Overview

About the Network

Based on the belief that soft power contributes to the creation of innovative policy-oriented solutions to issues affecting many countries, the Global Public Diplomacy Network (GPDNet) was founded in 2014 in Seoul as a platform that contributes to international community through cultural and civil society initiatives by sharing knowledge and encouraging cooperation. The GPDNet is comprised of non-profit national level institutions promoting cultural and public diplomacy.

History

The idea of forming the Network was started at the Korea Foundation Global Seminar in 2013 entitled “Middle Powers and Public Diplomacy” when participants agreed on a common goal of contributing to the international community as a middle power. The Inaugural Meeting of the Assembly took place in 2014 in Seoul.

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Members

Membership of the GPDNet is open to organizations engaged in public diplomacy activities or research.

Presidency

The President is from the Board of the Directors and holds office for three years. The President leads and represents the GPDNet and promotes public diplomacy internationally to key organizations. The President chairs the Board and presides over the Assembly meetings which are held annually. The position is unremunerated and also requires the President’s affiliated organization to serve as the Secretariat of the GPDNet.

Secretariat

The Member that holds Presidency is entitled to hold the office of the Secretariat.
Secretariat: Yunus Emre Institute of Turkey (July 1, 2016-June 30, 2019)

Activities

Members strive to promote (but not limited to) the following collaborative activities:

  • organize conferences, seminars, workshops and other educational events related to the exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of public diplomacy
  • encourage collaboration in the visual arts, exhibitions, performances and publication sector to expand public awareness of culture
  • promote people-to-people exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and trust; and
  • organize joint training programs and personnel exchange to strengthen ties between Members.