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.

#YesSheCan Exhibition Features Women in Rare Occupations

The UN Women and Youth Information Service of Kazakhstan public Fund raised the issues of women’s participation in the country’s economic life and the rights and opportunities of women in the workplace by organising exhibitions in honour of International Women’s Day. This year, women in rare occupations are in the focus of special attention. [...] The #YesSheCan exhibition was held March 6-11 in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent and Semei.

Tags: Cultural Diplomacy, global aid & development, united nations, kazakhstan, women empowerment, #yesshecan, central asia

The Trump Slump? Tourists Say They're Scared to Visit the United States

The fallout from President Trump’s executive orders limiting travel from some Middle Eastern and African countries is having far-reaching implications for U.S. tourism. It is not just visitors from the countries targeted by the bans that are souring on U.S. travel; the seven countries included in Trump’s original order in January account for 0.1% of incoming travelers. Rather, an atmosphere of fear at the nation’s airports are scaring off people without the slightest connection to the Muslim world.

Tags: nation branding, PD fail, united states, Donald Trump, travel ban, international image, tourism, middle east, africa, canada

How the Hindi Film Industry Has Found Fans in Foreign Shores

A surprisingly effective ambassador for brand India, Bollywood – a colloquial term for Hindi cinema – has done more to seal cultural ties and build bridges around the world than international diplomacy ever could. It is not just the sentimental appeal of Hindi films, the adulation for the industry is bolstered by its stars who are hero-worshipped by legions of adoring fans worldwide on- and off-screen. Whatever they touch turns into gold; wherever they go.

Tags: smart & soft power, nation branding, Cultural Diplomacy, india, bollywood, economic development, brand india, hindi cinema

Russia-Turkey Rapprochement, A Headache for the EU and US?

Ankara and Moscow are doing a diplomatic two step together. Conspicuously left out in the cold in this dancing duo, are two major power blocks which traditionally Turkey considers vital to its security needs: The United States and the European Union. The meetings between the Russian President Putin and his Turkish counterpart indicates a willingness on both sides to further consolidate economic, diplomatic and most importantly, and no doubt, also military ties.

Tags: government pd, turkey, russia, united states, european union, diplomatic relations, economic ties, middle east, nato

Africa Needs Strong Think Tanks to Enhance Soft Power

In today’s increasingly uncertain world, powerful nations are more likely to use think tanks than military tanks to crush their enemies and shape policy. Thinks tanks are increasingly becoming what one author rightly called "masters of the universe". In geopolitical terms, policy institutes are indicators of soft power capacity of nations. [...] To be sure, the influence of think tanks in Africa is not new.

Tags: smart & soft power, government pd, think tanks, international image, africa, china, global influence

Geneva 4 and the Shifting Shape of Syria Diplomacy

The fourth round of UN-led Syria talks, dubbed Geneva 4, wrapped up last week with a tentative agreement between warring sides on an agenda for future negotiations [...] For nine days, United Nations special envoy Staffan de Mistura met separately with delegations from the Syrian government and three different opposition groups in an effort to end six years of bloody war.

Tags: non state pd, government pd, global aid & development, geneva 4, united nations, syria, negotiations, counterterrorism, isis

Public Diplomacy Forum to Open Tomorrow in Dubai

The first edition of the Public Diplomacy and Government Communication Forum will open tomorrow at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The one-day Forum is a new event organised by the Government of Dubai Media Office that aims to support government organisations in optimising their communication strategies through a discussion of global best practices and success stories from both the region and the world.

Tags: government pd, international exchange, united arab emirates, dubai, strategic communication, media, foreign policy

How Ahmed Hussen Rose to Become Canada’s Border Man

Toronto’s Somali community has struggled more than most since their first wave landed in the city in the early 1990s. Ahmed Hussen was among them. Their experiences [...] were his experiences. And this feel-good stroll down Weston Road, the business strip of the Somali neighbourhood here, plays out like a spontaneous celebration of a monumental first. A perfect success story in the year of Canada’s 150th birthday.

Tags: government pd, canada, ahmed hussen, immigration, somali diaspora, united states, refugee crisis, muslim community

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