Yoga has offered the Indian state unprecedented opportunities for global, media-savvy political performance. In recent years, the nation has made international headlines by creating a national ministry for yoga. It has promoted yoga tourism; staged mass yoga practices and Indian officials have even proposed yoga as a national solution to an astonishing range of social problems, from reducing rape to curing cancer.

The U.S.-Polish relationship is buttressed by our peoples’ centuries-long pursuit of liberty and freedom--values that unite us as we strive together to create a Europe whole, free, and at peace. [...] Almost 10 million Americans today claim Polish ancestry, providing unwavering support for close U.S.-Poland relations.  The Polish-U.S. Fulbright Commission has funded more than 1,900 Poles and 1,000 American exchanges over its 60-year history. 

Somaliland Diaspora Agency (SLDA) in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland is planning to hold the 3rd Annual Diaspora Conference under the theme “Experiences of the Diaspora & the Situation at Home” in August 2016. Previous conferences were successful in bringing Somaliland Diaspora and representatives of the Somaliland government together to discuss critical issues on Somaliland’s political transition, economic opportunities and the important role of the Diaspora in the nation’s development.

Burundians in France gathered this weekend to mark the 55th anniversary of their Independence. Celebrations were marked by traditional songs and dances, together with culinary delights from back home.

The Philippine Embassy highlighted its engagement with the Filipino and Filipino-American community and public school students through a series of cultural events at the Romulo Hall this month. On May 19, an evening reception was held for the opening of the annual Brown Strokes on a White Canvas exhibit that featured the works of 19 artists who showcased their various paintings and sculptures at the Romulo Hall from May 17 to 20, 2016. 

On the heels of Wakaa the Musical hitting the London stage, Wakaa's executive producer and Terra Kulture boss, Bolanle Austen-Peters has said the musical has great potential to boost cultural diplomacy and promote our cultural heritage abroad. She made this known during a briefing with the press ahead of Wakaa's opening in theatres in London.

While Abdurrahman Wahid’s philosemitism was an exception, it is clear that people-to-people relations are the best way to humanize Israel’s public image in Indonesia and hold great potential to bring both countries closer together for the benefit of their people.