Inspired by the vast potential for growth and learning that marks these unprecedented times of uncertainty, the Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy is pleased to announce a new programme of virtual talks.
As Albert Camus famously wrote in his book The Plague, “The evil that is in the world comes out of ignorance, and good intentions may do as much harm as malevolence, if they lack understanding.”
Under the umbrella theme – The Future of Diplomacy – each weekly live event will feature a one on one conversation between HE Omar Ghobash, Assistant Minister of Public and Cultural Diplomacy and a distinguished guest. The series will explore the insights and ideas of significant figures from the worlds of science, technology, governance, cultural theory, history, religious studies, CVE, philosophy and mental health.
Thursday 7 May – Peter Frankopan
Author of the New Silk Roads, Professor of Global History at Oxford University, Senior Research Fellow at Worcester College, Oxford and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Director of the Oxford Centre for Byzantine Research.
Read more here.
Monday 18 May – Vali Nasr
Acclaimed author and academic specialising in the Middle East and the Islamic World, Dr. Nasr served as Dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, D.C. (2012-2019).
Read more and replay the video here.
Thursday 28 May – Casper Klynge
Mr. Klynge is the Vice President of Microsoft’s recently opened European Government Affairs office. Previously Mr. Klynge served as the world’s first ambassador to the tech industry representing Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Silicon Valley and Beijing.
Read more and replay the video here.
Tuesday 9 June – HE Dr. Muneera Khalifa Hamad Al Khalifa
Dr. Muneera was appointed as director of the Diplomatic Institute in Bahrain in September 2016. She took the responsibility – with guidance from His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs—to establish the institute, its mandate, identity, and role.
Read more and replay the video here.
Monday 9 June – HE Tom Fletcher
After four years as foreign policy adviser to three Prime Ministers, and four representing the UK as Ambassador to Lebanon, Tom Fletcher is now a Visiting Professor at New York University, and chair of the International Advisory Council of the Creative Industries Federation, promoting Britain’s most dynamic sector overseas.
Read more and replay the video here.
Tuesday 7 July – HE Franco Frattini
HE Franco Frattini served as the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs for two terms from 2002-2004 and again 2008-2011. Today HE Frattini is the Justice and Chamber President to the Italian Supreme Administrative Court, President of the Italian Society for International Organization, Special Advisor to the Serbian Government for the EU integration process and President of the High Court of Sport Justice (CONI).
Read more and replay the video here.
