ISLAMABAD: The day-long ‘All Flags Together’ (AFT 2023) colourful cultural diplomacy event attracted a large crowd of both local and foreign attendees. The second edition was jointly organized by the Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan), the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), the Islamabad Foreign Women Association (IFWA), Roots Future World School, and COPAIR.
Numerous educational institutions, national and international organizations, and individuals came together to exhibit handicrafts, cuisine, art, and culture, with the goal of fostering cultural understanding and highlighting the power of cultural diplomacy. The event also featured a cultural diplomacy dialogue titled ‘Cultures for Peace and Development.’
Students from Roots Future World School presented a scene from a Shakespearean play, along with a tableau showcasing Pakistan’s rich cultural diversity. The PNCA National Performing Arts Group (NPAG) mesmerized the audience with dance performances from Kalash and Sindhi jhoomar. Award-winning sitar player Aamir Hussain enthralled the crowd with various compositions.
The IFWA stalls offered a delightful array of international cuisines, including Moroccan meatballs, Italian mini pizzas, Indonesian honeycomb cake, nasi lemak, spring rolls with delicious Yemeni sauce, Danish meatballs, Belgian waffles, and Bahraini kebabs. Additionally, twenty Pakistani women set up food and handicraft stalls.
During the cultural diplomacy dialogue, experts emphasized the need to mainstream cultural intelligence in society and make cultural diplomacy a core element of public policy. Multilateral platforms play a crucial role in cultural diplomacy, and countries like China, the United States, South Korea, and Kazakhstan are increasingly investing in regional and global forums. Cultural diplomacy in the multilateral sphere has a rich history, dating back to the inception of World Expos in 1851 in the United Kingdom.
Culture Minister on All Flags Together Event
Caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Jamal Shah, stressed the importance of cultures as bridges between communities and nations. He expressed concern that Pakistan allocates relatively few resources to cultural diplomacy, despite its diverse and culturally rich heritage. He commended Devcom-Pakistan for relaunching ‘All Flags Together’ and promoting cultural significance in public policy and international relations.
Daniela Draugelis, a US trainer and intercultural intelligence consultant, highlighted how understanding cultural differences fosters appreciation of cultural assets, leading to cooperation, understanding, and trust. Building trust and relationships among communities and nations promotes harmony, peace, and development, with different cultures creating a vibrant tapestry of nations.
Amna Malik, President of COPAIR, emphasized the role of digital diplomacy in cultural diplomacy, as it offers cost-effective solutions for promoting a nation’s culture and image on social media platforms. Public diplomacy activities and cultural diplomacy events like ‘All Flags Together’ bring diverse cultures together, enhance foreign relations, and improve Pakistan’s positive image.
Aftab ur Rehman Rana, Managing Director of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), highlighted Pakistan’s rich tourism potential, driven by its diverse natural landscapes, culture, and heritage. Tourism plays a significant role in promoting cultural diplomacy by facilitating cross-cultural interactions, mutual understanding, and positive international relations.
Midhat Shehzad, Secretary of Youth, Culture, and Tourism for the AJK government, underscored the non-confrontational nature of cultural diplomacy, which forges connections through shared languages, literature, arts, artisanal crafts, students, cuisine, clothing, heritage, and traditions. She urged the region to rekindle old cultural linkages and foster harmony.
Prior to the event, Munir Ahmed, Executive Director of Devcom-Pakistan and founder of ‘All Flags Together,’ outlined the event’s objectives. He highlighted how cultural showcasing facilitates mutual understanding and unity, ultimately contributing to peace and development.
The AFT 2023 provided a platform for national and international stakeholders to come together, share their cultures, and collaborate on meaningful work for peace and development.”
