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WASHINGTON, D.C. Displaced International and the Cultural Diplomacy and Development Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a strategic partnership focused on peacebuilding, cultural diplomacy, conflict resolution, intercultural dialogue, sustainable development, and support for displaced and vulnerable communities.
The agreement was signed by Ambassador Ashraf Haidari, Founder and President of Displaced International, and Leyla Mammadli, Co-founder and CEO of the Cultural Diplomacy and Development Foundation.
The partnership brings together two organizations with complementary missions and a shared focus on dialogue, education, culture, advocacy, and inclusive cooperation. The sides aim to address the challenges of conflict, displacement, social exclusion, and underdevelopment through joint initiatives.
Under the MOU, Displaced International and CDDF will work on programs benefiting refugees, migrants, internally displaced persons, stateless persons, women, youth, and other vulnerable groups.
Planned areas of cooperation include public forums, cultural events, exhibitions, policy dialogues, educational and leadership programs, research, publications, advocacy campaigns, storytelling, and community engagement.
The partnership will combine Displaced International’s advocacy and peacebuilding experience, policy expertise, and global networks with CDDF’s work in cultural diplomacy, intercultural dialogue, education, and public engagement.
“This partnership reflects DI’s belief that war, displacement, exclusion, and underdevelopment cannot be addressed by organizations working in isolation,” Ambassador Haidari said.
“By bringing together complementary expertise, lived experience, and shared values, we aim to turn dialogue into practical cooperation, cooperation into conflict resolution, and conflict resolution into inclusive, just, and sustainable peace that addresses the root causes of forced displacement.”
The MOU also emphasizes the participation and leadership of women and young people in peacebuilding, education, development, cultural diplomacy, and advocacy related to displacement.
“Cultural diplomacy helps communities move beyond division, recognize their shared humanity, and build relationships based on mutual respect,” Leyla Mammadli said.
“Through this partnership, we will connect cultural dialogue with peacebuilding, education, development, and the empowerment of displaced communities.”
The agreement is part of Displaced International’s broader strategy of building partnerships with local and global organizations whose missions align with its commitment to peace, human dignity, displaced leadership, conflict resolution, and sustainable human security.
Displaced International said this approach is also reflected in its partnership with Fundación Alianzas Solidarias in Colombia, which created a global-local framework to support displaced and vulnerable communities through humanitarian assistance, advocacy, integration, self-reliance, peacebuilding, and locally led action.
“Partnerships are meaningful only when they strengthen communities, expand opportunities, amplify affected voices, and help prevent the conflicts and injustices that drive displacement,” Ambassador Haidari added. “DI will continue working with credible partners that share our values and are prepared to translate common purpose into practical and measurable action.”
Displaced International is a U.S.-based, displaced-led nonprofit organization assisting and advocating for refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, stateless persons, migrants, and others affected by conflict, climate change, poverty, persecution, and related crises.
The Cultural Diplomacy and Development Foundation is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization promoting global understanding, peace, sustainable development, cultural diplomacy, intercultural dialogue, education, research, and community empowerment.
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