The Art of Influence - Cultural Diplomacy in a Connected World

In a world of fractured alliances and accelerating change, the ability to build influence through culture, storytelling, and shared values has never been more strategically important. British High Commissioner Nik Mehta, OBE, brings a frontline diplomat's perspective on how cultural diplomacy operates as a quiet but powerful form of soft power — shaping perceptions, forging partnerships, and opening doors that hard power alone cannot. From UK–Singapore collaborations in music, education, and climate innovation to the challenge of maintaining trust in an era of disinformation, this session unpacks the principles and practices behind effective cultural statecraft. It is an essential conversation for business leaders, policy thinkers, and anyone who believes that how nations and institutions communicate is as critical as what they do.

 

Nik Mehta, OBE, serves as the British High Commissioner to Singapore, representing the United Kingdom across the full spectrum of bilateral relations — from trade and investment to defence cooperation and people-to-people ties. A distinguished career diplomat honoured with an Order of the British Empire, Nik has served in some of the world's most complex and dynamic postings, developing a nuanced understanding of how culture, narrative, and identity shape international relationships. In Singapore, he has championed deeper UK–ASEAN ties, driving initiatives that span innovation, education, and climate finance. His thinking on cultural diplomacy draws from lived experience navigating the intricate interplay between geopolitics and human connection — making him one of the most compelling voices on influence, soft power, and the art of building lasting partnerships in a contested world.