It is clear that music diplomacy is becoming capable of broadening the range of cultural diplomacy, setting music as the main tool in which cooperation and intercultural exchange can be achieved. Characteristically, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, during the celebration of UN Day in 2003, reported that “music puts aside language barriers and unites people with quite different cultural backgrounds”. Based on this argument, music can make a positive contribution to intercultural dialogue between nations at the level of international relations.
In this regard, music is proven to be an extremely useful tool in the field of international relations and especially in diplomatic missions. It is no coincidence that there is an accompaniment of music during celebrations held in the context of diplomatic ceremonies, specifically in places where informal negotiations and large-scale conferences take place. In this case, therefore, the usefulness of music in holding events that frame a diplomatic mission is evident.
In addition, the exercise of diplomacy through music can contribute to the cultivation of cultural diversity, which is synonymous with the term “multiculturalism”, at the multilateral level. According to the Encyclopedia of Britannica, “multiculturalism” is defined as the notion that “cultures, races and ethnicities, especially those of minority groups, deserve special recognition of their differences within the framework of a dominant political culture.” Undoubtedly, music, as an integral part of the culture of every people, since there can be no culture without the existence of music, contributes to the creation of a global network of intercultural understanding and tolerance of cultures that do not belong to the dominant culture. This results, on the one hand, in the achievement of inclusivity and, on the other, in the peaceful and cross- fertilization and reconciliation of all nations at international level.
Moreover, the International Council of Music is activated in this direction. As a non-governmental branch of Unesco, it consists of the largest network of natural and legal persons actively employed in the music industry, having head houses in a total of 150 countries. The importance of his work lies in his effort to promote intercultural understanding and access to different types of music, through the various actions it carries out. Indicatively, according to its action plan, it aims to conduct music educational programs and organize know-how programs to find international funding for musical works. Finally, he has contributed to the establishment of the World Music Day on October 1st and to the granting of the “IMC Music Rights Awards” for the support of intercultural musical works.
Katerina Vasilou
Bibliography
Einbinder, M. (2013). Cultural diplomacy harmonizing international relations through music. New York: Gallatin School of Individualized Studies New York University.
Ramel, F., & Prévost-Thomas, C. (Eds.). (2018). International Relations, Music and Diplomacy: Sounds and Voices on the International Stage. Springer.
Sourses
www.uopeople.edu/blog/what-is-cultural-diversity/
