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.

International Festival in Bhutan Puts Turkish Author in Spotlight

Aug. 26-28, Bhutan will celebrate its seventh Mountain Echoes Literary Festival. The three-day festival is uniquely set against the backdrop of the verdant Himalayas in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Mountain Echoes is a confluence of art, music, literature and new media, serving as the ideal platform for debate, discussion, and cultural exchange.

Tags: bhutan, literary festival, Cultural Diplomacy, turkey, art, music, new media, cultural exchange

America Benefits From International Exchanges

Monday, August 1st, was “J Day,” during which international students and other exchange visitors fan out across the United States to engage in community service and celebrate American culture. This celebration comes right after the recent party conventions where divergent philosophies on immigration and other global issues were on display. Those differences could over time negatively impact the general public’s views of international exchange programs. 

Tags: united states, international exchange, j day, culture, immigration, global issues, us state department

Brazil Must Seize Opportunity for an Olympic-Sized Brand Makeover

As acting president Michel Temer has highlighted, a key goal is to present a vision to the world of a modern, vibrant democracy and stable emerging market that is a prime destination for future investment and tourism. Former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has also asserted that, with billions watching, Brazil has a first-class opportunity to show it “can be a great country” after a troubled time.

Tags: brazil, 2016 Rio Olympics, nation branding, international image, sports diplomacy, economic development, democracy

US, Singapore Set to Take Ties to New Heights

Marking half a century of strong diplomatic relations, the United States and Singapore on Wednesday (Aug 3) laid out an ambitious vision for future bilateral cooperation in a wide spectrum of areas across defence, cybersecurity, innovation, trade and people-to-people exchanges. [...] The joint statement is the most substantive outcome of Mr Lee’s official visit this week to the US to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Tags: singapore, united states, bilateral relations, diplomatic relations, government pd, climate change, national security

Meet the Palestinian Volunteers on the Frontline of Europe’s Refugee Crisis

At the forefront of the crisis, Palestinians from the humanitarian organization Humanity Crew can be found dealing with the most harrowing scenes to hit European shores in modern history. Launched less than a year ago in Haifa as a response to the Syrian war, the organization is leading the way in delivering mental health and psychosocial support to refugees from Syria to Sudan.

Tags: palestine, refugee crisis, europe, greece, syria, sudan, humanity crew, non state pd, global aid & development

Cuba International Network Becomes First U.S. Firm to Provide Film & Broadcast Services in Cuba

Cuba International Network (CIN) recently became the first U.S. company authorized to set up shop in Cuba to provide equipment and personnel there to support the production of broadcasting, television, and filming of video content for consumption in the U.S. and international markets. This first-of-its-kind service brings vital film and broadcasting capability and services to Cuba with the same standards found in the U.S.

Tags: cuba, united states, international broadcasting, cuba international network, diplomatic relations, digital diplomacy & new tech

International Development: Canada Back on World Stage

In the nine short months that the Trudeau government has been in office, there has been a significant shift in the tone and frequency of Canada’s international development commitments. Marie-Claude Bibeau, the Minister of International Development is not afraid of doing things differently, a reason why we’re once again being recognized as a leader on international assistance and humanitarian issues.

Tags: canada, justin trudeau, global aid & development, government pd, smart & soft power, international image, advocacy, united nations

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Shows How Diplomatic Soft Power Works On the Ground in Vancouver

Taiwan has staged a remarkable diplomatic comeback even without an embassy in Ottawa or an official consulate in Vancouver. It's been done with the help of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, which has been employing soft power for many years to win the hearts of many Canadians.

Tags: taiwan, canada, soft power, Cultural Diplomacy, joseph nye, made in taiwan, international exchange, tourism

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