It's been the social media hit of the summer — some of the world's biggest celebrities dousing themselves with buckets of ice water to raise money for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), better known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Since the Israeli incursion into Gaza began more than a month ago, there has been a growing trend of celebrities vocalizing their reaction to the ongoing conflict. Media interest in the “flood of celebrities” and their outpourings has been incessant, provoking a level of scrutiny often reserved for world leaders. Expressions of solidarity with the Palestinians have emerged from a mix of artists. 

Hollywood celebrities on both sides of the political aisle are alternately supporting – and condemning – Israel's month-long military operation in theGaza Strip as the death toll climbs to more than 1,700 Palestinian and 67 Israeli casualties.

The UN is as much stage as platform for diplomatic exchange, and the Kremlin is no longer so keen on keeping the curtain up. From news to manifestations in popular culture, diplomacy is evolving, modern communication defining both obsolescence and new demands/opportunities. The conversation is increasingly moving beyond states to the global citizen and access to news and perspectives is part of the diplomatic arsenal.

Malala Yousafzai, the teenager who was shot in the head by the Taliban for going to school but miraculously survived, is to meet some of the kidnapped girls who escaped from Boko Haram.  The 17-year-old, who is now a women's rights campaigner, travelled to Nigeria to help draw attention to their cause.

When Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan got off the presidential plane in Korea with President Xi Jinping, her fashion sense caught the attention of the media.  Peng, who was a renowned Chinese contemporary folk singer and performing artist, is regarded as an icon of the soft power in Beijing, successfully softening her husband's strong image.

Prince Harry has notched up a royal first by recording a video message to thank the people of Brazil for their hospitality during his stay in the country.  It is a long-standing custom for members of the Royal family to write to their hosts to thank them after they have been abroad, but the Prince’s message is the first to be filmed.

Recently, two surviving founders of Pink Floyd sent the rock band equivalent of a diplomatic cable — an open letter published in Salon — to the Rolling Stones. They asked Mick Jagger and his crew to cancel their first-ever concert in Israel to demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinian people and their struggle against occupation. But Pink Floyd hit a wall.