Skopje, 28 May 2026 (MIA) - Cultural diplomacy is often described as soft power, but in today’s world it is not soft at all in its significance. It is a serious instrument for state positioning, building partnerships, and long-term influence. Cultural diplomacy is the most human form of diplomacy and its task is to restore the human dimension in international relations, said speakers at the 4th Cultural Diplomacy Forum Skopje 2026 which opened Thursday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade under the theme “From Crossroads to Connections: Cultural Diplomacy and the Future of Global Dialogue".

This year's forum is organized by the Club of Skopje, which is led by the Office of former President Gjorge Ivanov, the International Center for Alliance of Civilizations in Skopje, and the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.  

Former President Gjorge Ivanov stressed that in today's world, Macedonia is represented by the 7/8 rhythm that its musicians spread globally.

"Macedonia is the folklore that lives on, and Macedonia is the language used in our church liturgies. Macedonia is far more than what our institutions or our books can convey," Ivanov said.

Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski said the topic of cultural diplomacy is one of the most important in today's unstable world.

"In a world that is becoming increasingly unstable, unpredictable, and loud, the question is not just who holds the most power. The question is who commands greater credibility. It is not about who can influence decisions, but who can build trust. It is not just about who can defend their position, but who can tell their story in a way that makes others want to listen, understand, and respect it," Mucunski said.

Mucunski stressed that armies can ensure security, economies can create opportunities, institutions can produce rules, but trust is built through people, ideas, culture, education, and respect.

He noted the Balkans is frequently described through its conflicts, divisions, and lack of trust. These, he said, are also a part of our history, but they must not be a part of our destiny.

“The Balkans has often been a region that has had a different story. A story of cultural interaction, trade routes, shared spaces, different traditions, people who, for centuries, lived next to each other, sometimes with tensions, but more frequently with exchange, adaptation, and mutual respect,” Mucunski said.

According to Mucunski, in the 21st century, the maturity of the region will not be measured by whether we hold differing views of the past, but by whether we turn those differing views into endless conflict or into a basis for mutual dialogue.

"History must not be a tool for blocking the future. It should be a space for knowledge, for understanding, and for respecting the fact that nations sometimes share common historical processes, yet hold different memories of them, and that is completely normal. That is the European way; that is the civilized way. This is precisely where cultural diplomacy can help. Not because it solves every political problem – it doesn't – but because it fosters an atmosphere where problems can be addressed with less fear, fewer prejudices, and far more respect. It builds bridges before agreements are reached, fosters trust before positions are aligned, and creates understanding before a joint statement is ever drafted," the Foreign Minister said. 

Nicole Varnes, Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy, stressed that in today's environment of rapid technological changes, culture is more important than ever. She described it as the primary language shared by humanity, one that builds understanding and bridges divides.

"We meet at a time of strategic competition, rapid technological changes, and shifting information landscapes. In this environment, culture matters more than ever. It is the first language shared by people, coming well before governments sign treaties or institutions formalize partnerships. Cultural diplomacy builds understanding exactly where misunderstanding begins. It creates a space for dialogue where politics falls short. It proves that even when we disagree, shared values and mutual respect can bridge the gap," Varnes said.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Varnes noted, Americans are reflecting on the qualities that have sustained them – innovation, creativity, resilience, and the courage to reinvent themselves.

"Throughout our diplomatic history, we have partnered with nations that share these commitments, and that partnership has flourished here. Skopje has always stood at the crossroads of civilizations, cultures, and ideas. Today, you embody the very theme of this forum: 'From Crossroads to Connections'. You are not merely witnesses to the meeting of cultures, rather you are actively building the connections between them," Varnes said.

According to Varnes, cultural diplomacy restores what politics often erodes – trust and open communication.

"As Skopje prepares for its role as the European Capital of Culture in 2028, you are demonstrating how culture can catalyze innovation. It fuels economic vitality and deepens international engagement. You are positioning North Macedonia as a leader in advancing Europe's cultural wealth, an effort the United States proudly supports. Together, we are proving that culture is becoming one of our most powerful tools for enriching our nations and our peoples," Varnes stressed.

Ultimately, the Chargé d'Affaires emphasized, cultural diplomacy is about people – “young leaders discovering new opportunities, artists telling stories that cross borders, educators shaping engaged citizens, and societies that choose connection over division”. 

Ivan Ivanov, President of the Executive Board of the International Center for Alliance of Civilizations, highlighted the multiple crises and wars in today’s world.

“International order is put to the test. The Secretary General of the United Nations wonders whether the multilateral architecture can endure, whether power can still depend on responsibility,” Ivanov said.

Ivanov noted that cultural diplomacy is soft power providing an answer to harsh rhetoric. 

The forum brings together diplomats, politicians, experts, artists and officials from the country, the United States, Germany, France, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro.

The forum features several thematic sessions and events set to take place in institutions of state and cultural importance. President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova will host at the Villa Vodno a session on Leadership and Culture as Bridges Between Civilizations. Speaker Afrim Gashi will host at the Parliament a session on The Role of Democratic Institutions in Cultural Dialogue: From Representation to Cohesion, with several national and international speakers and representatives from the fields of politics, culture and diplomacy in attendance.  

A special session dedicated to culture, creativity, cultural diplomacy and Skopje - European Capital of Culture 2028, organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the City of Skopje, is also scheduled as part of the forum. The session is set to take place at the Museum of the City of Skopje, with Minister of Culture and Tourism Zoran Ljutkov and Skopje Mayor Orce Gjorgievski delivering their addresses, followed by a panel discussion on Vision for the Future: Skopje 2028 and the Power of Creativity, which will be attended by prominent Macedonian artists, cultural workers and public figures in the fields of theater, music, literature and contemporary art.  

Ahead of the 4th Cultural Diplomacy Forum Skopje 2026, President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova hosted Wednesday evening at Villa Vodno a reception to welcome participants in the forum, where she highlighted the significance of cultural diplomacy.  

Photo: MIA