Mukunde characterized cultural diplomacy as a vital exchange of ideas, information, and art that fosters mutual understanding between nations. It is no longer viewed as a secondary aspect of foreign policy but as an essential tool for achieving broader economic and political objectives. This strategic approach aims to reveal a nation's core identity while addressing historical misunderstandings to build stable, modern partnerships.

The continent is currently transitioning from the periphery to a vital center of global innovation and economic momentum. Africa currently hosts the youngest population in the world, with nearly 60% of residents under the age of 25. By 2030, it is projected that 40% of the world’s youth will be African, and consumer spending on the continent will reach approximately 2.5 trillion USD.

This demographic shift offers significant promise for deepening cooperation between the European Union and African member states. Mukunde noted that modern diplomacy must be grounded in these current economic and demographic realities rather than outdated assumptions. As an architect of the shared global future, Africa’s natural resources and innovation are increasingly critical to international stability.

The address concluded that the mastery of cultural diplomacy is a strategic reality for the African continent. By prioritizing the exchange of arts and language alongside economic data, nations can achieve a higher degree of mutual cooperation. Ultimately, Africa’s integration into global systems remains a defining factor for the ongoing transformation of international relations.

Forum on Cultural Diplomacy in the European Union

Potsdam, Germany | 18–19 June 2026

"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, Mr. Mark, good morning.

Thank you for inviting us today. It's really a great pleasure and honor to be standing here to address this forum.

It's my first time here, and I really like the setup and the discussions, how people are exchanging. It's really very important.

So my talk today will focus on the role of Africa in driving development and strengthening international partnership through culture, the creative industry, and sports.

So to fully appreciate the significance of this forum, we should first look at the foundation meaning of cultural diplomacy. It is the core, which is the exchange of ideas, information, and arts, language, and fostering mutual exchange and understanding by enabling nations to truly comprehend each other's ideas and institutions. So cultural diplomacy cultivates the broad support necessary to achieve our economic and political objectives. Ultimately, it is a tool to reveal the soul of a nation.

A strategic reality that Africa has not only come to understand, but it is now mastering it well.

This forum comes at the right time, and this topic we are talking about today is at a critical moment where global transformation is taking place.

The foundation of international relations is being tested today, and long-established geopolitical assumptions are shifting.

In this context, cultural diplomacy has become increasingly important. It is no longer a secondary aspect of foreign policy but a vital tool for shaping perspectives, addressing historical misunderstandings, and building the mutual respect essential for today's multipolar world.

Most of all, this shared vision holds great promise for deepening cooperation between the member states of the European Union and Africa.

While Africa is proudly embracing its legacy of being the cradle of humanity, today the continent stands at the global forefront, dynamically contributing as an essential architect of our shared future.

To build modern partnerships, our diplomats must be grounded in the demographic and economic realities of today, not the assumptions of yesterday.

By saying so, as we all know, Africa is today home to the oldest and youngest population, with nearly 60% of its population under the age of 25. And by 2030, 40% of the world's youth will be African.

Furthermore, Africa has both the fastest-growing middle and upper-class economy globally, with consumer spending projected to reach about 2.5 trillion by 2030.

Africa is no longer a region of the periphery. Rather, it is a vital center of global innovation, critical natural resources, and economic momentum."

• https://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/index.php?en