A roundtable session on Diplomacy for Peace was held on January 24, 2025, at Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), Islamabad. Dr. Osman Gültekin, UNESCO Chair on Cultural Diplomacy, Governance and Education delivered a key-note lecture on the significance of cultural diplomacy and education in particular international education in projecting soft image in the international community. The session was attended by officers/officials from Research, Legislation and PDP wings of this Institute.
The session commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Director General (Research) PIPS extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guest and provided an overview of the institute’s functions as a center of excellence in the domain of parliamentary research in Pakistan. Mr. Zaka apprised the guest about the services rendered by the Research Wing of PIPS.
Dr. Osman Gültekin commenced his presentation by introducing himself and outlining his research. He focused on the concept of “Soft Power” and its importance in shaping a positive national image in the comity of nations. He underscored strategies that countries can employ to leverage Soft Power as a means of positive image building. The presentation of Dr. Gültekin further elaborated the development and multi-faceted nature of relationship between international education and international politics, positing that international education serves as a conduit for Soft Power and is closely linked to the promotion of peace. His presentation included a historical overview of the internationalization of education and emphasized the growing recognition of its significance.
Following the lecture, the floor was opened for questions. Participants actively engaged in Q&A session, raising inquiries about the concept of brain-drain and its implications. Questions also focused on Pakistan’s education system, particularly in the growing fields of medicine and engineering, and their potential to attract international students. Additionally, participants discussed the strategies that Pakistan and other developing Muslim countries should consider to capitalize on the trend of regionalization in international education, as well as the associated positive and potential negative impacts of this emerging trend.
At the end, Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka gave vote of thanks and expressed his gratitude to Dr. Osman Gültekin for joining the roundtable session and sharing his work.