traditions, and creative industries, UNESCO continues to play a vital role in the cultural sector.

UNESCO's extensive involvement in the cultural sphere profoundly reflects its commitment to cultural diplomacy. I don't need to remind many of you about the efforts related to the status and resilience of artists, especially during tough times like the pandemic. These essential tools helped artists worldwide survive those difficult periods. Unfortunately, with ongoing conflicts and disasters around the world, these programs continue to be crucial as artists are significantly affected.

UNESCO serves as a frontline global platform for cultural diplomacy. For those interested in learning more about its diverse programs or becoming part of them, or for institutions aspiring to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, please visit UNESCO's website. Explore the cultural sector to learn about the world heritage programs or, if you are from a developing country, contact your local UNESCO office. There are incredible people in the field who would be delighted to collaborate in supporting cultural causes.

Additionally, there is a major event where all world leaders gather in New York for the General Assembly's high-level session. This fall, during the General Assembly, there will be a significant Summit for the Future, which aims to rethink the United Nations' principles, values, and actions. UNESCO is working diligently to ensure that culture is prominently featured in the summit's final document. This document will not just be a piece of paper; it will outline the strategic direction we will all take to protect and promote culture.

Cosmin Chivu: On that subject, could you share more about UNESCO's responsibility moving forward to protect peace, security, and global well-being in anticipation of the summit you mentioned? Is there anything groundbreaking or different you can share with us? How do you think UNESCO can do more to guarantee that artists are protected worldwide, ensuring their well-being and space to create? How can we prevent them from being oppressed by dictators or imprisoned in regions where culture has thrived for centuries but now suffers?

Simona Miculescu: This is a complex question. First of all, let's remind everyone of the most famous phrase that exemplifies our mission since its inception almost 80 years ago: "Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed." This is actually the first sentence of the Constitution of UNESCO, signed in 1946. Since then, UNESCO's mission has been to plant the seeds of peace in the minds of men and women worldwide through culture, education, science, communication, and information. This is an eternal red line, an eternal thread in everything we do, especially in the protection and preventive dimension of peace. I believe that the prevention of conflict is even more important than any other measure. From facilitating mutual understanding to unifying communities and societies around shared values and cultural and creative resonance, UNESCO has consistently demonstrated its commitment to cultural diplomacy as a key factor in achieving global peace and security, and it will continue to do so.

Regarding the protection of artists, as I mentioned, UNESCO created tools during the pandemic, which you can explore in detail on the site I mentioned. Protecting their lives directly is not something UNESCO handles; rather, it aims to plant the seeds of peace in the minds of people. UNESCO supports artists, especially where it has a presence in the field, which includes 153 countries with UNESCO offices. These offices help artists and creators and play a vital role in the cultural sector.

We also focus on the well-being of artists from various perspectives. One example is our commitment to human rights, particularly freedom of expression, which is essential for artists. Last year, UNESCO began a significant initiative called Internet for Trust. This project involved drafting general guidelines to help national regulators manage streaming platforms and social media in their respective countries. This effort acknowledges that human rights and freedom of expression are understood differently across countries. The guidelines resulted from a comprehensive consultation process involving governments, major influencers, social media companies, thinkers, philosophers, civil society, and academics. If you're curious, look for Internet for Trust on the UNESCO website and join this effort. The mission of artists is closely connected to freedom of expression, and we must find ways to reduce the hate speech that intoxicates us daily. We must work together, as UNESCO can do more, but each of us must also do more. Each leader in this room should contribute because only by uniting our efforts, from local to global communities, can we make a difference.

We've been trying hard, and there are many global initiatives. For example, while I won't delve into the culture and artificial intelligence discussion, you should know that two years ago, UNESCO's 194 member states adopted the only global instrument on the ethics of artificial intelligence. Now, we are developing another global recommendation, which will be the first global instrument on the ethics of neurosciences. Neurosciences influence perceptions and judgments, and we are working hard on this from several important angles.

Audience’s Q&A for Talkback: Leadership Reimagined Through Cultural Diplomacy

Cosmin Chivu: This is such important information, and thank you for sharing it with us. I'm going to give the floor to the audience now because it's time to hear some questions from our guests and participants. We have a number of volunteers with microphones, so please feel free to raise your hand or ask for the microphone for the first question for Ambassador Miculescu.

#1: Thank you very much for your efforts to protect the human mind from the influences of disinformation, isolation, and sometimes neuroscience, as it can be used as evidence. How can we all help from here? What do you think is the state for us? You mentioned the importance of being together, and I completely agree with this. Could you also speak a bit about the effects of trauma on these seeds of peace in our minds? Thank you very much.

Simona Miculescu: Thank you for your question. To be very honest with you, I think you should start by becoming more aware of what UNESCO is doing for you. Unfortunately, many perceive UNESCO as mostly associated with heritage. While heritage is indeed the most popular and visible aspect—countries strive every year to have their sites included in the World Heritage List, which now counts over 1,000 wonders of the world, not just seven—it’s not the only focus. This list includes both natural and cultural heritage, but there is also the intangible heritage list, which deals more with human talents, crafts, traditions, and arts practices.

I'm really frustrated because, and again, I'll be very honest with you, in my country, I struggle for attention when I speak about UNESCO. Of course, there are other priorities, such as EU priorities, NATO priorities, especially in times of war.

Even in times of war, I think the role of UNESCO is more important than ever because we have to focus on people and the education of peace. Let me give you an example that I'm very proud of: during my presidency at the General Conference, we adopted the first and only global instrument on education for peace, human rights, and sustainable development. This will be implemented through a range of activities and programs at UNESCO.

So, I think it starts with getting more informed about what UNESCO does. Just visit the website, and if I've sparked your curiosity, look at the cultural sector and get involved. There are many rich programs that UNESCO organizes all over the world. If you are from a developing country, you have UNESCO offices nearby. Get involved with them, stay in touch, and be active because this is how you can help implement UNESCO's extensive agenda.

If you're not from a developing country—like Romania, which is now considered somewhat developed since joining the EU—you can still get involved. For example, Romania has a National Commission for UNESCO, which is very active and serves as UNESCO's voice in the country. You always have a potential interlocutor.

Regarding the effects of trauma, we are all aware of their severity. That's why multi-faceted programs in both the cultural and education sectors are so important. Our colleagues in the field, especially in countries affected by current wars or conflict situations, are working hard on this. The effects are dramatic, which is why the preventive dimension of UNESCO's activities is crucial. That is why the preventive aspect of peace is so important. We don't have to wait for conflicts to generate trauma. We have to prevent conflicts and try to develop our societies.

It requires all of us working together—not just politicians or civil society voices, but everyone in complete synergy. This isn't easy, but it's essential for our goals. 

#2: I'm from Taiwan, but now living in Germany. (...) Maybe you found that culture can deliver important messages, but at the same time, from an economic perspective, we are in a situation where resistance is present. We need to focus on these critical issues. However, culture is a way to bring people together and start discussions. So my question is, are there any gaps you still see in the cultural perspective that we can address, educate ourselves about, and explore? What can we do?

Simona Miculescu: Of course, there are gaps, as every country has its specific challenges. In some countries, the civil society in culture or the creative industry might not have perfect cooperation with authorities or even among themselves. This is why we talk about leadership, as there are many tough moments where paths need to be set in this industry. I know this from my friends. The cultural industry is full of very sensitive people who perceive things differently than ordinary people. People with artistic talents are very special. Some might say they are vulnerable, and perhaps they are, but they can also surprise us with their strength.

As leaders, your most important role is to never give up. It's difficult to speak in general terms because here at UNESCO, we represent 194 countries, all respecting the principles and values of the UN but implementing and understanding them in our unique ways according to societal standards. This diversity is why we talk about the diversity of cultural expressions in the 2005 Cultural Convention. I highly recommend this convention to leaders in cultural diplomacy as it contains very important insights.

I know it might sound like empty words, but I cannot think of a better way to join forces than by being resilient and never getting discouraged. That's a key aspect of leadership—never getting discouraged, regardless of the obstacles in your way.

And on the other hand, a leader must inspire people to join them and inspire change. This is the role of a leader: to drive and determine change. You cannot do that without courage, perseverance, and optimism. Positivity is something we tend to forget about, but as leaders, you have a duty to be positive and to encourage your people. You need to encourage your multicultural community, inspire them, and motivate them to generate change. That's all I can say as a general rule. Thank you.

#3: Thank you for the presentation. What I understood from you is that we have a path—you are there, we are present, and what we all need is a support system to implement it. Is there a working group we can approach in Romania?

Simona Miculescu: Practically, you don't have a bureau in Romania since it is an EU member and no longer has a UNESCO office. However, you do have the National Commission of Romania for UNESCO. They have a very small but very active and knowledgeable team: Madlen Șerban and Codrin Tăut. They are excellent contacts who can provide you with information about the current situation in Romania, as they are dealing directly with the reality in the country. While there is no formal working group, there are spontaneous collaborations. For example, in cultural matters, the main partners of the Permanent Delegation are the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, because we are a diplomatic mission and must go through diplomatic channels for everything.

Take the example of the Romanian Blouse: a spontaneous working group was formed that included experts who wrote the file, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the National Commission for UNESCO. So, while there isn't a formal working group, cooperation happens during significant moments. Depending on your specific interest, if it's about artists, you should go to the Ministry of Culture. If it's about heritage, you can contact the National Institute for Heritage, which has excellent experts. There are several possible interlocutors.

Cosmin Chivu: And I think we can also assume some responsibility as an international media organization based in Romania to educate, provide more information, and address misinformation that can be lost in translation or ignored amidst the overwhelming amount of information we encounter daily through social media and other sources.

Simona Miculescu: I understand that there is an academic institute being inaugurated in Sibiu, The Institute for Performing Arts Research. This could be an excellent resource to help with these endeavors.

Cosmin Chivu: I don't have information about that, but it is something I will look into. Most importantly, in terms of educating the younger generation of leaders, we need to reach beyond the elite universities and families with opportunities. Often, the brightest minds don't have access to information or resources. By only educating the top 5 or 6 percent who already know how to access this information, we miss out on incredible potential. We need to create a grassroots experience for education.

Cosmin Chivu: What advice would you give to our younger leaders, those who will lead us tomorrow, that you wish you had known when you started your extraordinary career?

Simona Miculescu: Before anything else, I want to share some important information. I had the honor of presiding over the Global Conference on Education Through Culture and Arts in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. This conference wasn't just an opportunity to discuss important topics but also to issue a recommendation that could be implemented in all countries. I encourage you to review this declaration and the interventions at the conference because you will be the implementers of this initiative. This intersectoral exercise between the culture and education sectors is historic and directly relevant to you.

Please visit the UNESCO site, look under the topics of education, culture, and arts, and get involved. One thing I recommend is to be fearless. Nothing should stop you from reaching excellence, not even success. Strive for excellence, and you will achieve results. Be fearless.