Tapping into historical figures for public diplomacy
By Abed Akbari
International affairs expert
Public diplomacy refers to programs aimed at informing or influencing the public opinion of other countries. Public diplomacy can be done through official or private channels, as well as by institutions or individuals. Public diplomacy uses a variety of tools such as media, cultural events, art, science, and sports. The right use of the capacities of public diplomacy can help strengthen international relations, increase mutual trust and respect, create interaction and cooperation, resolve disputes and conflicts, convey messages and values, and especially “promote an image and increase recognition.”
Iran is a country with a rich and glorious history and civilization and has seen many great historical figures in various fields of literary and artistic science. Avicenna, Saadi, Hafiz, Khayyam, Rumi, al-Biruni, Razi, Attar of Nishapur, and Farabi can each be a symbol of a culture and civilization on their own. With their works and ideas, these characters have influenced not only Iran but the world. They can be adopted as cultural and humanistic models for different societies. Holding conferences, festivals, and cultural and artistic activities about these famous and historical greats is a huge capacity that can strengthen public diplomacy and increase mutual respect and trust by interacting with people from other countries.
The German government has been using the capacity of the famous German poet Goethe, who has been very influenced by Hafiz for years. The establishment of the Goethe-Institut to helm the education of the German language, introduce the German culture, and award the Goethe Medal to those who have provided outstanding services in the field of cultural exchange has been done in this regard.
Iran’s initiative to mark various days in its national calendar after historical Iranian figures can be showcased to the world as a form of public diplomacy that introduces the cultural figures of Iran. For example, the country has marked various days throughout the year after Saadi, Avicenna, Rumi, and Hafiz.
It is also of great importance to tap into the capacity of international organizations such as UNESCO by holding programs and events to showcase the tangible and intangible works of historical figures and commemorate their qualities and life events. This could particularly be done by holding scientific meetings, publishing books and articles, producing films and TV shows, or naming an award after one of these figures. These programs can help the people of the world better understand Iran and its culture and civilization, advancing Iran’s public diplomacy.