The World Peoples Assembly (WPA) Ethiopian Office has officially launched a public diplomacy monthly lecture series, kicking off its inaugural virtual session with over 100 participants from across the African continent.
The opening session, titled “Introduction to Public Diplomacy,” was hosted on Google Meet and led by Pakistan-based N-Peace Award recipient and Public Diplomat Laureate Dr. Farhat Asif. The event featured opening remarks from WPA Deputy Executive Director Yanina Dubeykovskaya, setting the tone for an extensive curriculum aimed at cultivating international relations skills among the younger demographic.
Running from October 2026 through January 2027, the free online program is structured to feature a distinct international expert each month. Upcoming topics include soft power, media diplomacy, and digital engagement, designed to provide comprehensive insights into modern diplomatic frameworks for high school students, university attendees, and members of the general public.
The curriculum features prominent figures such as Prof. Dhiraj Singh of India and Dr. Gnaka Lagoke from the United States, with a specialized focus on Ethiopia’s diplomatic footprint scheduled for January. Fidel Antonio Castro Smirnov, Cuba’s WPA Deputy Secretary General and a prominent leader in science diplomacy, is slated to deliver the closing remarks at the conclusion of the series.
Organizers confirm that registration remains active for individuals seeking to complete the program and secure a high-level certificate of participation. This initiative builds upon recent high-profile engagement in the region, following Addis Ababa’s historic hosting of the World Public Summit earlier this year.
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