Nigeria will host its maiden Conference on Cultural Diplomacy aimed at positioning culture as a key tool for diplomacy, conflict prevention, social cohesion and sustainable development.
According to the convener of the conference, Ambassador. Zainab Mohammed, the conference, themed “Building Nations Through Cultural Diplomacy,” is scheduled to hold from Jan. 27 to Jan. 28, 2026, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos.
Mohammed explained that the conference represents Nigeria’s first high-level platform dedicated to cultural diplomacy, responding to the growing recognition of culture as an underutilised instrument for diplomacy and development.
She said that the conference would be organised by Zeelee Consult Limited in collaboration with the NIIA and would bring together policymakers, diplomats, cultural practitioners, traditional rulers, academics, private sector leaders and development partners from Africa and beyond.
According to her, cultural diplomacy provides countries with an avenue to strengthen national identity, project soft power, promote mutual understanding and harness the economic potential of creative and cultural industries.
Mohammed noted that Africa is at a critical stage where its cultural heritage and diversity can be strategically leveraged to support regional integration, inclusive growth and stronger global engagement.
She said the conference would serve as a multi-stakeholder platform for policy dialogue, shared learning and strategic collaboration in the cultural and diplomatic space.
She added that key discussion areas include the role of cultural diplomacy in promoting peace and unity, safeguarding tangible and intangible heritage, advancing creative industries and cultural tourism, and strengthening Africa’s global cultural presence.
According to her, the programme will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, policy dialogues, cultural exhibitions and performances, interactive sessions and networking engagements.
Mohammed explained that the expected outcomes include policy recommendations to strengthen cultural diplomacy frameworks in Africa, enhanced institutional collaboration, increased advocacy for heritage preservation and the adoption of a conference communiqué.
She called on policymakers, traditional rulers, stakeholders, government institutions and the public to engage with the initiative as Nigeria leads continental discourse on cultural diplomacy.
GIK/APA