City Diplomacy Begins with Communities and Reaches Beyond Borders
The Institute for Public Diplomacy participated in Barcelona International Community Day 2026, held on 24 October.
Our participation reflects the Institute’s interest in city diplomacy and the growing role of cities, international communities, civil society organisations and academic networks in shaping international relations.
Cities are not merely geographical locations or administrative units. They are meeting points for diverse communities, sources of grassroots initiatives and spaces where international cooperation can develop beyond traditional diplomatic channels.
Barcelona’s international community offers an important perspective on how local engagement, cultural diversity and transnational networks can contribute to public diplomacy and strengthen connections between societies.
For the Institute for Public Diplomacy, participation in such events is an opportunity to explore how non-state diplomatic actors can connect local communities with international dialogue, promote inclusive cooperation and contribute to a more decentralised and participatory approach to diplomacy.
