Host Organization
Cultural Diplomacy and Development Foundation (CDDF)
Partner Institution
U.S.–Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC)
Venue
U.S.–Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC)
Washington, D.C.
Date
March 6, 2026
Program Agenda
(Cocktail Reception & Exhibition Opening)
6:00 – 6:30 PM | Guest Arrival & Open Reception
- Guest registration and welcome
- Open cocktail reception / standing buffet
- Background live piano music
- First viewing of the exhibition space
6:30 – 6:40 PM | Welcome Remarks
Leyla Mammadli
Co-Founder & Executive Director, CDDF
Opening reflections on women’s leadership in cultural diplomacy and the role of culture as a strategic bridge in international engagement.
6:40 – 6:55 PM | Keynote Address
Peace Ambassador Zebunessa Z.
Fashion Stylist ; Spiritual Diplomat; Ambassador for Peace
Women as Architects of Sustainable Peace: Cultural Diplomacy as a Tool for Conflict Transformation
6:55 – 7:05 PM | Diplomatic Address
Keynote reflections on the transformative role of women in peacebuilding, intercultural dialogue, and sustainable diplomacy across regions experiencing transition and post-conflict recovery.
Vusala khanum Mehdiyeva
Councellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States
Culture, women, and diplomacy as pillars of sustainable international partnership.
7:05 – 7:15 PM | Perspectives on Cultural Diplomacy for International Women’s Day
Paul Michael Taylor
Smithsonian Institution
Honorary Advisor to the CDDF Advisory Board
The power of cultural expression, heritage, and women’s voices in diplomacy, global
dialogue, and public diplomacy initiatives
7:15 – 7:25 PM | Partner Institution Remarks
Natiq Bakhish
Leadership, U.S.–Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC)
The role of institutional partnerships in advancing cultural and people-to-people diplomacy.
7:25 – 8:15 PM | Exhibition Premiere & Cultural Program
Exhibition Opening
Artist: Nubar Azimova
- Curated photo exhibition exploring identity, memory, heritage, and cultural continuity
- Short artist remarks and guided walkthrough
Live Piano Performance
- Continuous live piano accompaniment enhancing the exhibition and reception atmosphere
Open Cocktail & Networking
- Informal diplomatic, cultural, and professional exchange
- Engagement among diplomats, academics, cultural leaders, and civil society representatives
8:15 PM | Closing & Continued Networking.
On March 6, 2026, the Cultural Diplomacy and Development Foundation (CDDF) proudly kicked off its third major event, “Fostering Cultural Bridges: Women and the Art of Diplomacy,” organized in partnership with the U.S.–Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC) in Washington, D.C.
The event brought together over 75 diplomats, international experts, academics, policymakers, artists, and members of civil society, demonstrating the powerful role that cultural diplomacy and women’s leadership play in strengthening global dialogue and cooperation.
We were honored to hear insightful remarks from distinguished speakers and to celebrate the intersection of art, diplomacy, and peacebuilding. A special highlight of the evening was the art exhibition by Nubar Azimova, whose work beautifully reflected themes of identity, resilience, and women’s voices in global dialogue.
Events like this remind us that culture is one of the most powerful bridges between societies, especially in challenging global times. When diplomacy meets art and women’s leadership, meaningful conversations and new partnerships emerge.
My sincere thanks to our partners, our distinguished speakers, and everyone who joined us to make this evening such a memorable and impactful start for CDDF.
This is just the beginning.
