The panel “Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy in the Global Macroeconomy” will take place on March 7, at Casa Balș – Caudella Hall, as part of Classix in Focus, and proposes a conversation about how culture transforms into influence and about its impact on education, innovation, international trust, and investment.

In the spirit of the Art & Mind theme of Classix Festival 2026, the discussion explores the relationship between cultural capital and economic competitiveness, between universities, international institutions, and research ecosystems. We will address the moment when culture becomes strategy, the risk of reducing it to branding, and the possibility of discussing value and sustainability without turning culture into mere numbers.

Beyond theoretical concepts, the panel emphasizes long-term cooperation, the role of education, and the capacity of cities and countries to build influence through culture and knowledge. It reflects on reputation, trust, and networks as real forms of power in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

Panelists:
• Dragoș Cantea (RO) – Concert pianist, Artistic Director and Co-founder of Classix
• Ambassador Michèle RAMIS (FR), President of the French National Commission for UNESCO in Paris.
• Liviu-George Maha (RO) – Professor PhD, Rector of “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași
• Liviu Jicman​ (RO) – President of the Romanian Cultural Institute

Moderator:
Simona Modreanu (RO) – Professor PhD, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași

Admission to the event is free, and the discussion will be held in English.

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The Classix in Focus series represents the festival’s space for interdisciplinary dialogue and networking, connecting artists, cultural industry professionals, and figures from the academic and creative environments. The program highlights themes relevant to the contemporary artistic scene and creates real contexts for collaboration between generations, disciplines, and cultures.

With a dynamic and accessible format, the series has so far included 26 panels, lectures, exhibitions, openings, film screenings, book launches, and various cultural interventions, consolidating its status as an essential component of the Classix DNA.
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By attending the screenings, participants consent to the use of photographic images and audio/video recordings for the promotion of the festival’s activities.