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.
In Uncertain Times, Philly Kids Head to Cuba to Play Ball
Assembled informally a few months ago by a handful of baseball-loving friends in Philadelphia's suburbs, predominantly Lower Merion, this self-funded team is set to embark on a goodwill sports trip to Cuba. [...] [T]hey want to be citizen-ambassadors at a time when President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to end the U.S.-Cuba rapprochement begun two years ago under President Obama, and the recent death of Fidel Castro has ratcheted up the political uncertainty in the island nation.
Is 'Brand America' under Threat?
As President-elect Donald Trump continues making his picks of US officials, including the controversial announcement on Friday of Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, his upset poll victory is still sending shock waves around the world. [...] The continued shock at Trump’s election, and some of his early decisions and appointments, threatens to potentially damage the reputation of the United States (so-called ‘Brand America’) internationally.
Tokyo to Pay Its Dues to UNESCO on Concerns over Global Image
Under the threat of violating international law and hurting its global reputation, Japan will submit its long overdue annual contribution to UNESCO by the year-end, according to government sources. The government's decision also reflects concerns that its continued refusal to pay could allow China to hold more sway in UNESCO, while eroding Japan’s standing in the organization.
Heritage Fair Highlights Cultural Diversity
Serena Hotels, under its Cultural Diplomacy initiative, organized a wonderful Heritage Fair at the Serena Business Complex Lawn, to help promote local art and artisans. With cultural music playing in the background and provincial artists dancing, the atmosphere boasted a fragrance of delicious local cuisine as craftspeople and vendors showcased the cultural diversity of the country.
For Refugees in Germany, McDonald’s Restaurants are a Job and a Language Lab
Never before had the chief executive officer of fast-food chain McDonald’s Germany sat at the table when Chancellor Angela Merkel met with captains of the country’s biggest corporations. [...] But the CEO, Holger Beeck, was there in September at the Bundeskanzleramt because McDonald’s has hired 900-plus refugees, more than any other company at the meeting. The subject of the meeting was integrating those fleeing war in Syria and other dire conditions.
How to Really Bring Change to North Korea, My Home Country
Aside from reunification of the Korean peninsula, if denuclearization in North Korea is to be the central goal, how can one possibly achieve it? What could bring the North Korean regime to its knees and to the negotiating table? [...] for the ears of one pivotal or sitting on the panel of speakers if things continue as they are. That audience, of course, is the 24 million North Korean citizens still in the country.
Pakistan Can Become Centre of Attraction for Buddhists
Pakistan can receive millions of tourists annually if there may be peace and infrastructure in areas where these ancient sites and relics were located. If Pakistan government take the initiative, it could kick start a massive hospitality industry in the region earning billions of dollars foreign exchange annually.
Poland Wants to Foster All-Around Ties with Vietnam
Poland backs Vietnam’s strengthening of ties with the European Union (EU) and will push for the signing of the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement. [...] Both sides agreed to continue the exchange of cultural-art delegations along with holding film weeks and photo exhibitions, and partnering up in restoration and upgrade of cultural heritage sites, contributing to promoting people-to-people diplomacy
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