When Diplomacy Meets Over Coffee: CD Foundation’s Decade-long Journey Inspires Global Bridges

New Delhi, September, 2025 — It wasn’t a conference room, but a coffee table that brought the world together on Friday morning at the Eros Hotel, New Delhi. Against the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the warmth of Indian hospitality, diplomats, partners, and cultural leaders gathered to celebrate a rare milestone: ten years of CD Foundation’s cultural diplomacy.

Founded in 2015 by Charu Das, Founder & Director, CD Foundation began as a small idea — a neutral, people-first space for embassies and communities to meet beyond politics. A decade later, it has blossomed into an internationally recognized platform spanning 45+ countries, proof that “soft power” can be stronger than any hard negotiation.

A Gathering of Nations

The Diplomatic Coffee Morning turned into a mini-United Nations in New Delhi, with dignitaries from Bangladesh, Belarus, China, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, and Zambia among the attendees. Their presence not only lent gravitas but also reaffirmed the Coffee Morning’s reputation as a hub of genuine dialogue and exchange.

The event opened with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony followed by a short film capturing CD Foundation’s journey — from Delhi’s embassy corridors to international festivals and partnerships shaping global conversations.

Voices of Influence

Dr. Amrendra Khatua, Former Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, set the tone, reminding the audience that “where politics falters, culture succeeds.” His words were echoed by H.E. Mr. Oday Hatim Mohammed of Iraq and Mrs. Phalecy Mwenda Yambayamba of Zambia, who emphasized the shared future that diplomacy-through-culture could nurture.

The event’s global spirit was further amplified through a virtual address from H.E. Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, Consul General of India in Auckland. His remarks spotlighted the India–New Zealand bridge of trade, tourism, and culture, underlining how cultural diplomacy carries real economic weight. Adding a local yet international flavor, Ms. Mahia Williams of the Whiria Collective (New Zealand) spoke of Māori–Indian collaborations not as symbolic, but as living exchanges.

Partnerships with Purpose

Beyond diplomacy, the Coffee Morning also recognized healthcare and humanitarian champions. Dr. Amit Luthra of Amolik Health Care highlighted India’s emerging role in medical diplomacy, while United Sikh drew attention to its relief efforts in flood-hit Punjab — a reminder that people-to-people diplomacy extends to those who need it most.

Looking Ahead

The celebration was not just about looking back but also about unveiling the future. Upcoming initiatives include:

• India–UK Festival (Manchester & Leeds, November 2025)
• Delegations to China (late 2025)
• Reciprocal Festivals in India (early 2026)

Each marks a continuation of CD Foundation’s mission: to turn connections into collaborations.

A New Beginning at Ten

As the morning ended, there was no sense of closure — only continuity. Ten years may mark a milestone, but for CD Foundation, it is just the first chapter of a much bigger global story waiting to be written.

For more information you can visit https://www.cdfoundation.co.in/