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Public Diplomacy Modernization Act of 2023
1/4/2024, 7:15 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1356
One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of a Public Diplomacy Advisory Board, which will provide guidance and recommendations to the Secretary of State on public diplomacy strategies and initiatives. The board will be composed of experts in the field of public diplomacy, including representatives from academia, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations.
Additionally, the bill calls for the creation of a Public Diplomacy Training Program, which will provide training and professional development opportunities for Foreign Service Officers and other State Department personnel involved in public diplomacy efforts. This program aims to ensure that US diplomats are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively engage with foreign audiences and promote US interests abroad. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to enhance the use of digital and social media platforms in public diplomacy efforts, as well as to increase transparency and accountability in the allocation of public diplomacy resources. It also emphasizes the importance of partnerships with international organizations, foreign governments, and civil society groups in advancing US public diplomacy goals. Overall, the Public Diplomacy Modernization Act of 2023 seeks to strengthen the United States' ability to communicate its values, policies, and priorities to global audiences in an increasingly interconnected world. By modernizing and enhancing the country's public diplomacy efforts, the bill aims to promote understanding, cooperation, and mutual respect between the United States and other nations.
Congressional Summary of HR 1356
Public Diplomacy Modernization Act of 2023
This bill establishes measures related to public diplomacy conducted by the Department of State.
Specifically, the bill directs the State Department to appoint a Director of Research and Evaluation in the State Department's Office of Policy, Planning, and Resources for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. The director's responsibilities shall include (1) overseeing research to improve State Department public diplomacy strategy and tactics, and (2) developing guidance and training for public diplomacy officers on interpreting and implementing public diplomacy-related research.
The bill directs the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy to establish a Subcommittee on Research and Evaluation. The subcommittee shall provide advice regarding audience research, digital analytics, and impact evaluations carried out by the State Department and the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
The bill directs the State Department to establish a working group to analyze a potential transition to a shared-services model for human resources, travel, purchasing, and all other executive support functions for all bureaus that report to the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy.
The State Department shall adopt certain guidelines related to collecting and utilizing information in the event of a closure or consolidation of a public diplomacy facility.
