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.
East Africa investment climate heats up
Investors are starting to realize there are business opportunities in Africa. Last year, Barron’s magazine published The Final Frontier, a cover story about investment in the continent. Consulting firm McKinsey published a report looking at African growth opportunities by sector. Boston Consulting Group published a report identifying the top 40 companies in Africa, all with over $350 million in annual sales.
South Africa’s new Internet cable link could bring economic boom
When the $650 million West Africa Cable System landed in South Africa last week, it was a major step forward for a region that remains one of the least-connected in the world. With one East African sea cable connecting South Africa with high-speed Internet systems in Asia and the Middle East, and now a second sea cable connecting southern Africa with West Africa and Europe, South Africa's capacity of mobile phone networks and Internet networks will double.
Royal wedding: Syrian ambassador’s invitation withdrawn
The Syrian ambassador's invitation to Friday's royal wedding has been withdrawn after officials said it was "inappropriate" for him to attend. The decision to invite Dr Sami Khiyami had been criticised, amid condemnation of a violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in the country.
Tehran squirms as crackdown by ally Syria creates global uproar
But as the turbulence in Syria and international outrage over the hundreds killed gain momentum, many Iranian diplomats, pundits and academics can evade the question no longer. In an interview on Iran's Arabic-language Alam TV on Saturday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast... vaguely and tactfully stated that Iran respected the sovereignty of other countries.
Could royal honeymoon rumors boost Romanian tourism?
It would be the biggest boon to Romanian tourism since Dracula. The impoverished Transylvanian village Viscri has made a surprise appearance on the media's short list of possible honeymoon destinations for Britain's Prince William and his bride, Kate Middleton.
The Exchange 2.0 Summit (remarks)
We all share a deep belief in the ability of people from different backgrounds and experiences to find common ground if they just have the opportunity to sit together and talk. Simple interactions can have enormous power.
India to participate in Judo event
Cricket diplomacy between Pakistan and India has seemingly opened floodgates for other sports as well as a strong Indian judo squad is expected to feature in the South Asian Judo Championship penciled in for May 9 to 14 in Islamabad.
Gods, Geeks, Gamers, and Gatekeepers - The Future of Power
Day to day we each have our routines and along the way are bombarded by images, messages, and endless information. But what breaks through the information overload and influences us? What captures our attention, our imagination and ultimately lodges itself in our memory?
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