Narrative:

At a cruise altitude of 38;000 feet; smoke started to emanate from around and behind the forward instrument panel and was accompanied by a strong electrical burning smell. [Advised] ATC. Executed an emergency descent and diverted to ZZZ.

Google
 

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A319 Captain reported smoke and fumes in the cockpit emanating from the instrument panel. Flight diverted to nearest suitable airfield.

Narrative: At a cruise altitude of 38;000 feet; smoke started to emanate from around and behind the forward instrument panel and was accompanied by a strong electrical burning smell. [Advised] ATC. Executed an emergency descent and diverted to ZZZ.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.