Soft Power Strategies – How should Wales project itself on the world stage?
9.30-16.30 Monday 28 October
Cardiff Metropolitan University
This event will explore perspectives on soft power, and look to offer practical suggestions to develop Wales’s international profile.
Coinciding with the development of the Welsh Government’s International Strategy, our Wales and the World series aims to expand the discussion and deepen our understanding of Wales’s “soft power” assets.
The first event will explore perspectives on soft power, and look to offer practical suggestions to develop Wales’s international profile.
Discussions on the day will explore:
- What is soft power, and how and why is it relevant to Wales?
- How is Wales’ soft power boosted or constrained by its position within the UK?
- To what extent does Wales make the most of its ‘brand’ and ‘soft power’ resources?
- How do we unlock this potential for the benefit of the people, the culture and the economy of Wales?
Speakers will include:
- Eluned Morgan AM, Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language
- Professor Karen Smith, Professor of International Relations, London School of Economics
- Paul Brummel, Head of Soft Power and External Affairs, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
- Imants Liegis, Latvia’s Ambassador to France
- Peter Florence, Hay Festival
- Rob Humphreys, Chair of British Council Wales Advisory Board
- Susie Ventris-Field, Chief Executive, Welsh Centre for International Affairs
- Owen Hathway, Sport Wales
The morning’s keynotes will be followed by discussion sessions in the afternoon. These sessions will offer an opportunity to consider what Wales’s soft power assets are, and how we can better use the stories we tell about Wales to raise the profile of the nation. Panellists will reflect on what the cultural, sporting, educational and charitable sectors can bring to strengthen the reputation of Wales.
We are keen that a broad range of stakeholders participate in these discussions, which will expand upon the soft power approaches within the Government’s International Strategy.
The event is free, and there will be a warm welcome to all
The programme is available here.
We are grateful to Cardiff Metropolitan University for hosting the event. The series is supported by the Welsh Government.