'Diplomat-poet' Abhay K has explored the intertwining of local with global, in his new book of poems which has been inspired by the famed global linguist Noam Chomsky's concept of universal common denominators.

"A lot of people are really excited that we are opening the Arabic Film Festival with a Palestinian film," said Fadia Abboud, a community worker at the Parramatta-based Information and Cultural Exchange, which has organised the festival.

The United Nations General Assembly today adopted by consensus, the “International Day of Happiness.”

Despite close economic interests ties, culturally the two countries are still in the getting to know each other phase.

Egypt's new first lady Naglaa Ali Mahmoud and her predecessor Suzanne Mubarak have at least one thing in common: Both have seen their husbands and sons detained in Egyptian prisons.

The initiative, a key diplomatic effort by the State Department, aims to engage young girls and women on how success in athletics can develop important life skills and improve academic achievement. It also is designed to increase cross-cultural understanding between international participants and Americans.

Skeptics around the world question the motives of countries including the U.S. that take their music or theater abroad. But veteran diplomats say there's ample evidence that cultural exchanges pay off, that exposing other nations to American culture and nurturing cultural institutions in other countries are important elements of foreign policy.

During his time in Iraq, Clark will share orchestral scores and recordings with students. Many of them have received American Voices training in stringed instruments. He will provide instruction in music theory; music history from 1200 A.D. to the present; composition; and conducting.