Doha: The tenth meeting of the General Assembly of the Global Public Diplomacy Network (GPDNet) kicked off Tuesday, hosted by the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara), and will last for three days, with the participation of representatives from 21 countries.
According to Qatar News Agency, the meeting focuses on developing the organizational structure of the network and enhancing media and cultural cooperation, through discussion sessions on capacity building and expansion policies. The event also includes cultural activities aimed at enhancing understanding between peoples, along with a media workshop on the impact of media in building positive environments for a shared global future. These discussions are set to explore the role of media in supporting public diplomacy and enhancing cultural understanding between nations.
In his opening remarks, Katara General Manager and Chairman of GPDNet, Prof. Dr. Khaled bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, highlighted that the tenth meeting coincides with the tenth anniversary of the network's establishment. He noted that the past years have proven that culture, arts, and media are effective tools in building bridges of dialogue and cooperation. Al Sulaiti emphasized that the world is facing increasing challenges, making public diplomacy more important than ever. He stressed the need to enhance cultural and regional cooperation, expand digital and media diplomacy, and empower youth as the driving force for the future of cultural dialogue.
Al Sulaiti also underscored the importance of achieving collective cooperation and the joint commitment of all members and partners, making this assembly an opportunity to develop new strategies that enhance the role of public diplomacy. He described public diplomacy as a shared responsibility to build a more connected and open future.
Secretary General of GPDNet, Maryam Majid Al Saad, and Executive Director of the Katara Public Diplomacy Center, emphasized the significance of this assembly in her statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA). She noted that the meeting discusses many important topics, including past and future events and initiatives, and ways of cooperation and joint exchange between member states, whose number has reached 28 countries.
Al Saad announced the launch of the Global Public Diplomacy Network Academy, a platform provided by member states to offer training courses, workshops, and lectures on public diplomacy. This platform aims to serve as a reference for those interested in public diplomacy across its various fields.
Regarding future plans, Al Saad confirmed that they will focus on increasing events in Qatar and other member countries to promote public diplomacy in its cultural, sports, and economic forms. She emphasized the role of digital platforms in enhancing communication among network members.
Maryam Al Saad explained the importance of organizing a workshop for media professionals during the assembly meeting. The aim is to develop media strategies for public diplomacy, improve the network's website, and expand its digital presence to reach a wider global audience, with participation from media professionals from both member and non-member countries.
It is noteworthy that Qatar, represented by the Katara Cultural Village Foundation, was unanimously elected to chair the GPDNet at its fifth General Assembly meeting in November 2018. Qatar officially took over the presidency from Turkiye in May 2019 and was re-elected for a second consecutive term in January 2021.