city diplomacy

Attracting young talent is now a mounting task for leaders around the world and Seoul is no exception. That was the topic at a meeting of the Seoul International Business Advisory Council (SIBAC), a group of 25 volunteer advisors that gives the mayor policy recommendations, Friday.

The Seoul metropolitan government unveiled a copy of a sculpture symbolizing Copenhagen at a waterside park in Seoul on Monday as part of efforts to deepen its friendship and cooperation with the Danish capital. [...] Monday’s event, held as part of a cultural exchange program between Seoul and Copenhagen, came after the two sides set up a sculpture with an image of a historical and cultural Seoul relic

Delhi is getting rebranded in good measure and in a positive way. The new mantra for the national Capital is 'Dilli Hain Hum' which aims at attracting tourists from across the world and make the Delhiites feel proud of their heritage. [...] It will showcase the city in all its vibrancy, from Chandni Chowk's street food and Mandi House's theatre festivals, to South Delhi's plush shopping malls and eco-tourism at Yamuna and Asola Mines biodiversity parks.

Changdong district, a relatively small residential commuter area, lies on the northern outskirts of Seoul. Home to a few hundred thousand people, it's an area that's growing but which has little cultural facilities or industry. [...] City planners hope that K-pop can do for Changdong what the Beatles did for Liverpool in the UK attracting both locals and tourists into the area, who could bring jobs and spending power with them.
 

Japan's cultural appeal is at its best when the government takes a hands-off approach.

Lord co-wrote and co-edited Cities, Museums and Soft Power, a book of essays by prominent culture experts on the influence of museums and arts institutions on cities and citizens. While hard power is exerted by countries through weapons, war, sanctions and money, soft power creates influence through persuasion, agenda-setting and culture, Lord says.

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