The United Diplomatic Council (UDC) successfully concluded its international dialogue, “Startups, Culture & Innovation: Exploring Startups Diplomacy,” on 9 October 2026 at Seoul Startup Hub, Changdong, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
The gathering brought together over 70 companies, alongside diplomats, business leaders, startup ecosystem representatives and institutional stakeholders. Representation from the Embassy of India in Seoul added to the international character of the event, which focused on strengthening connections between Korea’s business community and global partners.
Korea’s dynamic business environment and strong focus on technology, entrepreneurship and innovation provided an important backdrop for the discussions. The gathering explored how businesses and startup ecosystems can engage more effectively across borders, identify investment opportunities, exchange expertise and develop partnerships that support long-term growth.
All speakers contributed in line with the programme, addressing themes that included international cooperation through startups and innovation, Korea’s startup ecosystem, connecting Korean businesses with global markets, and opportunities for collaboration between institutions and enterprises. The discussions highlighted the importance of bringing local business strengths into wider international networks.
The programme also featured a Memorandum of Understanding signing between IKBIC and T-Hub, demonstrating the role institutional partnerships can play in connecting startup ecosystems and encouraging collaboration between businesses and innovation platforms.
Diplomatic engagement was another significant dimension of the gathering. Representatives from the Embassies of Zambia, Sri Lanka, Libya, Cambodia and Ethiopia attended and expressed their interest in supporting global dialogue and exploring opportunities for future engagement. H.E. Paul Sobba Massaquoi, Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the Republic of Korea, also shared his perspective on international cooperation and the importance of building partnerships across countries and regions.
H.E. Paul Sobba Massaquoi, Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the Republic of Korea, said:
“Global dialogue becomes meaningful when nations move beyond conversations to build trust, share knowledge and pursue common opportunities. Initiatives that bring diplomats, entrepreneurs and innovators together can strengthen international cooperation and create partnerships that deliver lasting benefits across regions.”
Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of the United Diplomatic Council, said:
“Diplomacy today must extend beyond traditional engagement and create practical connections between countries, institutions, businesses and startup ecosystems. Through the United Diplomatic Council, we aim to build a truly global platform where dialogue leads to collaboration, innovation opens new opportunities, and international partnerships translate into meaningful outcomes.”
For UDC, the Seoul gathering reflects a broader commitment to building meaningful connections between diplomatic missions, businesses, investors, entrepreneurs and institutions. By bringing these stakeholders together, the Council seeks to create opportunities for practical cooperation that extend beyond individual bilateral relationships.
Korea’s participation and business ecosystem were central to the gathering, while the involvement of diplomatic representatives from multiple regions broadened the scope of the dialogue. This combination of local business participation and international engagement demonstrates how cities such as Seoul can serve as platforms for global partnerships in innovation, investment and entrepreneurship.
As international markets become increasingly interconnected, startup diplomacy offers a way to bring economic opportunity, cultural understanding and institutional cooperation into the same conversation. By encouraging businesses and diplomatic stakeholders to engage directly, such platforms can help identify shared priorities and develop partnerships with tangible outcomes.
The United Diplomatic Council remains committed to fostering inclusive international dialogue and connecting countries, companies and institutions through economic, cultural and innovation-led engagement.
Dialogue creates understanding. Collaboration creates opportunity. Global engagement creates impact.
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