How Greece uses Cultural Diplomacy to promote Peace, and Lasting Bonds
Ambassador Alexandros Papaioannou explores bridging nations through culture
November 25th, 2025
On the 2nd of October the Ambassador of Greece to Germany, Alexandros Papaioannou delivered a keynote speech at the Forum on Democracy and Peace, hosted by the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD) in Potsdam. The forum formed part of the ICD’s ongoing efforts to unite diplomatic voices, academics, and international students in dialogue on global democratic challenges and opportunities.
Ambassador Papaioannou emphasized that culture is not a luxury in foreign policy, rather the most durable bridge between people. He noted that history shows us that borders can divide, but culture connects; language, music, art and shared stories weave societies together. He underscored that cultural diplomacy is essential in building resilience, reconciliation, and trust, particularly in regions recovering from conflict or political transition.
His Excellency presented Greece’s experience as an example of cultural diplomacy in practice. For instance, the Greek diaspora serves as both a cultural and diplomatic bridge, connecting the homeland with countries worldwide. He highlighted those initiatives like archaeological projects, cultural festivals, language programs, and arts exchanges are not only symbolic, but strategic instruments that help build mutual understanding and soften tensions in the Balkans, the Mediterranean, and beyond.
Ambassador Papaioannou stressed that cultural diplomacy’s greatest power lies in trust-building, because unlike political agreements cultural bonds endure since they operate at the human level. He gave a concrete example from Greece’s recent programs in the Balkans: joint theatre productions, collaborative exhibitions, and cross-border music festivals that brought together communities with a history of tension.
On the other hand, Ambassador Papaioannou was candid about the risks of cultural diplomacy; if culture is used only as a propaganda tool, it loses credibility and it can backfire by creating bigger mistrust if historical grievances or community sensitivities are ignored. He reckoned that initiatives should be inclusive, participatory, and long-term and artists, teachers, and civil society actors should be considered important in peacebuilding.
He concluded that cultural diplomacy is not separate from policy, but an integral component of soft power and global governance. He stressed that cultural diplomacy should be strategic, inclusive, and ethically grounded and states should view heritage as active instruments of diplomacy.
