- April 14, 2025
- Posted by: IDR
- Categories: Diplomatic meetings, Events
In an international context increasingly shaped by the competition of narratives, public diplomacy has become a strategic imperative, going beyond the realm of institutional communication. With this premise, the meeting of diplomatic training institutions from the extended Black Sea region took place in Bucharest, with representatives from seven countries – an event dedicated to deepening the role of public diplomacy in a continuously evolving world.
Current challenges in public diplomacy
The event opened with a working session hosted by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during which essential topics were addressed: how states project their values, gain international sympathy, and protect their image in an era dominated by disinformation.
Speakers included:
Hennadii Nadolenko, Director of the Ukrainian Diplomatic Academy
Ekke Nõmm, Director of the Estonian School of Diplomacy
Andrei Țărnea, Director General for Communication and Public Diplomacy within the Romanian MFA
Mihai Constantinescu, Head of the Expertise Delivery Service at the Romanian Diplomatic Institute
Their contributions emphasized the essential role of public diplomacy in building bridges of trust between states and citizens, especially in times of crisis or conflict.
The discussions continued with practical presentations from the diplomatic work of the European Union and Ukraine.
Christian Gsodam, Strategic Communication and Foresight Adviser within the European External Action Service, offered insights into how the EU manages external communication.
Iryna Shum, Deputy Director for Public Diplomacy and Communication within Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shared experiences from the frontlines of a diplomacy actively confronting propaganda.
In the second part of the day, Dragoș C. Mateescu presented the regional context in which these public diplomacy efforts unfold. His presentation was followed by the intervention of H.E. Taavi Toom, who highlighted Estonia’s digital transformation as a best practice model for strengthening international reputation.
The day concluded with a powerful talk by Oana Marinescu, General Director of OMA Vision, who addressed the impact of illiberal regimes on public diplomacy and the communication challenges emerging in this new geopolitical context.
Day two: amplifying messages online, fighting disinformation, and regional knowledge exchange
The second day was opened by the founders of Politică la minut, Răzvan Petri and Vlad Adamescu, who demonstrated how political and institutional topics can be communicated in an engaging and accessible way, particularly to younger audiences.
A key part of the agenda focused on the fight against disinformation in the era of social media and artificial intelligence. Journalist Ioana Dumitrescu moderated a frank and intense dialogue about manipulation, credibility, and the role of quality journalism.
Later, representatives of diplomatic training institutions from Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, and Ukraine shared their own approaches to public diplomacy in day-to-day activity, contributing to a rich collection of best practices and locally adapted solutions.
Diplomacy, dialogue, and networking in a relaxed setting
A defining component of the event was the creation of informal spaces for dialogue and networking – essential elements in building sustainable professional relationships.
The first reception was held at the European Commission Representation in Romania and was opened by Vlad Nistor, Director General of the Romanian Diplomatic Institute, along with Bogdan Bârla, Head of the Communication and Networks Department of the EC Representation in Romania.
The second reception took place at the Embassy of Ukraine in Bucharest, where participants were warmly welcomed by H.E. Ihor Prokopchuk and his team.
These moments of social interaction helped reinforce the spirit of collaboration among participants and contributed to the development of a professional network of public diplomacy experts from across the Black Sea region.
Conclusions
The event hosted in Bucharest brought together diverse voices and perspectives, united by a shared concern for the effectiveness of public diplomacy in a world dominated by uncertainty and competing narratives. It was a week full of valuable insights, practical examples, and promising partnerships – a genuine platform for reflection and regional cooperation on the future of diplomacy.
