August 2012 saw the inaugural Edinburgh International Culture Summit, an event that brought together Culture Ministers and officials from over 30 nations for a series of conversations about forging international dialogue through culture. Initiated by the Edinburgh International Festival in partnership with the British Council, Scottish Government and UK Government and hosted by the Scottish Parliament, the success of this event was a powerful reminder in a fractured world of a belief in the power of culture and the arts to transform individual lives and national ambitions.

A panel, including British Council Chief Executive Martin Davidson and Festival Director Jonathan Mills, discusses the role of arts and culture in facilitating international dialogue and understanding. Chaired by broadcaster James Naughtie.