English for Diplomacy

martedì 8 settembre 2026

Public Diplomacy

Public diplomacy is a government-sponsored effort to communicate directly with foreign audiences to build understanding, shape public opinion, and support strategic national goals.

Key Characteristics

Direct Engagement: Unlike traditional diplomacy—which relies on confidential government-to-government talks—public diplomacy targets citizens, media, and organizations abroad.

Soft Power: It uses attraction, culture, values, and persuasion rather than military or economic force.

Two-Way Dialogue: Modern practices emphasize listening, sharing ideas, and building long-term relationships rather than just broadcasting messages.

Common Methods

Cultural Exchanges: Programs like student scholarships, art exhibits, and sports events.

International Broadcasting: Radio, television, and digital media campaigns.

Information Outreach: Press interviews, language training, and official statements directed at global communities.

Goals: Countries want to foster goodwill, explain policies, and shape public opinion abroad.

Public diplomacy using digital media is the practice where governments use online platforms and the internet to talk directly with people in other countries to share policy goals and build a positive global image. There are two clear advantages:

Speed: Online networks let diplomats react to world events and crises in real time.

Access: Officials bypass traditional media gatekeepers to reach global audiences instantly.

Common Digital Actions

Social posting: Embassies use platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram to share daily updates.

Nation-branding: Countries highlight their culture and values to attract tourists, students, and foreign investment.

Combating falsehoods: Governments counter bad information and clarify official stances quickly

Il Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale (MAECI), noto anche come la Farnesina, gestisce la diplomazia pubblica italiana tramite la Direzione Generale per la Diplomazia Pubblica e Culturale (DGDP)

Promozione Culturale: Diffusione della lingua, dell'arte e della cultura italiana all'estero.

Rete Globale: Utilizzo di istituti di cultura, scuole e università straniere.

Settori d'Eccellenza: Valorizzazione del cinema, della cucina, della moda e dello sport italiano

Il MAECI (Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale) comunica attivamente con i cittadini attraverso diversi canali digitali e social media ufficiali racchiusi nel progetto SocialFarnesina

#SocialFarnesina with all the links – great!

https://www.esteri.it/it/sala_stampa/socialfarnesina/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350982716_Public_diplomacy_of_the_Italian_Republic

https://www.facebook.com/ItalyMFA.it/?locale=it_IT

Cultural Diplomacy

Definition

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_diplomacy

http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/index.php?en_culturaldiplomacy

Cultural diplomacy is the exchange of ideas, values, traditions, and other aspects of culture between nations to build mutual understanding and strengthen relationships. It uses cultural elements like art, language, and education to foster trust and cooperation, differentiating itself from traditional diplomacy by relying on attraction and dialogue rather than coercion or political negotiation.

Key aspects of cultural diplomacy:

Mutual understanding: It aims to bridge cultural divides by promoting a deeper appreciation of different heritages, helping to dispel stereotypes and misconceptions through shared experiences, such as festivals or language programs.

Building relationships: It fosters long-term relationships between individuals, communities, and organizations across borders, creating a foundation for future collaboration in various fields.

Soft power tool: It is a form of public diplomacy (see below*) that relies on "soft power"—the ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than force.

Promoting national interests: By showcasing a nation's culture, values, and stories, it can promote national interests and build goodwill with other countries.

Broad application: It can be practiced by public sector entities, private companies, and civil society organizations. Examples include the exchange of artists, scholarships, scientific conferences, and the promotion of a national language abroad.

*Public diplomacy is the government-sponsored effort to communicate directly with foreign publics to build understanding and support for a country's strategic objectives. It involves fostering dialogue, promoting a positive image, and influencing public opinion overseas through cultural, educational, and other non-traditional diplomatic channels.

Key aspects of public diplomacy

Target audience: Unlike traditional diplomacy, which focuses on state-to-state interactions, public diplomacy directly engages with foreign citizens, civil society, and other non-governmental actors.

Goals: The primary goals are to inform and influence foreign publics to build long-term relationships and generate support for a nation's foreign policy, although it can also be used to improve a country's image without immediate policy objectives.

Methods: Public diplomacy employs a wide range of tools, including:

Cultural exchange: Programs like the Erasmus+ program build long-term relationships through educational and professional networks.

Strategic communication: Crafting and broadcasting messages through various media, including social media, to present a country's values and positions.

Branding: Promoting a country's identity by highlighting its culture, economy, and achievements to build a positive national brand.

International events: Using events like World Expos to engage with foreign publics and showcase a country's innovation and diversity.

Distinction from traditional diplomacy - public diplomacy complements, rather than replaces, traditional diplomacy by engaging the public, while traditional diplomacy focuses on formal negotiations between government officials.

Distinction from propaganda - While both involve communication to influence opinion, public diplomacy is distinct from propaganda. Public diplomacy emphasizes building trust and mutual understanding based on an positive, open but accurate and verifiable projection of the country, while propaganda can be false or designed to be misleading or with covert goals and a hidden agenda.

Italian Cultural Diplomacy

https://www.esteri.it/it/temi/cultura/

https://www.esteri.it/en/temi/diplomazia_culturale/

https://www.esteri.it/it/temi/cultura/reteiic/

https://www.esteri.it/it/temi/cultura/promozionelinguaitaliana/

https://www.esteri.it/en/temi/diplomazia_culturale/promozionelinguaitaliana/

and all the other sections below, which are listed and linked on the right of the Ministry’s page on cultural diplomacy

Certificazioni linguistiche

Settimana della lingua

Stati Generali della Lingua italiana

Internazionalizzazione del sistema accademico italiano

Sostegno all’editoria

Sistema della formazione italiana nel mondo

Organismi internazionali in campo culturale

Missioni archeologiche e Patrimonio

Recupero dei beni culturali illecitamente sottratti

Documentazione storico-diplomatica

Protocolli e progetti

Comitato Neapolis 2500

Then https://www.esteri.it/it/temi/diplomazia_economica/promozione-integrata-del-sistema/settimana-della-cucina-italiana/

See how this approach is integrated with other initiatives and types of diplomacy

https://www.esteri.it/it/temi/diplomazia_economica/promozione-integrata-del-sistema/

https://www.esteri.it/en/temi/diplomazia_economica/promozione-integrata-del-sistema/

and all the sections listed and linked on the right of that page

Vivere all’Italiana https://www.esteri.it/it/temi/diplomazia_economica/promozione-integrata-del-sistema/vivere-all-italiana/

Italian Design Day https://www.esteri.it/it/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/tag/italian-design-day/

The Week of Italian Cuisine in the World

https://www.esteri.it/en/eventi/scim2025/

then click on these:

Grandi Eventi Espositivi Internazionali

Rapporti con le Regioni e altri Enti territoriali

Rapporti con il Sistema camerale

Attrazione Investimenti Diretti Esteri

Attrazione Flussi Turistici

Sostegno alla tutela e promozione della proprietà intellettuale all'estero

Spazio

Pubblicazioni

Sostegno all’internazionalizzazione delle imprese

Scientific diplomacy

https://www.esteri.it/it/temi/diplomazia_scientifica/

Economic diplomacy

https://www.esteri.it/it/temi/diplomazia_economica/

International cooperation

https://www.esteri.it/en/temi/cooperaz_sviluppo/

https://www.iccrom.org/it

Common Trade Policy

https://www.esteri.it/en/temi/politica_commerciale/

Sports diplomacy

https://www.esteri.it/en/temi/diplomazia-dello-sport/

also the recovery of stolen cultural artefacts

https://www.esteri.it/en/temi/cultura/recupero-dei-beni-culturali-illecitamente-sottratti/

https://creativitacontemporanea.cultura.gov.it/italiandesignday-2025/

https://italiandesignday-official.it/

https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giornata_nazionale_dello_spazio

The Directorate General for Growth and Export Promotion coordinates Italy’s promotional activities, working closely with public and private partners and the various branches of the Italian system, to foster the country’s growth and the internationalization of Italian companies. The promotion of Italian excellence around the world showcases Italy’s lifestyle, way of being and know-how, with the aim of presenting to an international audience the values, talents, wisdom, beauty, variety, originality, and drive for innovation that have always characterized the various aspects of Italian culture, economy, science, and technology. This narrative portrays a diverse, industrious, resilient country, built on its past and oriented toward the future.

Each initiative stems from a theme that is developed and explored in its various dimensions, using different languages and tools. The result is the conception, design and production of original content for an international audience, to be disseminated in a variety of ways and formats, ranging from experiential exhibitions to audiovisual products, publishing, and gaming. Since 2020, we have produced over 100 original projects with the contribution of more than 400 players, including companies, associations, local authorities, artists, and creatives, giving life to over 20,000 events worldwide.

The Directorate General also supports and promotes, within an integrated approach, major international events held in Italy, using them as valuable levers for promoting Italy.

THEMATIC EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS: DESIGN, HAUTE CUISINE, SPACE AND SPORT

Italian Design Day: annual event launched in 2017 by the Directorate, in collaboration and with the support of the Ministry of Culture, for the promotion and internationalisation of a strategic sector for Italian exports.
Italian Research Day in the World: annual event organized on April 15, the birth anniversary of Italian genius Leonardo Da Vinci, which aims to enhance the Italian researchers’ contribution to international science and promote the dissemination of the results of their research. The first one was launched in 2018 by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Education, University and Research and the Ministry of Health.
Italian Cuisine Week in the World: annual event organized since 2016 by the Directorate, which is an opportunity to promote Italian food and wine excellence, the Mediterranean diet and scientific innovation in the agri-food sector, as well as to combat the phenomenon of Italian sounding.
National Space Day: established in 2021 to celebrate the launch of Italy’s first satellite, San Marco 1, which took off in 1964 from the US base on Wallops Island. The event aims to show how science and technology applied to space contribute to improving the human condition and how the sector provides returns in terms of economic growth, well-being, sustainable development and environmental protection.
Made in Italy Day
Italian Sports Day in the World: launched in 2024 and to be held in the second week of September, the event will be an opportunity to showcase, through sport and its protagonists, Italian excellence, districts and industries in the sector, as well as to valorise young people and Italian communities.
Italian Fashion Days in the World: a series of events launched in January 2025 to promote Italian fashion internationally, with events scheduled in various cities around the world. Organized in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and various fashion industry trade associations, they aim to showcase Italian production and support the internationalization of fashion companies.

INITIATIVES UNDERWAY

“Growth“: an immersive and interactive structure designed to narrate Italian exports in a simple and engaging way. Strategies and tools for the internationalization of the Italian system are described.
“Industrial Districts, Italian Values. The Pace of Made in Italy“: six video stories describing Italy’s most important industrial districts through the fundamental values of Made in Italy: style, innovation, heritage, passion, family, and variety.
“The Taste of Well-Being, Three Italian Menus“: 10 video recipes inspired by Italian culinary tradition, revisited with a light touch, illustrating how a conscious and responsible choice of ingredients can improve the quality of life. Produced with Giallo Zafferano.
“Italy is Fashion“: an immersive film project created with Virtual Reality (VR), conceived to emotionally communicate the values of excellence of Italian fashion. Watchable with headsets.
“CostumItaly”: a documentary film exploring the profession of costume design through the stories of great Italian professionals of the past, those still working in Italy and abroad, and the great tailors working for the audiovisual sector and theatre.
“Ideas”: an original web series, now in its third season, that explores contemporary Italy, giving voice to stories of entrepreneurial innovation, creativity, respect for the environment, and social inclusion.
“An Italian Journey into Beauty and Personal Care”: a panel and interactive exhibition, a journey through the evolution of beauty and personal care in Italy. The journey unfolds from the historical roots of cosmetics to the most recent sustainable innovations.
“The World of Italian Rice”: A panel and interactive exhibition offering a monographic focus entirely dedicated to Italian rice, with the aim of conveying its historical depth and current complexity.
“Audiovisiva”: a digital platform that collects and makes available a selection of the best documentaries dedicated to the protagonists of Italian creativity and excellence, with an extensive and constantly updated catalogue.
“Fashion Panorama 2”: a panel exhibition, featuring photographs and videos, curated by Vogue Italia to give voice to the new generations of Italian fashion designers, helping to spread their vision and style worldwide.
“Women of Italian Graphic Design. From the Origins to the Present Day”: posters, books, sketches, drawings, photographs, and video interviews showcasing the figures and contributions of female graphic designers active between the 1950s and the present day in Italy, between the booming economy and changing customs.

Have a look at:

https://www.youtube.com/user/MinisteroEsteri the Ministry using YouTube to reach a wider audience

(or https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTb1JMVIjbXXDvN1ldghMww)

then https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPeZ7zYEvms

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF4DmWvl3oo

and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ItalyMFA.it/

Here are a few of the websites of Italian cultural institutes around the world to see what was on recently in 2025 and to check again just before the concurso so that you can mention one or two of the best current events as good examples of Italian cultural diplomacy.

https://iicberlino.esteri.it/it/

https://iicberlino.esteri.it/it/gli_eventi/calendario/la-grazia-e-lo-scandalo-ppp-29-10-08-12-2025/

https://iiclondra.esteri.it/it/

https://iiclondra.esteri.it/it/gli_eventi/calendario/il-patrimonio-culturale-e-museale-della-campania-lesperienza-artecard/

https://iicmosca.esteri.it/it/

https://iicmosca.esteri.it/it/gli_eventi/calendario/proiezione-de-il-cammino-della-speranza/

https://iicpechino.esteri.it/it/

https://iicpechino.esteri.it/it/gli_eventi/calendario/steel-of-glory-a-knights-life-of-armour-bladeand-honour/

https://iicwashington.esteri.it/it/

https://iicwashington.esteri.it/it/gli_eventi/calendario/exhibition-depero-graphic-art-between-italy-united-states/

https://iictokyo.esteri.it/it/

https://iictokyo.esteri.it/it/gli_eventi/calendario/italian-design-day-2025-il-policarbonato-come-materia-poetica/

https://iicbuenosaires.esteri.it/it/

https://iicbuenosaires.esteri.it/it/gli_eventi/calendario/mostra-viaggio-in-italia-leta-doro-del-manifesto-turistico-italiano-1920-1950/

and recent events on the site of the Ministero and other sites (2024/2025)

https://www.esteri.it/it/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/diplomazia-culturale/2025/03/ulaanbaatar-gli-eventi-per-la-giornata-internazionale-della-donna/

https://www.esteri.it/it/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/comunicati/2025/07/nota-congiunta-ministero-degli-affari-esteri-e-della-cooperazione-internazionale-ministero-della-cultura-comune-di-venezia-sul-sito-venezia-e-la-sua-laguna/

https://www.esteri.it/it/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/diplomazia-culturale/2025/10/musei-capitolini-mostra-antiche-civilta-del-turkmenistan/

https://cultura.gov.it/evento/giornate-europee-del-patrimonio-2025-apertura-degli-uffizi-sabato-27-e-domenica-28-settembre-2025

https://www.uffizi.it/eventi/giornate-europee-del-patrimonio-2025

https://www.esteri.it/it/servizi-consolari-e-visti/ingressosoggiornoinitalia/richiedere-il-visto-per-il-giubileo/

https://www.esteri.it/it/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/retediplomatica/2024/10/buenos-aires-eventi-di-promozione-italea/

https://www.esteri.it/it/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/diplomazia-culturale/2025/06/buenos-aires-pittura-italiana-oggi-in-collaborazione-con-triennale/

There is also the EU and its promotion of European culture, identity and values

https://culture.ec.europa.eu/policies/international-cultural-relations and all the linked pages on the left and the links within those pages

https://culture.ec.europa.eu/whats-new/events

https://ec.europa.eu/info/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/combatting-discrimination/tackling-discrimination/diversity-and-inclusion-initiatives_en

https://ec.europa.eu/international-partnerships/topics/culture_en

https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/project-result-content/2ef21d0c-b8cd-4e5c-b207-e6567a53c92f/3._European_identity.pdf

https://euneighbourseast.eu/young-european-ambassadors/blog/european-identity-how-europe-day-promotes-the-rapprochement-of-nations-and-cultures/

Supporting Italian citizens living or travelling abroad

CARTA DEL CITTADINO ITALIANO ALL'ESTERO

I cittadini italiani all'estero hanno diritto ad ottenere le prestazioni secondo principi di eguaglianza, imparzialità, efficienza e trasparenza.

Anche i cittadini degli Stati membri dell'Unione Europea hanno diritto ad essere tutelati dal Consolato italiano se nel territorio in cui si trovano non vi è una Rappresentanza del loro Paese.

Servizi per tutti i cittadini

Il Consolato assicura la tutela a tutti i cittadini italiani in tutti i casi in cui:

· vengono limitati o privati della loro libertà personale;

· i loro diritti fondamentali vengono violati.

La tutela riguarda i casi di decesso, di incidente o malattia grave.

Il Consolato dà assistenza alle vittime di atti di violenza, agisce per l’aiuto e il rimpatrio dei cittadini in difficoltà.

Il Consolato assiste tutti i cittadini italiani nei casi di:

· emergenza;

· ricerca di familiari, richiesta di informazioni sull'ordinamento giuridico locale in caso di matrimoni con cittadini stranieri;

· pratiche di successione aperte all'estero;

· rimpatrio delle salme (In questo caso le spese relative sono a carico del cittadino italiano).

Il Consolato assiste i cittadini italiani che hanno bisogno di pratiche amministrative. Alcuni servizi prestati dal Consolato sono gratuiti, altri sono a pagamento.

La tabella che segue dà informazioni sugli atti gratuiti:

Atti gratuiti

· Iscrizione all’AIRE (Anagrafe degli italiani residenti all’estero)

· Trasmissione di atti di stato civile per la documentazione presso i Comuni Italiani

· Pratiche relative al servizio di leva

· Documento di viaggio per il rimpatrio

· Dichiarazione di rimpatrio

· Certificato di esistenza in vita

Atti a pagamento (il pagamento si effettua solo in contanti)

· Vedi tabella diritti consolari in questo sito.

Servizi per i cittadini residenti nella Circoscrizione consolare

https://serviziconsolari.esteri.it/home you can put it in English

Il cittadino italiano che ha fissato la sua residenza all’estero deve iscriversi all’Anagrafe degli italiani residenti all’estero (AIRE).

https://serviziconsolari.esteri.it/richiesta-servizi/iscrizione-aire

L’iscrizione è gratuita e può essere fatta anche presso il Consolato.

Il Consolato assiste i cittadini italiani nel fare l’autocertificazione quando le norme lo ammettono.

Il Consolato cura e predispone le pratiche che riguardano:

· la stesura e la trascrizione di atti di stato civile;

· i documenti necessari per le pubblicazioni di matrimonio;

· il rilascio ed il rinnovo dei passaporti;

· gli atti relativi alla cittadinanza;

· gli atti relativi al servizio di leva;

· gli atti notarili e i testamenti;

· la traduzione e l’autocertificazione di documenti;

· i certificati doganali connessi con il rimpatrio;

· gli atti che riguardano il servizio elettorale;

· la pensione e l’assistenza sociale;

· sussidi e assistenza ai cittadini italiani indigenti.

Inoltre, presso il Consolato si possono celebrare i matrimoni.

Servizi per i cittadini italiani non residenti nella Circoscrizione consolare

Il Consolato assiste i cittadini italiani di passaggio nella circoscrizione consolare nelle situazioni di emergenza individuali:

· tutelando la loro integrità, incolumità e libertà personale;

· fornendo informazioni su come e chi contattare in caso di necessità (medici, centri di cura, avvocati, traduttori di fiducia);

· rilasciando gratuitamente un documento di viaggio necessario per rientrare in Italia nel caso i cui siano stati rubati o smarriti il passaporto o la carta di identità. Per ottenere questo documento il cittadino italiano deve:fare denuncia alle Autorità di polizia del luogo; ottenere una copia della denuncia; presentare al Consolato la copia della denuncia insieme a due fotografie formato tessera

· rilasciando o rinnovando il passaporto. Per poter fare questo, il Consolato deve ottenere il necessario nulla osta dalla Questura italiana competente. In questo caso le spese relative sono a carico del cittadino italiano (vedere la tabella delle tariffe).

Inoltre i Consolati possono prestare una somma limitata di denaro al cittadino italiano che viene a trovarsi in stato di improvvisa necessità e non può provvedere in altro modo. Il cittadino dovrà poi restituire all’Erario la somma ricevuta con le modalità previste dalla legge, sulle quali verrà informato al momento del prestito.

Che cosa non possono fare i Consolati

I Consolati italiani non possono:

· intervenire in giudizio per conto di cittadini italiani;

· sostenere direttamente le spese sanitarie o le spese per rimpatriare le salme di cittadini italiani deceduti nella circoscrizione;

· far utilizzare le proprie strutture per questioni di natura privata (far fare telefonate private, fare prenotazioni alberghiere o di viaggio, cambiare valuta, fornire interpreti, ecc)

https://www.societaceche.com/carta-dei-cittadini-italiani-in-repubblica-ceca/

https://www.esteri.it/it/servizi-consolari-e-visti/normativa_consolare/serviziconsolari/assistenzacittadiniestero/

https://amblisbona.esteri.it/it/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-italiano/

https://ambatene.esteri.it/ambasciata_atene/it/informazioni_e_servizi/servizi_consolari/assistenza.html

Also:

I cittadini dell'UE hanno diritto a chiedere l'aiuto dell'ambasciata o del consolato di qualsiasi altro Stato membro dell'Unione. In altre parole, gli Stati membri devono assistere i cittadini dell'UE non rappresentati alle stesse condizioni dei propri cittadini.

https://www.consilium.europa.eu/it/policies/consular-protection/

https://ec.europa.eu/info/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/eu-citizenship/consular-protection_en

and in the event of a crisis:

https://www.esteri.it/it/unita_crisi/

https://www.viaggiaresicuri.it/

e.g. https://www.viaggiaresicuri.it/country/UKR open the ‘security’ section

https://www.viaggiaresicuri.it/country/LBY open the ‘security’ section