MoU signed for public diplomacy initiatives
The Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS), Islamabad, and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Centre for Public Diplomacy in Uzbekistan have agreed on cooperation to promote and strengthen civil society linkages through public diplomacy initiatives.
The MoU aims to exchange and cooperate in scientific and social research, exchange of ideas, expertise in the areas of mutual interest, including joint publications, research projects, and coordination in various public activities.
The joint programme and projects envisage the use of instruments of public diplomacy in the spheres of science, education, culture, sports, mass media and others for the development of exchange of experiences, knowledge, and ideas including training courses, roundtable discussions, seminars among others.
This accord is a significant step towards collaboration as SCO celebrates 20 years of its establishment. SCO is a regional organisation comprising eight permanent member states which are: China, Russia, Pakistan, India, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Centre for Public Diplomacy was established in Uzbekistan with the decree of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 7th, 2021.