This groundbreaking event brought together live studio audiences and government officials in Kabul and Islamabad to discuss the way forward for Afghanistan and Pakistan as the U.S. prepares to withdraw its troops in 2014, as well as the role Pakistan should play in the reconciliation process.

It is within this cacophony of negativity and peril that I had the chance to meet and interview, not diplomats, nor politicians, but regular, young Pakistani citizens who happen to be in an acclaimed rock and roll band called Noori. Noori are on their first music tour of the United States, sponsored by the U.S. Department of States' new cultural diplomacy initiative, Center Stage.

Climate Change and Water Conference—An ideal opportunity for the international community to exchange ideas and develop a common vision for the future of world climate change and water resources. Until July 11. Ismailia, Egypt.

The Brand Kenya Board has launched a campaign to market Kenya during the forthcoming London Olympics. The Board has secured a four-storey premise in London, dubbed ‘Kenya House’ where it will showcase Kenya as a top investment, trade and tourism destination in Africa.

The “India Is” photography competition is slated to start from August 2012 while the video competition will start from December 2012. Both the competitions are expected to capture various facets of India, the Taj Group said in a statement.

Dr. Yasser Ali, the acting presidential Spokesman said President Morsi stressed that he was aware of the challenges facing Egyptian. Dr. Yasser Ali said President Morsi underlined his strong belief that Education and scientific research were the wings of soft power in Egypt and the locomotive of renaissance and development.

“We are trying to bring two cultures together,” said Bruce Mitchell, associate provost and chair of the institute’s board. “It’s not just language but art, cooking and crafts.” When it opened in May, 2007, the local Confucius Institute was the second institute in Canada. The institute is a partnership between Waterloo and Nanjing University in China.

As part of a public diplomacy program, the Fiji mission in New Zealand is actively building people-to-people contacts. The Foreign Ministry says the mission is also seeking to raise awareness of Fiji's national interests among future leaders of New Zealand.