Shain Shapiro

Shain Shapiro has influenced over 150 cities worldwide to invest strategically in music and cultural infrastructure. He is the founder and chairman of Sound Diplomacy, a global consultancy that works with cities, governments, and large organisations on music strategy and policy. He also founded the Center for Music Ecosystems, Music Cities Events, and the Music Economy Development Initiative, a partnership with Global Citizen, IFC, and Universal Music Group to use music to combat global poverty.

Shain holds a PhD from the University of London and authored 'This Must Be The Place: How Music Can Make Your City Better', now translated into five languages. He co-authored the most extensive guide to music and the UN Sustainable Development Goals ever written. SPIN Magazine named him one of its Top 25 Music Industry Executives in 2025, and Folk Alliance International gave him its Spirit of Folk Award in 2022.

He has spoken at hundreds of events including SXSW, the UN World Urban Forum, the OECD, the European Parliament, MIDEM, MIPIM, and Smart Cities Expo. He delivered the first TEDx talk ever given on music's role in cities. He also designs courses for Berklee College of Music and the Global Leaders Institute.