This conference focussed on intercultural communication, a process that has always been central to diplomacy. The essence of the diplomat’s work lies in the relations between countries and peoples. Diplomats live abroad and interact with the local culture, and bring their own culture to their hosts. Important decisions in international relations and related fields affect citizens of more than one nation, therefore the question of whether communication between people of different nations is effective and whether all parties emerge with the same understanding is of crucial importance. Lack of knowledge of another culture may confuse or even offend the people we wish to communicate with, making the conclusion of international or bilateral agreements difficult or impossible.
