The Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication
At the Elliott School of International Affairs and the School of Media & Public Affairs
On Wednesday, December 4th, 2024, the IPDGC hosted Dr. Catalina Crespo Sancho, the Costa Rican Ambassador to the United States for the second event of our Ambassadorial series. The discussion focused on bilateral policy development and facilitating connections, highlighting the role small nations play in fostering global collaboration.
The GW Hatchet wrote an article about this event. Learn more here.
We were thrilled to launch our Ambassadorial Series with an insightful conversation featuring Mr. Kristjan Prikk, the Estonian Ambassador to the United States. This new initiative brings together international diplomats and our community to explore how countries engage with the U.S. public and strengthen their global presence through public diplomacy.
On Wednesday, November 13th, Ambassador Prikk shared valuable insights on how smaller nations like Estonia can stand out and build meaningful connections across the United States. He spoke about Estonia’s efforts to extend its outreach beyond Washington, D.C., and emphasized the importance of fostering relationships with local communities and institutions nationwide. He also highlighted Estonia’s focus on innovation and collaboration to elevate its global standing.
Ambassador Prikk also reflected on his personal commitment to public diplomacy, by underscoring the value of direct engagement with the American people. He shared his experiences traveling across the U.S. and engaging directly with Americans to promote mutual understanding and build lasting connections.
This event marked the beginning of our Ambassadorial Series, which will feature D.C. based ambassadors from around the world sharing their perspectives on public diplomacy and international relations. Future discussions will provide more opportunities to learn from their experiences and explore the unique approaches different countries take to connect with the U.S. and its people.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of our first event. Stay tuned for details on our upcoming speakers—we look forward to continuing this series with you!
On November 1st, 2024, the IPDGC hosted a panel where experts shared their international experience on preventing election violence using media, communications, and technology. Panelists were:
IPDGC honors Idaho senator for his support of American global engagement
WASHINGTON (April 19, 2023) – The Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication at the George Washington University, together with the Walter Roberts Endowment, has given U.S. Senator James Risch
(R-Idaho) the 2023 Walter Roberts Award for Congressional Leadership in Public Diplomacy. The award was given in recognition for Sen. Risch’s role in protecting the security and interests of the American people and continuing to advance U.S. prosperity and leadership around the world. Sen. Risch is the ranking member and lead Republican of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Sen. Risch in his remarks notes, “As ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I understand the impact that diplomacy can have on the many challenges that exist around the globe. The United States is looked to for leadership on the world stage, and in many cases, our diplomatic tools are the best way to ensure an outcome that benefits the U.S. I am honored to receive this recognition.”
The 2023 Walter Roberts Award recognizes Risch’s efforts to promote U.S. public diplomacy, namely by holding hearings on the role of public diplomacy in countering authoritarianism and helping get language to support public diplomacy in last year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
“This award celebrates the Senator’s leadership in advancing ideals shared by Walter Roberts, who dedicated his career to the promotion of public diplomacy and international broadcasting,” says Dr. William Youmans, Director of the Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication.
Speaking on behalf of the Endowment, Dr. William Roberts – eldest son of Walter Roberts – thanked Risch for his service and encouraged him to keep up the work on “current and future public diplomacy initiatives as you seek novel and innovative ways to connect with a diversity of people both locally and around the world”.
Sen. Risch ensured the passage of the State Authorization Act, which makes significant investments key to advancing U.S. national security and foreign affairs, including modernizing the State Department’s diplomatic corps and strengthening diverse recruitment and retention efforts. Recently, U.S. President Joe Biden nominated Sen.
Risch for Congressional Representative of the United States to the 77th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, a testament to his commitment to diplomacy.
The Institute also announced a grant of $5,000 from the Walter Roberts Endowment to the non-profit organization Global Ties Idaho for a public diplomacy program that serves its community.
From Boise, Global Ties Idaho Executive Director Carol Schroeder sent along congratulatory remarks, “Global Ties Idaho is appreciative of Sen. Risch’s long and distinguished political career in Idaho. Many of us consider him a close friend… (and) are delighted that he has been recognized. We extend our hearty congratulations to our good Senator.”
The Walter Roberts Award for Congressional Leadership in Public Diplomacy was created for recognizing congressional leaders for their work to support the important work of public diplomacy as well as to shed light on something that is invisible to many Americans, but crucial to U.S. interests.
The Institute of Public Diplomacy and Global Communication is generously supported by the Walter Roberts Endowment. Established in 2005 by Dr. Walter R. Roberts, former associate director of the U.S. Information Agency and distinguished figure in U.S. public diplomacy, the endowment supports activities, programming, and scholarship for the study of public diplomacy at the George Washington University.
Recap of IPDGC activities: hosting the 2023 IWOC awardees
By Mohamad Fayaz Yourish
On March 10, 2023, IPDGC had the opportunity to host the recipients of the 2023 International Women of Courage Award at the GW Elliott School of International Affairs. Earlier that week, the U.S. Department of State announced the awards which recognize global women who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in acting to improve the lives of others.
IPDGC’s Mohamad Fayaz Yourish had an exclusive interview with Yuliia (Taira) Paievska from Ukraine. Paievska was recognized for her
immense bravery as a medic during the war in Ukraine.
As head of Taira’s Angels, a
volunteer paramedic unit, she provided medical aid and training on the Donbas front lines
from 2014 to 2018.
She is known for secretly filming and smuggling out footage from the besieged city of Mariupol, bringing the world’s attention to the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire of war. Despite being detained, she remains a vocal advocate for Ukrainian democracy and independence.
In the interview, Yuliia discussed the risks she undertook as a medic, the role of technology in promoting peace and stability in Ukraine, and the measures to counter disinformation and propaganda in the war there. She emphasized the importance of truth, facts, and evidence, and the need to address the lies spread about Ukraine and its people.
Yuliia’s bravery and commitment to the people of Ukraine are truly inspiring.
Watch the full interview:
This interview is by GW graduate student Mohamad Fayaz Yourish, who is in the MA Global Communication program.