Public Diplomacy and International Relations: Building Influence and Strategic Engagement in the Global Arena
In a world increasingly shaped by narratives, perceptions, and global interdependence, diplomacy is no longer the exclusive domain of formal ambassadors and foreign ministries. Public Diplomacy has emerged as a critical tool for governments, institutions, and national leaders to shape international relationships, foster soft power, and build national branding through culture, education, innovation, and strategic communication.
This advanced course provides a deep dive into the practice and strategy of Public Diplomacy and International Relations, equipping participants with the conceptual understanding, analytical frameworks, and communication tools needed to influence international opinion, advance national interests, and lead multi-stakeholder diplomacy across platforms and borders.
Participants will explore emerging models of digital diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, science diplomacy, and multi-level international engagement. They will learn to develop diplomatic strategies that align with the UAE’s national positioning, regional influence, and global vision.
Drawing on international protocols, UN and multilateral engagement practices, and successful examples from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Expo 2020 Dubai, and GCC cooperation models, this course bridges traditional diplomacy with modern global influence practices.
Outcomes
- Understand the foundations and evolution of public diplomacy and its integration with international relations.
- Design and lead international engagement strategies that promote national interests and soft power.
- Employ diplomatic communication techniques to manage crises, build alliances, and influence global narratives.
- Apply tools of nation branding, storytelling, and public engagement in both formal and informal diplomatic settings.
- Navigate international institutions, multilateral forums, and cross-cultural relations with skill and professionalism.
Features
- Delivered as a 3 days immersive training, offered in both executive diplomacy retreat and institutional bootcamp formats, ideal for ministries of foreign affairs, government communications offices, and global outreach teams.
- Includes accredited training hours through the Emirates Science & Research Foundation. Participants receive a Certificate of Completion and, for eligible projects, a Policy Lab Certificate for submitting a strategic public diplomacy engagement plan or country positioning proposal.
- Includes simulations of press conferences, diplomatic negotiations, and crisis messaging scenarios. Participants will engage in storytelling labs, narrative design workshops, and global engagement pitch exercises.
- Includes 30 days of post-course advisory support for real-world application, speech review, and strategy refinement, particularly ahead of multilateral engagements or state-led forums.
- Organizational Impact Tools: Public Diplomacy Capacity Diagnostic, Strategic Influence Mapping Tools, International Engagement Roadmap Templates, Brand and Narrative Assessment Frameworks
Target audiences
- Diplomats, attachés, and foreign service officers.
- Directors and professionals in Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Culture, International Cooperation, and Government Communications.
- Strategic affairs advisors, protocol officers, and national representation teams.
- International project managers, Expo or Pavilion leaders, and multilateral program officials.
- Think tanks, advocacy teams, and NGOs engaged in cross-border dialogue and partnerships.
Curriculum
From traditional diplomacy to multi-track and people-centered engagement
Tools for managing national image, media crises, and digital engagement
The role of education, technology, culture, and humanitarian diplomacy
Drafting and delivering policy statements, communiqués, and resolutions
Leveraging festivals, expos, and cultural assets for influence
Promoting the UAE and GCC’s contributions to global challenges
Managing misinformation, reputational risk, and cross-border crises
