ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS) in collaboration with Riphah International University (RIU) organized a seminar on “Intercultural Dialogue and Cultural Diplomacy” in Islamabad on Wednesday.
Dr Fatemah Kamli-Chirani, an Iranian-German research scholar and academician with specialization on cultural diplomacy, was the keynote speaker in the seminar.
In her remark, Dr Fatemah said that dialogue and understanding among the cultures will help us to improve the peace and stability across the region and the world.
While explaining in-depth analysis Dr Fatemah has emphasized the role of diplomats and developing the linkages and understanding among the members of the civil society where they are representing their own countries. Through the medium of art, literature, and heritage, countries can develop an image of themselves that can enhance not only the understanding of the foreign public but also will help the country to build a long relationship with the other countries.
Dr Fatemah was of the view that the process of cultural diplomacy and engagement is not instant and requires one to be patient and persistent in finding the gradual linkages. She further added that countries across the world are linked to various values and strengthen and these values are the values of humanity, correlations in religion and commonalities of cultures. It is for those who devise policies and diplomats to see closely apart from encouraging the academics and students to engage in dialogue and collaboration.
The Director of the Institute of Public Policy Riphah, International University Dr Rashid Aftab explained the significance of dialogue among civilizations and provided an overview of the vision and mission of the Public Policy Institute.
In her introductory remarks, the President Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies Ms. Farhat Asif explained the reason for holding such an important dialogue and seminar.
This was also announced that the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies and Institute of Public Policy Riphah, International University recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work in collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
The audience of the seminar included the ambassadors and diplomats from different countries of the world, diplomats, students, academicians, research scholars, media and other members of the civil society.
Dr Fatemeh Kamali-Chirani is an Iranian-German Political Scientist having her Ph.D. from the University of Augsburg, Germany. In 2019, she published her first book, a short version of her Ph.D., “Does Intercultural Dialogue matter?: The Role of Intercultural Dialogue in the Foreign Cultural Policy of Iran and Germany”. Her main fields of interest are intercultural dialogue, Civil Society, Women, Migration, and Refugees.
