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.
Sister City Diplomacy
Pasadena’s beautiful public library houses a small exhibit, on the first floor, devoted to the city’s contribution towards public diplomacy. Each shelf contains information, photos and tchochkes from their six sister cities around the world.
What does North Korea want from US envoy visit to Pyongyang?
A top United States envoy arrived in Pyongyang on Tuesday to try to convince North Korea to return to six-party talks on its nuclear program. Some analysts believe US envoy Stephen Bosworth is likely to win the North's assent during what are the Obama administration's first high-level talks with North Korean officials. But they question if renewed multilateral talks will make much difference. Talks were last held one year ago in Beijing.
A culture clash over Confucius Institutes
Just as the philosopher Confucius sought in ancient times to promote mutual understanding between cultures, China is stepping up efforts to do the same today. Over the past five years, the Beijing-based non-profit Confucius Institute has established nearly 300 centers in 87 countries around the world. The goal: to offer local communities opportunities to learn Chinese language and culture. And, some observers say, to soften China's image as an aggressor as it grows stronger economically and politically.
Yudhoyono envisions Asia that makes a difference
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on Asian countries to promote soft power by promoting cooperation and tolerance for the sake of peace and prosperity in the continent. He envisioned Asia as the center of the world’s economic growth, and the momentum and opportunities were already in place to make the dream come true. “If we can turn the 21st century into an era of soft power, we will create an Asia that makes a difference,” Yudhoyono said when opening the Asian Parliamentary Assembly conference in Bandung.
NYU center calls for improved U.S.-Muslim exchange
In a report published today, NYU's Center for Dialogues urged the Obama administration and Congress to change their policies regarding cultural exchange with the Islamic world. The report calls for the USA Patriot Act to be amended in order to make traveling easier for Muslims coming to the U.S. The report was created following a conference the Center held in June called "Bridging the Divide Between the United States and the Muslim World Through Arts and Ideas: Possibilities and Limitations."
Picture exhibition of Xinjiang held in Australia
The exhibition presents nearly 100 pictures taken by photographers from more than 20 countries and regions across the world. Brisbane serves as the second stop of China's Xinjiang foreign cultural exchange delegation during its visit in Australia.
Announcing the Launch of “Soccer Corps”
Former Peace Corps volunteer, Danny Canarick and avid international soccer fan, Michael Tuckman, today announce today the launch of “Soccer Corps.” The goal of Soccer Corps is to provide a unique experience for American soccer fans in the week leading up to World Cup 2010 being held in South Africa. The group’s inaugural trip will be to Lake Kariba, Zambia, from June7 – 12, 2010 and the Soccer Corps is currently seeking Ambassadors to participate in the program.
Uganda school a real inspiration
Harrowing poverty and amazing optimism inspired a Torquay teacher when he visited Uganda. Hamish Higginson, a citizenship teacher at Westlands School, spent nine days in the East African country as part of a cultural exchange scheme. He spent the majority of his time at Baale Secondary School in Kayunga, where he witnessed pupils every day overcoming extreme depravations to achieve an education.
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