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.

Arirang Rhapsody, a cultural exchange exhibition featuring Chinese and South Korean artists, will open at the Korean Cultural Center and the Manet Art Museum in Beijing on Saturday. This marks the first time the exhibition, which debuted at the Jeju Museum of Contemporary Art in South Korea in July, has come to China. 

Vice President Chen Chien-jen praised participants of the 2016 International Youth Ambassador Exchange Program Oct. 15 for their outstanding performance and contributions to Taiwan’s public diplomacy during an event at New Taipei City’s National Taiwan University of Arts.