2ο Public Diplomacy Talks on «City Diplomacy: Creating Global Networks» (Athens, 16.06.2021)

The 2nd Public Diplomacy Talks (PD Talks) will take place on Wednesday, June 16 at 17:00 (Athens local time). The topic of the online event is: 'City Diplomacy: Creating Global Networks'.

In the first part of the discussion Dr. Lorenzo Kihlgren Grandi, founder of Urban Flag, and lecturer at Sciences Po Paris, École Polytechnique and Columbia University, Ms Sohaela Amiri, researcher at the University of Southern California and Dr. Antonios Karvounis, Head of the Interministerial Committee for the International Partnerships of Local Government, will focus on the new globalized role of the cities with examples from Greece and abroad. A discussion on cooperation and expectations regarding City Diplomacy will follow between the Mayor of Athens, Mr. Kostas Bakoyannis and the Mayor of Porto, Mr. Rui Moreira, as well as between the Mayor of Ioannina, Mr. Moses Elisaf and the Mayor of Kiryat Ono, Mr. Israel Gal.

Welcome speeches will be delivered by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Greeks Abroad, Mr. Konstantinos Vlasis and the Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Prof. John Chrysoulakis. The discussion will be moderated by Ms Nektaria Stamouli, foreign affairs reporter at Athens News Agency and regional correspondent for Politico

In an international environment, where cities focus their efforts to emerge as key actors, city diplomacy is becoming more and more relevant. New technologies foster the creation of active city networks, in order to address common challenges and achieve mutual goals. Global challenges, such as climate change and COVID-19 pandemic can be effectively tackled at a local level as well. The debate on the cities' role in a multilateral environment is becoming indispensable.

The 'Public Diplomacy Talks (PD Talks)' constitutes an annual Forum inaugurated in 2020 by the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in order to provide a platform for a vibrant and fruitful exchange of views and best practices on Public Diplomacy.

Working language: English

Register at: (deadline June 15)