The Asean nations are characterised by an immense diversity and richness of languages and cultural traditions. In addition to their unique official languages and scripts, and now their common use of English, many hundreds of ethnic languages are spoken across the 10 countries. In the Philippines, and most recently in Myanmar, a mature and progressive attitude of balanced multilingualism is being felt in policy.

Tags: language, Cultural Diplomacy, asean, philippines, myanmar, multilingual, Opinion, cultural exchange

Thanks to the internet, tailor-made travel has never been easier: if you’ve dreamt of staying in a Super Mario-themed apartment, you can book one on Airbnb; if it’s a ride with a local you’re after, you can grab one on Uber. And when it comes to spending time with locals in their own homes [...] BonAppetour, the company serves as a platform that connects tourists with locals, who come together around the “home dining” concept.

Tags: japan, tokyo, Cultural Diplomacy, cultural exchange, international exchange, cultural exchange programs, media, new technology, internet, BonAppetour

For China, the film industry’s lure is evident. China hopes to tap into Hollywood’s expertise as it builds up its own nascent entertainment industry. It also understands popular culture’s potential as a PR platform for the Chinese Communist Party on the global stage.

Tags: china, hollywood, soft power, nation branding, chinese communist party, film industry, marketing, media, censorship

An outdoor exhibition of installation art, featuring art in containers, will start its world tour in July in Shandong province's Qingdao. It'll then travel to other cities in China and later head for France.

Tags: china, qingdao, france, art diplomacy, art installation, international exchange, cultural exchange, Cultural Diplomacy

The organization aims to share the Brazilian culture with the St. Louis area and emphasizes arts and education, such as sponsoring classes in Portuguese, the official language of Brazil. She said there are an estimated 4,000 people from Brazil in the St. Louis area.

Tags: kirkwood, brazil, st. louis, brazilian culture, Cultural Diplomacy, cultural exchange, music diplomacy, gastrodiplomacy, non-profit organizations

The grandson of the late Indian Leader Mahatma Gandhi is visiting Bucks County to advocate for peace and nonviolence. Arun Gandhi will be joining The Peace Center of Langhorne on Sunday as part of the organization's 35 anniversary for the "Speak Up for Peace" Campaign.

Tags: gandhi, advocacy, peace initiatives, non-state pd, global issues, nonviolence, bucks county, arun gandhi, speak up for peace, advocacy campaign

The United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced an agreement Sunday that would allow the two nations to collaborate on matters of space and aeronautics research, including the potential journey to Mars. [...] The two countries also announced that they would collaborate on education and public outreach.

Tags: US, uae, united states, united arab emirates, nasa, space exploration, abu dhabi, partnership, new technology, public outreach, education, government pd

On Monday, President Mukherjee would join Ghanaian President John Mahama for a one-on-one meeting. A number of agreements, including on setting up a Joint Commission between India and Ghana and on renewal of Cultural Exchange Programme, are likely to be inked during Mukherjee's visit.

Tags: ghana, india, cultural exchange, Cultural Diplomacy, government pd, pranab mukherjee, bilateral trade, africa tour, president visit