Doha: The Cultural Village Foundation - Katara is set to host the 10th General Assembly meeting of the Global Public Diplomacy Network (GPDNet) from February 25-27, 2025, with the participation of 21 countries. Addressing a press conference on Monday, GPDNet Secretary-General and CEO of Katara Public Diplomacy, Maryam Majid Al Saad, emphasized that the convention represents a significant moment to discuss the topic of public diplomacy in the future: new trends and emerging challenges in light of the rapid global changes and the challenges facing public diplomacy.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Saad stated that such changes necessitate profound thinking and the development of creative strategies to sustain ongoing work more effectively. She also highlighted the crucial role that media plays in communicating public diplomacy to the world, focusing on efforts led by Katara and GPDNet to promote cultural exchange. This was underscored by a media workshop held concurrently with the General Assembly's events on media impact: building positive environments for a shared global future.
The workshop offers an important opportunity for journalists and media practitioners to discuss the media's role in supporting public diplomacy and strengthening cultural understanding among nations. It also aims to formulate positive narratives to enhance intercultural understanding, Al Saad noted.
The meeting includes a series of essential sessions, workshops, and cultural and social activities, concentrating on developing the GPDNet's regulatory structure and reinforcing media and cultural cooperation. Moreover, new initiatives such as the GPDNet's academy will be launched, she said.
Additionally, the program features a workshop on the impact of media on fostering positive environments for a shared global future, along with panel discussions on expansion and capacity-building policies, as well as cultural activities that aim to promote understanding among nations.
Over the years, GPDNet has expanded to include 28 member institutions worldwide, all working together to achieve a shared vision of forging global cultural cooperation that enhances dialogue and elevates intercultural communication to higher levels.
The State of Qatar, represented by Katara, was unanimously elected to the presidency of the GPDNet during the network's 5th General Assembly meeting in November 2018. Qatar officially assumed the presidency from the Republic of Turkiye in May 2019 and was re-elected for a second consecutive term in January 2021.