The USA Meets China: A Forum for Young Leaders (USAMC)
"Strengthening a Sustainable Trans-Pacific Partnership"

(Washington D.C. & New York City; June 23rd - 27th, 2014)

Welcome to USA Meets China: A Forum for Young Leaders (USAMC)

USA Meets China: A Forum for Young Leaders (USAMC) is a network of young professionals and individuals who have an interest in exploring and strengthening the highly complex Sino-US relationship. The ultimate goal of the forum is to educate, enhance and sustain the European-Chinese partnership by empowering the next generation of young leaders from the US and China.

Relations between the two superpowers that dominate word affairs today have been characterized by a combination of collaboration and antagonism. Despite numerous areas of disaccord, primarily political in nature, the enhanced cooperation between the two countries is both necessary and inevitable. As major trade partners and the shared interest in curtailing global threats such as nuclear proliferation and terrorism, some analysts have deemed the Sino-US relationship the most important bilateral relationship of the 21st century. Considering the fact that China and USA are the world´s two largest economic and military powers today, playing a leading role in international politics and global trade, building and maintaining a close bond with one another and looking to the wider context within which this relationship exists is essential for promoting peace both within these two regions and across the world

Primarily economic and strategic in character until today, the future components of the Sino-US relationship must be diversified much further via cultural diplomacy strategies in order to anchor the partnership´s development and durability. With pervasive misconceptions and stereotypes about each other permeating both societies, this invaluable tool guarantees to bring increased mutual acceptance thereby solidifying and stabilizing their relationship, so that bilateral cooperation delivers on the promise to bring more economic, political and cultural benefits in the future for both China and the US.

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy now provides a forum to embrace and examine the field of cultural diplomacy and its importance in US-Chinese relations. During a weeklong seminar, participants have the opportunity to get detailed information about the current state of Sino-US relations and discuss their thoughts and ideas about future bilateral cooperation. At the USAMC weeklong seminar every participant has the chance to meet prominent experts of the field and work in a multicultural environment. The Forum's weeklong seminar is a perfect opportunity for those who are studying in the field of International Relations, International Business, Asian Studies and any areas related to US-Chinese relations, or for those who are simply interested in the present and the future of the cooperation between the USA and China. The forum organizes conferences, public lectures, events and online activities which gives exclusive access to the members of the forum.

About USAMC Weeklong Seminars »

Weeklong Seminars are held every 4-6 months and consist of 4-5 day programs of lectures, seminars, and workshops, together with cultural and social activities. The Seminars aim to give the participants an insight into key perspectives on, the European-Chinese relationship and to introduce them to a network of like-minded individuals, and allow them to explore the cultural landscape of the city of Berlin. Speakers during the seminars include individuals from the fields of politics, diplomacy, academia, culture & the arts, civil society, and the private sector. Once individuals have taken part in an EMC Weeklong Seminar and joined the forum, they become a part of the ICD's network, which facilitates communication between like-minded individuals across the world.

Once they have joined the EMC Forum, members are supported by the ICD in organizing leadership initiatives and conducting academic research whilst they are also invited to join the ICD Online Forum - enabling them to share information and communicate with like-minded individuals across the world.

Joining the Forum »

USA Meets China: A Forum for Young Leaders (USAMC) is open to all individuals with an interest in exploring and strengthening the Sino-US relationship. To join the forum you must take part in one of the USAMC Weeklong Seminars, which will be held every 4-6 months.

If you would like to reserve a position and participate in the seminar, please click on the "Apply Now" link below and fill out the online application form:

Next Weeklong Seminar

(Washington D.C. & New York City; June 23rd - 27th, 2014)
In addition to looking in greater detail at the history and development of cultural diplomacy, the next EMC Weeklong Seminar will focus on the following theme:

"Strengthening a Sustainable Trans-Pacific Partnership"


Certificate of Attendance

All participants will be awarded an official certificate of attendance upon completion of the program, which provides details about the speakers and topics at the conference. Each certificate will be signed by members of the ICD's Advisory Board.

ICD Alumni Program »

All seminar participants will be invited to join the ICD alumni program. The "ICD Alumni Group" is an international network of like-minded individuals with an interest in further developing the field of cultural diplomacy through the support of intercultural relations. Participation in the group is by invitation only, and is open only to individuals who have taken part in ICD programs. Members of the ICD Alumni Group will benefit from the following opportunities (more).