Consortium for Diplomacy and Global Action (CDGA)

Welcome

At the heart of global action is the belief that young people, when empowered through cultural diplomacy, can become architects of peace, understanding, and lasting change. The CDGA exists to turn that belief into reality-one partnership, one voice, one borderless idea at a time.

Welcome to the Consortium for Diplomacy and Global Action (CDGA)—an initiative launched in partnership between Teachers College and the International Academy for Arts and Cultural Studies (IAA), and powered by The United Nations Institute for Training and Research - UNITAR NYO.

Through this partnership, we are proud to advance global education, policy innovation, and interdisciplinary cooperation- advancing the Teachers College mission  in alignment with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the United Nations Pact for the Future. As the designated focal point of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research – New York Office (UNITAR-NYO) for cultural diplomacy initiatives, IAA brings its mission to the forefront through this collaborative platform. 

Through CDGA, students, faculty, and researchers at Teachers College and around the world are offered a powerful platform to connect, collaborate, and lead global change. 

Vision Statement

We envision a world where cultural diplomacy and youth leadership drive transformative global cooperation. As a hub for interdisciplinary education, research, and international partnership, the CDGA aspires to lead a new era of global engagement—where emerging leaders, artists, and scholars shape inclusive solutions to the world’s most urgent challenges.

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Mission Statement

The Consortium for Diplomacy and Global Action advances cultural diplomacy, youth leadership, and multilateral engagement to foster inclusive global change. Through interdisciplinary education, artistic expression, and policy innovation, we empower the next generation of changemakers to address pressing global challenges and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). CDGA brings together educators, artists, scholars, and policymakers to create impactful collaborations at the intersection of diplomacy, research, and global action.

Our Approach

The Consortium brings together academic institutions, international organizations, and industry leaders to forge a dynamic network committed to collaborating on initiatives that promote cultural diplomacy, interdisciplinary research, and global policy engagement to drive global change. Our dual headquarters at Teachers College and United Nations Plaza, reflect the core values of both scholarship and diplomacy. Key pillars of our approach include:

  • Strategic Collaboration and Public Engagement: Facilitating dialogue across disciplines and sectors to address global challenges
  • Academic and Professional Development: Developing educational activities that enhance global engagement and policy impact
  • Global Research and Policy Integration: Supporting high-level  research to drive actionable policy outcomes
  • Advisory Leadership: Guided by two expert advisory boards—one at each headquarters location—to steer our strategic direction

Together, we are building a transformative platform to shape a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future for all.

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