PDCA recognizes Secretary of State Antony Blinken for his contributions to U.S. public diplomacy
The Public Diplomacy Council of America presented a special award on Tuesday, Jan. 14, to Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to U.S. public diplomacy during his four years as Secretary of State. The presentation took place in Washington, where Acting Assistant Secretary for Global Public Affairs Stephanie Sutton accepted the award plaque from Joel Fischman, PDCA’s President, on behalf of Secretary Blinken.Mr. Fischman stated: “Over the past four years, Secretary Blinken has been an indefatigable messenger for the United States. In all his engagement with leaders and peoples of the world, he has been mindful, in his own words, for both our interests and our values.”
Ms. Sutton responded, saying “From Day One, Secretary Blinken recognized PD as central to everything the State Department works to accomplish. … As we approach the presidential transition, I am proud we are passing the incoming administration a team equipped with the skills and tools to build trust with key audiences.”
The Secretary also acknowledged the award in a short video message, noting:
“In a more contested, competitive, and combustible world – with state and non-state actors working to shape global narratives and undermine the objective truths on which open societies depend – the work of telling America’s story – proactively, authentically, and strategically – is more important than ever.
“Public diplomacy helps build understanding between citizens of the United States and other countries. It strengthens our network of allies and partners. It unlocks new possibilities and friendships – for people and nations.
“At the same time, public diplomacy allows us to expose, disrupt, and deter foreign interference and manipulation – and to help repair the fissures that those who sow falsehoods aim to exploit.
“In short: Public diplomacy is not just ‘nice to do.’ It’s essential to our foreign policy.”
Board member Larry Schwartz made remarks about the importance of public diplomacy at this time in world affairs (see his entire remarks, posted to our blog, here), and Board Member and Awards Committee Co-Chair Ambassador (Ret.) Earl Anthony Wayne spoke to Secretary Blinken’s longstanding involvement with public engagement in diplomacy beginning with his position “on the USEU team, deepening his understanding of the US' vital role in Europe.” Ambassador Wayne continued:
“That essential work was followed by Blinken's other successful efforts in the 1990s as part of the State Department and the National Security Council under President Clinton. Blinken's contributions were evident once again in his roles at the White House working for Vice President Joe Biden and the National Security Council during the Obama Administration, through his role as the State Department's Deputy Secretary at the end of that Presidential administration (2015-2017). This leading effort continued with Blinken's role as U.S. Secretary of State in recent years. During these years, Blinken clearly grasped and supported the growing importance of public messaging, of effective public diplomacy, as a vital part of successful and effective United States foreign policy.”
The forum took place at the George Washington University's Elliot School, cosponsored by PDCA's partners, the GWU Institute for Public Diplomacy & Global Communication and the USC Annenberg Center on Communication Leadership & Policy. Its Director of Washington Programs, Adam Clayton Powell III, closed the program.
The Public Diplomacy Council of America is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) association of professionals and scholars promoting excellence in the professional practice, academic study, and advocacy for public diplomacy, the United States’ premier tool of statecraft to inform and advocate for the United States to people around the world.