Experts discuss role and importance of public diplomacy

Doha: Experts discussed the role and importance of public diplomacy during the first panel discussion of the sixth General Assembly of the Global Public Diplomatic Network Conference. 

The session, which was moderated by Eng. Darwish Ahmed Al Shebani, Secretary-General of the International Public Diplomatic Network (GPDNET), included Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the State of Qatar, H E Dr. Basira Turkovic, and Dr. Taehwan Kim, Professor at International Diplomatic Academy in South Korea; Dr. Salah ben Rejeb, Senior Strategic Outcome Adviser at Aboriginl Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC).

The paper presented by Eng. Darwish Ahmed Alshebani on behalf of the Cultural Village Foundation-Katara, highlighted the basic pillars of diplomatic organisations and bodies and how to deal with the public international diplomatic network by adopting a transparent regulatory framework and a dynamic communication means that work to apply soft power.

In his paper, he also focused on media diplomacy and its impact on countries, societies and individuals, in addition to the active role of sport in diplomatic cooperation through the youth.

The Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina, H E Dr. Basira Turkovic, spoke about ‘the organisations of the international community and the role of cultural diplomacy’.

She spoke about the experience of the Movement of Mothers of Srebrenica that made valuable achievements which other diplomatic means have not been able to achieve. The mothers founded non-governmental organisation which played an incredible role in promoting the culture of reviving the victims of the massacre of Srebrenica where thousands of men and boys were systematically murdered and buried in mass graves, leaving behind widows and orphan children. 

Dr. Basira reviewed the general role played by the Bosnian mothers through ten points where the mothers were able to change the perception associated with the massacre and reconciliation process and they succeeded in amending some laws to support civil peace, which strengthened the Bosnian public diplomacy profile.

She listed the achievements of organization which includes awareness about the massacre globally drawing the media attention, recognition of European parliament and Dutch government winning the case through court, in addition to obtaining support of 18 European and American organizations. 

For his part, Professor Taehwan Kim of the International Diplomatic Academy in Korea presented a paper on the transition from public to private diplomacy, indicating that the role of diplomacy is escalating as one of the basics of international relations. He explained the important role that the major powers play in cooperation in the field of the new diplomacy.

Dr. Saleh Ben Rejeb, addressed the importance of achieving the outcomes of public diplomacy through pursuing the diplomacy of people that are constructed in an effective way and achieved through values, norms and ideals. He stressed the importance of transferring these values and principles from government to the ordinary citizen, who are creating worldwide communication multiple networks through the modern technology and lobbying through easy ad accessible media tools.

On the other hand, a workshop focusing on young people on social media will be held today. The workshop will be attended by specialists and heads of companies and international experts in the information technology and modern media. The workshop aims to communicate the voice of this important social group and highlight their views in public diplomacy through modern media in their respective countries and share knowledge and ideas. The meeting will also witness the inauguration of the new website for the Public International Diplomatic Network, as part of a pioneering initiative aimed at enabling permanent communication between member states. 

The website will provide a flexible and dynamic mechanism that provides the process of exchanging information and ideas, and contributes to building capacities supporting projects, and provides different forms of support for events and activities related to cultural institutions of the member states.