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.

Erdogan Kicks Off African Tour with Creative History Lesson

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has become a leader nobody in the West is eager to host, has decided to steer toward countries with leaders he thinks might understand him: Uganda, Kenya and Somalia. [...] It's become a tradition for Erdogan to begin his foreign travels with much fanfare and overdone public relations campaigns.

Tags: recep tayyip erdogan, turkey, africa, uganda, kenya, somalia, smart & soft power, government pd, international image, economic development, influence

How Muhammad Ali Helped Land Knockout Blow to End China’s 20-year Ban on Boxing

Muhammad Ali, the American three-time world heavyweight boxing champion, whose death at the age of 74 was announced by his family on Saturday, will be remembered as a superstar in the ring – but also as cultural icon who touched the hearts of people around the world – including China. Ali made two important visits to the mainland during this lifetime, which effectively helped to end the Communist Party’s two-decade-long ban on the sport of boxing.

Tags: muhammad ali, china, boxing, history & theory, non state pd, sports diplomacy, cultural icon, chinese communist party, sino-us relations

AIT Holds its First 'Student Visa Day'

Dozens of Taiwanese citizens who completed interviews for student visas to the United States attended the first "Student Visa Day" held by the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) in Taipei on Friday to promote people-to-people exchanges. [...] The AIT has conducted several events to attract Taiwanese students to study in the U.S. and Friday's activity was designed to connect education and studying in the U.S. with visa experiences.

Tags: american institute in taiwan, taipei, taiwan, international exchange, education, student visas, united states

Refugee Olympic Team to Shine Spotlight on Worldwide Refugee Crisis

Ten refugee athletes will act as a symbol of hope for refugees worldwide and bring global attention to the magnitude of the refugee crisis when they take part in the Olympic Games Rio 2016 this summer. The athletes will compete for the Refugee Olympic Team (ROT) – the first of its kind – and march with the Olympic flag immediately before host nation Brazil at the Opening Ceremony. 

Tags: refugee crisis, rio olympics, advocacy, non state pd, sports diplomacy, refugee olympic team, human rights

5th Edition of Chughtai Art Awards Held at Konya

As part of Cultural Diplomacy, the Pakistan Embassy in Ankara organized the Chughtai Art Awards competition in the Konya province. The thematic focus of the competition was “Mughal/Turkish Art & Architecture of Pakistan.” The event was organized in collaboration with the Konya branch of Turkey’s Ministry of National Education.

Tags: chughtai art award, pakistan, turkey, ankara, konya, Cultural Diplomacy, turkish art, architecture, education, bilateral ties, cultural exchange

Sushma Swaraj Most Followed Female World Leader on Twitter

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained intact in the list of top 10 leaders in the world with the most Twitter followers, it was the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj who broke into the list for the first time, an annual global Twitter ranking has revealed. [...] "@SushmaSwaraj is the most followed female world leader with 5 million followers at 10th spot

Tags: sushma swaraj, female world leader, digital diplomacy & new tech, government pd, india, social media, twitter, twiplomacy

Park Moves Cultural Diplomacy Forward in France

Considering cultural exchange one of the most sustainable channels of diplomacy, President Park Geun-hye has been sparing no efforts in touting Korean culture, especially during her overseas trips. This year, marking the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations with France, the South Korean government is determined to create synergy with hallyu, or the Korean Wave, to foster friendly relations with the European country. 

Tags: south korea, park geun-hye, france, Cultural Diplomacy, government pd, korean culture, diplomatic relations, k-pop

Environmental Officials from Cambodia, Vietnam Exchange Ideas with Cedar Hill

Thaung and Cao, deputy head of safety techniques and the environment office for the Department of Industry and Trade in the An Giang province of Vietnam, recently completed a monthlong stay in Cedar Hill. [...] The two are among 46 fellows who visited cities all over the U.S. as part of a cultural exchange fostered by the International City/County Management Association, an organization that promotes greater understanding of how local governments function.

Tags: vietnam, cambodia, united states, international exchange, Environmental Issues, local government, safe energy, water conservation, sustainability

Pages

Stay in the Know

Public Diplomacy is a dynamic field, and CPD is committed to keeping you connected and informed about the critical developments that are shaping PD around the world. 

Depending on your specific interests, you can subscribe to one or more of CPD's newsletters >.

Visit CPD's Online Library

Explore CPD's vast online database featuring the latest books, articles, speeches and information on international organizations dedicated to public diplomacy.