Forum on advances in public diplomacy

DUBAI // The GCC secretary general and a former White House spokesman are among the speakers due to attend a government forum in Dubai next week.

The Public Diplomacy and Government Communication Forum will take place on Sunday under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

Participants will discuss topics including technological advances, disaster management, crisis communication and ways to counter extremism through public diplomacy.

Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, will speak about the UAE’s experience in communicating its leadership’s vision.

Mona Al Marri, director general of Dubai Media Office, said: “The sessions seek to capture the latest advances and thinking in public diplomacy and communication to deliver real- world examples and practical insights on how governments can enhance their strategies in these vital areas.”

Ms Al Marri will also speak at the forum.

Abdullatif Al Zayani, GCC secretary general, and Josh Earnest, former White House press secretary under Barack Obama, will participate in a session on international affairs.

Another session will explore how technological advances affect diplomacy. Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Tom Fletcher, former UK ambassador to Lebanon, will participate.