Article by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Kotsiras published on the "pagenews.gr" website (October 2, 2023)

Public Diplomacy: A Tool to Enhance our Country's International Image

The significance of public diplomacy as a mechanism of soft power is increasingly acknowledged on a global scale. This approach is tied to the efforts of countries to enhance their international image through culture, education, specialized forms of tourism, etc.
Further enhancing Greece's international image through public diplomacy is a top priority for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is evident in both the Strategic Plan for the period 2023-28 and the Ministry's Annual Action Plan. In this regard, a National Strategy for Public Diplomacy is currently being developed. This strategy will encompass, among other things, the promotion and highlighting of key reforms, investment opportunities, and competitive advantages of our country, while also showcasing our rich cultural heritage, contemporary cultural creations, and promoting Greek studies. Particular emphasis will be placed on promoting foreign-language programs of Greek universities and Greek studies.
A range of modern tools will be employed to achieve the aforementioned goals. Firstly, there will be a focus on leveraging new technologies and digital tools. Specifically, tools to be used by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ digital channels will be systematically designed and developed to facilitate the dissemination of relevant information. Additionally, there will be further utilization of the Ministry's human resources and ongoing collaboration with them, given that the Public Diplomacy Offices of our embassies will play a pivotal role in this endeavor. These offices will be further activated, especially through training in modern digital tools relevant for public diplomacy.
Secondly, as part of our effort to enhance our country's image, initiatives will be taken to leverage the Greek Diaspora. Greeks abroad can serve as the most effective multipliers of positive messages, bolstering the country's image. Afterall, it is commonly known that the Greek nation’s identity is inherently tied to its Diaspora. Both the broad emigration waves and the preservation of relations with those residing beyond the national borders have characterized the modern Greek state since its inception. Similarly, the recent emigration during the brain drain era has given rise to a new generation of Diaspora Greeks. As a country, we're fortunate to have a vast and active Diaspora. It spans the length and breadth of the globe, generating "islands" of Hellenism that vary in size but are always vibrant. Members of the Diaspora have been active in many sectors and have often excelled in politics, science, arts, entrepreneurship, and sports. With their substantial presence and active participation in the daily life of their host countries, they epitomize the modern, global face of Greece. In this regard, they constitute a prime national asset for our country. They act as ambassadors for our national positions and amplify our voice. Simultaneously, they form a solid foundation for maintaining and strengthening bonds of friendship and understanding between Greece and their host countries.
Finally, given that horizontal collaboration is a crucial part of any national effort, there will be synergies with other Ministries to promote our international image. Collaborations with the Ministries of Tourism and Education are in progress, highlighting the country's progress in these sectors (e.g., specialized forms of tourism as tools of public diplomacy, and the presentation of programs offered by Greek universities with emphasis on those delivered in foreign languages).
As Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. George Gerapetritis has emphasized, a main priority of the Ministry is to be proactively extrovert and promote public diplomacy, leading to a multifaceted foreign policy. In this regard, we're developing a National Strategy for Public Diplomacy, primarily aimed at promoting our foreign policy positions and boosting the international image of the country, by giving special emphasis on a positive agenda and the leveraging of cutting-edge technologies, modern digital tools, and related inter-ministerial synergies. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greece has robustly enhanced its international outreach and geostrategic role, and we are determined to communicate this in every possible way!