Noreum Machi, a South Korean musical troupe, enthralled the audience at a special event organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC). [...] Every October, the embassy organizes events to commemorate National Foundation Day and celebrate the bilateral relationship between South Korea and Pakistan.

Call it “cultural diplomacy” or “soft power,” the blockbuster show was just one half of the major Russian cultural initiatives that debuted in Paris during the week, seeking to burnish Moscow’s reputation abroad as a year dedicated to “cultural tourism” has been overshadowed by political disputes.

The Japan Foundation has organised a photo exhibition in Kigali to showcase the Asian country’s transformation over the years. [...] Officials said Japan is determined to promote international understanding through culture exchange, adding that Rwanda and Japan have a lot to learn from each other in several sectors.

Stamps offer "a square inch of beauty" and the opportunity for each country to flaunt its cultural and soft power through rich images of its natural environment, historical heritage, folk art and political and economic achievements, Chen said. [...] Chen expressed hope that people will visit the section and learn more about Taiwan's unique historical, cultural and ecological landscapes through the stamp displays.

Cultural diplomacy is accepted as a powerful instrument of soft power whose outreach is often underestimated. It has been found to be the most effective way of influencing foreign audiences. Other countries reach out to the youth, non-elite and other audiences outside the traditional embassy circuit because this form of diplomacy derives its credibility when it is seen as being independent of government institutions. 

The German ambassador to Bahrain wanted to do something special for the German National Unity reception. [...] He came back, jazz guitar in hand, to join the “Jazzabilly band” in a few songs. The audience was thrilled. Simms-Protz has always professed his belief that music and art are instrumental tools for bringing people together — especially the youth.

The students began to loudly beat the circle drum in front of them, performing a traditional Blackfeet song. Their demonstration was part of a cultural exchange between the Native tribes and their Japanese visitors from the Kenny Endo Contemporary Ensemble.

Italian architect and interior designer Francesco Librizzi and Taiwanese interior designer Timmy Chou were guest speakers in the "Design Excellence: Country Branding Through Design" discussion on efforts at building and managing a country's reputation through valuable products. Both discussed ways local values and national pride affect the design industry in their respective countries.