01Why Human Diplomacy?
Putting the
human being
at the centre of
international
relations.
Human Diplomacy is a global platform exploring diplomacy, human wellbeing and the cultural and intellectual foundations of international cooperation.
Explore Human DiplomacyRead the full introduction
Behind political systems, economies and institutions are people shaped by different histories, cultures, values and ways of understanding the world.
Human Diplomacy explores how these human perspectives shape international relations and how greater understanding can contribute to cooperation, sustainable development and our shared future.
02Our Vision
A world of dialogue, understanding and shared human flourishing.
We envision a world where:
- diplomats, thinkers and practitioners exchange perspectives,
- cultures and civilisations enter into dialogue,
- research meets real life,
- knowledge moves across borders,
- business connects with ideas, people and social impact,
- institutions connect with communities.
Together, these connections can foster a more thoughtful, inclusive and humane approach to international cooperation.
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By connecting ideas, knowledge and people across cultures and disciplines, Human Diplomacy seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of our changing world and the futures we are shaping together.
The world has built extraordinary systems for connecting economies, governments, technologies and information.
Now, as artificial intelligence increasingly shapes how we communicate, work, learn and make decisions, the human dimension becomes even more important.
The next challenge is deeper: to understand one another.
Across cultures. Across societies. Across different ways of seeing the world.
03
Global by Design
Human Diplomacy is not centred on one country, region or intellectual tradition.
Understanding humanity requires multiple perspectives.
From the Gulf and MENA to Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia and beyond, Human Diplomacy connects regions and perspectives.
04
What Does It Mean to Be Human?
Across cultures and intellectual traditions, people have developed different understandings of what it means to be human, what constitutes a good life, how we should live together, and what we owe to one another.
These questions are not abstract.
Their answers shape how we understand
- dignity
- responsibility
- community
- knowledge
- nature
- the Other
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They influence the values we live by, the societies we build and the ways we relate to one another.
These questions also invite us to consider what it will mean to be human in the future, as societies, technologies and our ways of living continue to evolve.
05Our Approach
Understanding civilisations for a more connected world.
We explore how civilisations and intellectual traditions have understood the human being, society, knowledge, nature and the good life, and how these ideas continue to shape the world today.
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Ideas travel across generations. They enter language, education, institutions, social norms and everyday life. They evolve and continue to influence how societies understand themselves and relate to others.
Understanding these cultural and intellectual foundations helps us explore contemporary societies, international relations and diplomacy through a deeper human perspective.
06Level I of III
Three Human Dimensions
Culture & Heritage
How culture, heritage, identity, memory and narratives shape societies and their relationships with the world.
Dialogue, Knowledge & Science
How knowledge, education, research, communication and intellectual exchange create connections across borders and cultures.
Wellbeing & Human Flourishing
How different societies understand human wellbeing, dignity and the good life, and what these ideas mean for development, policy and international cooperation.
The three dimensions run through every field.
07Fields of Human DiplomacyLevel II
One human-centred approach. Multiple fields of diplomacy.
Human Diplomacy explores the connections between different fields of diplomatic practice, international cooperation and human development, bringing them together through a shared human-centred perspective.
- Cultural Diplomacy
- Heritage Diplomacy
- Knowledge & Science Diplomacy
- Public Diplomacy
- Economic Diplomacy
- Technology & AI Diplomacy
- Urban Diplomacy
- Environmental & Climate Diplomacy
- Wellbeing Diplomacy
- Humanitarian Diplomacy
The fields are put into practice through six interconnected pillars.
08The Human Diplomacy EcosystemLevel III
Six interconnected pillars.
Research & Institute
Interdisciplinary research and fieldwork exploring the human foundations of international relations
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Interdisciplinary research and fieldwork exploring the human foundations of international relations, bringing together international affairs, culture, history, philosophy, heritage and human development.
Research & Institute page
Academy & Learning
Courses, lectures, workshops and educational programmes
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Courses, lectures, workshops and educational programmes exploring international relations and human wellbeing through interdisciplinary perspectives.
Academy & Learning page
Journal & Publishing
Research, essays, interviews, field notes, books and perspectives from around the world
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Research, essays, interviews, field notes, books and perspectives from around the world, connecting academia, international practice and wider society.
Journal & Publishing page
Forum & Global Network
International dialogues, conferences and encounters
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International dialogues, conferences and encounters bringing together researchers, diplomats, educators, cultural actors, institutions, businesses, practitioners and communities.
Forum & Global Network page
Projects & Partnerships
International research, cultural, educational and cross-sector initiatives
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International research, cultural, educational and cross-sector initiatives developed with universities, governments, international organisations, cultural institutions, foundations, businesses and communities.
Projects & Partnerships page
Advisory & Analysis
Research-based analysis and strategic insight for institutions, organisations and businesses
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Research-based analysis and strategic insight for institutions, organisations and businesses working across cultures and international contexts.
Advisory & Analysis page
09Founder
Natalia Beliakova
Founder, Human Diplomacy
“Living across cultures taught me that the same world can be understood in very different ways. Human Diplomacy grew from my desire to explore those differences, and create a space where they can meet.”
Natalia Beliakova is an independent researcher and international relations specialist working across cultural diplomacy, cross-cultural communication and human wellbeing.
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With an academic background in International Relations and Law, her work combines research, cultural fieldwork and international collaboration, with a particular focus on the Gulf, Türkiye and the Mediterranean.
Her interests span culture and heritage, intellectual traditions, human wellbeing, sustainable development and the ways ideas shape contemporary societies and their futures.
10Collaborate
Human Diplomacy grows through collaboration across cultures, disciplines and sectors.
Different disciplines. Different cultures. Different perspectives.
One shared space where they meet.
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We welcome connections with researchers, universities, governments, international organisations, cultural institutions, think tanks, foundations, businesses, practitioners and communities.
We are open to research, publications, international projects, education, cultural initiatives, conferences, advisory work and institutional partnerships.
Have an idea? Let’s build something meaningful together.
Contact Human DiplomacyOpens your email app. Or write to hello.humandiplomacy@gmail.com