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.

Iran Eyeing More Foreign Investment in its Capital Market

Iran is planning to attract more foreign investors to its capital market through holding a series of international conferences to introduce this market, Hamid Rouhbakhsh, the director of public relations and international affairs of Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE), told the Tehran Times in an exclusive interview on Monday. Rouhbakhsh believes that Iran’s increasing international relations after the implementation of its nuclear deal, known as joint comprehensive plan of action (JCPOA), with the world’s major powers in January 2016 is facilitating presence of foreign investors in

Tags: iran, economic diplomacy, international investment, tehran, international conference, Securities and Exchange Organization, foreign investment

Record Numbers Attend Edinburgh Fringe and International Festival

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the International Festival have both had record breaking box offices in their 70th anniversary year. [...] Shona McCarthy, chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: "This has been a very special year for the Fringe as we celebrated 70 years of defying the norm, 70 years of the greatest melting pot of arts and culture anywhere on the planet, and 70 years of Edinburgh as an internationally renowned festival city.

Tags: Cultural Diplomacy, soft power, edinburgh festival, scotland, edinburgh fringe, international festival, melting pot, arts and culture

From Hypebeast to Hypepriest: Why the Church is Embracing Streetwear

Can T-shirts, hoodies and sports socks inspired by God – and worn by Justin Bieber – help to win disciples? Think of church merchandise and you will likely think of mugs decorated with stained glass windows or key chains with bible quotes, sold in a dusty gift shop. But things have changed: for the face of “church merch” in 2017, look in the somewhat unexpected direction of Justin Bieber.

Tags: soft power, church, branding campaign, social media, instagram, digital diplomacy, justin bieber

VisitBritain Names Gavin Landry as EVP for the Americas

VisitBritain has announced the appointment of Gavin Landry as its Executive Vice President for the Americas, with a focus on driving new and repeat visitor growth to Britain from Canada, the U.S., and Brazil. Landry joins VisitBritain from New York State where he was Executive Director of Tourism, having led the iconic I LOVE NEW YORK (NY) program, and where he developed and implemented strategies to support growth of the tourism industry. With tourism as a critical part of the UK Government’s agenda ahead of future trade deals, Landry will continue to develop and strengthen strategic partn

Tags: nation branding, international tourism, britain, united states, brazil, canada, new york, I LOVE NY, americas

Chinese Red Cross Aids CHD Children in Afghanistan

A Chinese Red Cross foreign aid medical team has carried out screening for the children with congenial heart disease (CHD) in Afghan capital of Kabul to register eligible kids for providing them with medical treatment. 

Tags: Afghanistan Aid, China Aid, Afghanistan and China, red cross, international aid, aid diplomacy

25th Anniversary of Diplomatic Ties Between China and South Korea

August 24 marked the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and South Korea. Since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1992, both countries have been jointly celebrating the anniversary every five years. This year, China sent its science and technology minister to a South Korean embassy event in Beijing. 

Tags: China and South Korea, China and South Korea 25th Anniversary, Asia Diplomacy, science and technology, THAAD, President Xi Jinping, moon jae-in

The Vatican’s Secretary of State visits Moscow

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, has just made a four-day trip to Russia. It was the first time in 19 years that a holder of that powerful office, sometimes described as “prime minister” of the Holy See, had visited Moscow.

Tags: catholicism, religious diplomacy, vatican diplomacy, russia, cardinal pietro parolin, russian orthodox church

Muslim Man Offers Hugs to Strangers After Barcelona Terror Attack

He stood by a sign that read: 'I am Muslim, I am not a terrorist. I share hugs of love and peace.' The words were written in Catalan, Spanish, English, Arabic and French. [...] The man's gesture echoes the reaction of other Muslims following previous Islamist terror attacks.

Tags: mutual understanding, barcelona, anti-terrorism, muslims, islam, hugs, love, peace

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