Date: 12th August 2023
Venue: Sir Syed Hall, National Library of Pakistan
The “Young Public Diplomacy Forum,” organized by CSCD on International Youth Day at the National Library of Pakistan’s Sir Syed Hall, was a remarkable success. The conference provided a platform for attendees to engage in stimulating discussions, connect with distinguished ambassadors, and glean valuable insights, fostering a rich environment for knowledge exchange and networking.
His Excellency Mr. Khazar Farkhadov, the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, graced the event as the esteemed Chief Guest. In his compelling session titled “EuroAsia and Cultural Diplomacy,” Ambassador Farkhadov explored the unique advantages of EuroAsia and its profound impact on Azerbaijan’s foreign policy. He emphasized the power of cultural diplomacy in enriching international relations, adding depth to discussions on diplomacy and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
Ambassador Dr. Major General (Retd.) Raza Muhammad, President of Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), shared his extensive expertise in a captivating talk on “Public Diplomacy and Youth Involvement.” Drawing from his rich experience, Ambassador Raza highlighted the pivotal role of youth in shaping diplomatic strategies. His interactive session underscored the vital synergy between youth engagement and effective diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of involving the younger generation in international diplomatic efforts.
Dr. Salma Malik, an esteemed Associate Professor at Quaid-e-Azam University, contributed her expertise with a session titled “Mapping Conflict Trends in South Asia: Implications for Public Diplomacy and Regional Stability.” Her profound exploration of conflict dynamics in the region shed light on the critical role of public diplomacy in mitigating conflicts and fostering regional stability. Dr. Malik’s thought-provoking presentation provided attendees with a deeper understanding of the complex issues facing South Asia and highlighted the potential for diplomatic solutions.
His Excellency Mr. Adam M. Tugio, the Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan, also graced the conference with his wisdom and experiences. In his engaging session focused on “Expanding Networks for Public Diplomacy,” Ambassador Tugio delved into the significance of forging international connections and collaborations. His insights emphasized the importance of interpersonal relationships in contemporary diplomacy, encouraging participants to view diplomacy as a means of building inclusive networks and fostering intercultural understanding.
The forum concluded with a strong message of promoting actionable insights, fostering dialogue, and strengthening the bond between Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Indonesia. The event successfully engaged discourse with a proactive and pro-Pakistan-Azerbaijan-Indonesia approach, leaving attendees inspired and informed.
