Melih Barut: The 10th Global Public Diplomacy Network Meeting Sets a Vision for the Future

Cultural diplomacy has recently emerged as a key driver for promoting international cooperation and understanding. Founded in 2014 by nine leading institutions from South Korea, Türkiye, the Philippines, Sweden, Taiwan (China), Nigeria, Poland, Portugal, and Singapore, the Global Public Diplomacy Network (GPDNet) is a pioneering platform bringing together public and cultural diplomacy institutions from 28 countries across five continents.

GPDNet is a hub for cultural cooperation and people-to-people engagement. Through exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, cultural festivals, and exchange programs, the network actively promotes mutual understanding and sustainable cultural exchange.

As it expands its reach, the network is also preparing to launch the GPDNet Academy, an initiative aimed at training future public diplomacy professionals and shaping the next generation of cultural ambassadors.

The Global Public Diplomacy Network (GPDNet) held its tenth General Assembly in Doha, Qatar, last February, bringing together a select group of cultural institutions, diplomats, public and cultural diplomacy experts, journalists, and policymakers from around the world. The event was hosted at Katara Cultural Village.

Dr. Melih Barut, a researcher in strategic studies and communication sciences, specializing in strategic communications, civil-military relations, and peace studies, said that Anwar Gedik, Director of the Yunus Emre Institute in Doha, represented the institute at the tenth General Assembly. He added that the institute is one of the founding members of the Global Public Diplomacy Network, having been founded in 2014. The Institute chaired the GPDNet from 2016 to 2019, playing a key role in formulating the network’s first initiatives.

In his article published in “Türkiye today”, Dr. Melih explained that one of the most prominent sessions at the assembly was a session titled “The Coming Public Diplomacy: New Trends and New Threats,” moderated by Maryam Al-Saad, Secretary-General of the Global Public Diplomacy Network. The session reviewed the evolving landscape of public and cultural diplomacy, exploring opportunities and challenges within this new paradigm, and offering valuable insights to guide the efforts of the Global Public Diplomacy and Cultural Network in the field of cultural engagement more broadly.

He added: “In addition, an interactive media workshop titled “The Impact of Media: Building Positive Environments for a Shared Global Future” explored the evolving role of the media in promoting global understanding and cross-cultural communication.” He noted that a session was held to explore innovative strategies for engaging audiences effectively and efficiently through the media, where experts exchanged ideas on leveraging emerging technologies and designing content that appeals to diverse cultures.

He said that one of the most important developments witnessed at the meeting was the unanimous re-election of Katara Cultural Village as President of GPDNet for the period 2025-2028.

In his article, Dr. Melih noted that the 10th General Assembly of the Global Cultural Diplomacy Network (GPDNet) focused on reorienting institutions, reforming governance, and expanding the scope of global cultural diplomacy initiatives.

He explained that one of the most important outcomes of the meeting was the approval of the establishment of the GPDNet Public Diplomacy Academy, an initiative dedicated to capacity building and leadership development in the field of public diplomacy. He explained that this academy will serve as a training center for future cultural diplomats, promote knowledge exchange, and equip professionals with digital engagement and intercultural communication skills.

He added that another key outcome of the General Assembly was the adoption of the GPDNet Vision 2030, a strategic framework that will determine the network’s path over the next decade. This vision will serve as a roadmap for strengthening governance, expanding outreach, and integrating new approaches into the GPDNet’s cultural and public diplomacy practices.

He noted that in the next decade, ensuring the continued relevance of the Global Public Diplomacy Network (GPDNet) and its ability to keep pace with the evolving landscape of public and cultural diplomacy will be a key priority. He continued, “With a more organized, effective, and globally influential framework, GPDNet is poised to shape the future of public and cultural diplomacy, contributing to building a world of peace, prosperity, and progress, centered on people.”

Dr. Melih Barut is a scholar in strategic studies and communication sciences, specializing in strategic communications, civil-military relations, and peace studies. A former Air Force officer and Secretary General of the Global Public Diplomacy Network, he has led programs at NATO, the UN, the EU, and GPDNet. Dr. Barut is an expert in media strategy and narrative formation, and his articles appear in national and international media, combining scholarly insight with real-world relevance.