A curated selection of public diplomacy-relevant news from a global cross-section of English-language media outlets, including independent, corporate-owned, and state-sponsored sources. The stories featured don't necessarily represent CPD's views nor have they been verified by CPD.
17,000 Compete in Destination Imagination's Global Finals
More than 1,000 teams have been in Knoxville the last four days participating in the world's largest creative thinking and problem solving competition. Kids from 42 states and 16 countries finished the Global Finals 2014 Saturday night, hosted by Destination Imagination. The teams were given challenges and had to find ways to solve them using skills like science, math, technology, and writing, theater arts, writing, and project management.
Africa to Gain Prominence in Iran’s Foreign Policy
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said that Tehran plans to give priority to Africa in its foreign policy.Zarif made the remarks during a ceremony held in Tehran at the Institute for Political and International Studies on Saturday night to commemorate African Day, which is an annual celebration of the anniversary of the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on May 25, 1963.
First-Ever Exhibition of Contemporary Emirati Art Held in the United States
Meridian International Centre and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have launched Past Forward: Contemporary Art from the Emirates, a groundbreaking cultural diplomacy programme that brings Emirati artwork and artists to the United States.The exhibition tells the story of the UAE’s rich history, culture and rapid development through the works of 25 notable Emirati artists. Past Forward represents the first major touring exhibition of Emirati art in the world.
Israel Uses Photo of Korean Missiles in Scare Tweet about Hezbollah Threat
The IDF Spokesperson on Saturday posted on its Twitter account a supposed image of some of the 100,000 missiles Hezbollah has aimed at Israeli cities – but there's a problem or two with it. The missiles shown are not to be found in Lebanon, or even in Syria, and only one of them could remotely be said to illustrate any threat posed against Israel. The photo, which appears to be from AFP/Getty Images, was used on an IDF Spokesperson tweet marking 14 years since the army withdrew from Lebanon. "#Israel troops left #Lebanon 14yrs ago.
The World's Most Famous Soccer Player Has a Message for Brazil Ahead of the World Cup
The World Cup is just three weeks away, and Brazil has been accused of human rights abuse, people have been protesting in the streets for months and even the International Olympic Committee has publicly questioned the country's preparedness for the biggest soccer event in the world. Now even the country's biggest sports icon is speaking out - and he is not happy.
Thai Coup Prompts Warnings to Tourists
The coup in Thailand poses a threat to one of the country's most successful industries: tourism. There's no question the country is a major tourist destination. Visitors travel from around the world to see attractions such as the markets of Bangkok, the beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui and the forests and mountains of Chiang Mai. Monthly visitor numbers have fallen by about 400,000 - or roughly 16% - since the end of last year, coinciding with the escalation in protests.
Pakistan Releases Over 150 Indian Fishermen
A day before Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif flies into India to attend Narender Modi’s swearing-in as the next premier, Pakistan on Sunday released 151 Indian fishermen from Karachi and Hyderabad prisons as a goodwill gesture.
Israeli and Palestinian Leaders to Meet With Pope at Vatican
Pope Francis waded into the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace process upon arriving here on Sunday, issuing an extraordinary invitation to President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority and President Shimon Peres of Israel to join him in his home in the Vatican for “a heartfelt prayer to God for the gift of peace.”
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