WASHINGTON -- A recent “pivot” of U.S. sanctions policy toward Iran, Sudan and Cuba was discussed in detail this morning by a senior State Department official.

Alec Ross, Secretary Clinton's Senior Advisor for Innovation, said the new policy is designed to promote access to global education and culture by permitting certain telecommunications equipment and services to flow to those countries. Export of those equipment and services had previously been blocked by U.S. sanctions.

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill to recognise Nanjing City of China as a "Model for International Cooperation" in order to award the city's active involvement in cooperation with the United States in education, innovation and entrepreneurship, and this was the first Chinese city to win such an award, Li Jiansheng, executive chairman of the US-China Partnership Committee said.

The Football World Cup kicks off on Friday. This is an opportune occasion to reflect on the fact that sport is meant to foster social cohesion, bring different cultures together in a celebration of healthy competition...

Most people hadn’t even heard of the expo before it came to China. The verdict is clear – The Expo needed China as much as China needed the Expo. It has been described by the Chinese government as “a great gathering of world civilizations”, and is an excellent opportunity to improve ties between two of the oldest – India and China.

The arts industry is serious business here [Singapore]- and its latest boost is the inaugural global arts exchange, Live! Singapore. The event, which began on Tuesday and will end on Friday, will see 1,500 people - such as performing artists, producers and venue owners - from over 50 countries mingling with players in the Singapore industry to establish connections, exchange ideas and, hopefully, ink a partnership or two.

Despite decades of close U.S. involvement in Middle East affairs, most Americans know little about the cultures of the region. Andrea Rugh, however, is an exception. In her new book, "Simple Gestures," the anthropologist explains the cultural differences and similarities she encountered...

Australian Consul General Graeme Swift said, "...The performance will feature a large Australian presence, furthering strengthening people-to-people links between Australia and Vietnam and enhancing an understanding of Australian contemporary art."