Cultural Diplomacy
While mega-events can involve colossal facilities of little use post-event, they can also provide reputational benefits and be seen as an investment in a nation's brand.
As Brazil prepares for the World Cup kick-off this Thursday, CPD asked a few experts from the public diplomacy community for their thoughts on what hosting the tournament means for Brazil’s soft power.
The European Union and its Member States stand to gain a great deal by using the 'soft power' of cultural diplomacy, with benefits for the economy through increased market access for European cultural and creative industries, strengthened cultural diversity and the wider sharing of European values. This is the conclusion of areport published today by the European Commission following an initiative by the European Parliament.
Michael Govan, LACMA CEO and director, talks with CPD about "Fútbol: The Beautiful Game," a LACMA exhibit devoted to diverse contemporary art focusing on this popular sport.
Hassan Rouhani, the Iranian president, has said that, Turkey and Iran are two important countries in the Islamic world and determined to stand against violence and extremism in the Middle East. In a joint press conference with Rouhani, Abdullah Gul, the Turkish president, said that they discussed political, economic and cultural relations.
Ambassador of Japan George Hisaeda hosted a lunch at his residence in honour of the 14 Oman-Japan Student Forum members who recently visited Japan. The trip took place further to a joint communique issued during the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to Oman in January, which stressed the importance of cultural exchange and interaction between the youth of Japan and Oman.
The ambassadors of Sri Lanka and Mexico have met with Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ali Jannati during separate meetings in Tehran to discuss the expansion of cultural cooperation, the Culture Ministry announced in a press release on Saturday.
Birmingham has emerged as an unlikely tourism hotspot, boosted by the area's rich industrial heritage and strong air links. “We have retail, shopping, arts and culture. Birmingham is at the edge of the Shakespeare country and has a rich industrial heritage,” said Mr Rami.