Universities, Education, and Diplomacy: Promoting Values and Cultural Dialogue in the Globalized World

Abstract

In today’s globalized world, universities play a growing role in educational diplomacy by fostering cultural dialogue and promoting shared global values. This paper examines how higher education institutions act as diplomatic agents, advancing international cooperation through language, cultural promotion, and academic exchanges. Special attention is given to the Confucius Institutes (China) and Sejong Institutes (South Korea), which go beyond language instruction to function as cultural ambassadors, contributing to national soft power strategies.

Using the Free International University of Moldova (ULIM) as a case study - which hosts both a Confucius Institute and a Sejong Korean Language and Culture Center - the paper illustrates how universities can serve as platforms for intercultural engagement and cross-border collaboration. Insights from the 2024 World Chinese Language Conference further contextualize the growing influence of educational diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding and peaceful international relations.

The research also addresses the challenges and opportunities of using universities and language institutes as tools of soft power, notably the challenge of balancing national identity promotion with respect for cultural diversity. Ultimately, this study highlights the vital role of universities in advancing cultural dialogue, strengthening international partnerships, and supporting diplomacy through education in the 21st century.