Recap of IPDGC activities: hosting the 2023 IWOC awardees
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.
At this event, IPDGC was able to speak with two recipients of the IWOC Award, Doris Rio (Costa Rica) and Yuliia Paievska (Ukraine).
IPDGC’s Nicholas Aguirre Zafiro spoke to Doris Rio for an exclusive interview. Doris is a recognized Cabécarindigenous leader and well-respected member of the China Kichá indigenous community in her country. She is involved in multiple influential initiatives to improve indigenous lives.
Doris Rio with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken at the White House (epaimages)
In the interview, Doris talks about what can be done at domestic and international levels to protect women. As a member of the National Women’s Indigenous Forum, Doris advocated for the participation of women in issues of security, sustainable development, peaceful defense of human rights, and the recovery of indigenous land.
Her work includes advising government institutions, international organizations, and civil society about development and land use choices that are harmonious with the environment and affect the lives of indigenous communities.
Watch the full interview:
This interview is by GW undergraduate student Nicholas Aguirre Zafiro, who is majoring in Political Communication at the School of Media and Public Affairs.
IPDGC honors Idaho senator for his support of American global engagement
IPDGC Director Dr. William Youmans presents Sen. James Risch with the 2023 Walter Roberts Award for Congressional Leadership in Public Diplomacy. Mrs. Vicki Risch is on the left. (Official U.S. Senate photo by Joy Holder)
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.
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.
Graduate students receive the 2023 Walter Roberts Public Diplomacy Studies award
By Yvonne Oh, IPDGC Program Coordinator
Sherilyn Harrington and Brandon Bell
This year, the Walter Roberts Endowment and the Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication (IPDGC) are proud to announce that the annual student award for excellence in Public Diplomacy studies goes to graduate students Brandon Bell and Sherilyn Harrington.
Each year, the Walter Roberts Endowment recognizes a GW graduate student who shows exemplary performance in public diplomacy studies and has aspirations for a future career in this field.
Our two students this year, Brandon Bell and Sherilyn Harrington, are both in the MA program in Global Communication at the Elliott School of International Affairs. Their interviews with fellow grad student Mohamad Fayaz Yourish are coming soon – they both share their passion for careers in international affairs and being part of American engagement with the world.
The Walter Roberts Endowment, through IPDGC, has been consistent in supporting and recognizing GWU graduate students interested in public diplomacy.
Since 2011, the Endowment has awarded a GWU Elliott School graduate student who has shown academic excellence in their studies related to public diplomacy.
The awardee receives a prize for their academic excellence in Public Diplomacy studies while at George Washington University and will get recognized at the Elliott School’s commencement ceremony at the end of the academic year.
Eligibility Applicants for the award must be on schedule to graduate from the Elliott School of International Affairs this spring term. Applicants are also asked to provide:
A resume
A 500-word essay on their goals for pursuing further studies or careers based on their PD courses
due by March 13 by 5:00 PM ET
DEADLINE for Applications has passed: March 12 by 11:59 PM ET
Programs to support public diplomacy and international relations
By Yvonne Oh, IPDGC Program Coordinator
As part of IPDGC’s collaborations with like-minded organizations, we are proud to announce our partnership with the Public Diplomacy with the First Monday Forums. These talks will be held in-person (or hybrid) at the Lindner Family Commons room in the GW Elliott School for International Affairs every first Monday of the month.
These events fit well with the Institute’s mission goals to support academic excellence in global communication and public diplomacy, as well as provide opportunities for professional development.
The first of the First Monday Forum was held on Feb 6 with a virtual screening of the documentary “A Diplomat of Consequence” The film by Christopher Teal is about Ebenezer Basset, the first American black diplomat. Teal is a Senior Foreign Service officer with the U.S. State Department and currently, also the Public Diplomacy Fellow for IPDGC.
https://youtu.be/ASalp-IJ-tw
More information on the upcoming First Monday Forums to come.
