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International International

human experience has proven - while Cultural diplomacy has become an
diplomatic means and tools may evolve
following technological advances, as long as inalienable part of the modern
nation-states exist the essence of diplomacy diplomatic “toolbox”.
will not change substantially. Further progress
of ICTs and the continuing expansion of the
virtual “universe” will certainly affect the way
diplomatic missions function. Yet, in-person
human contacts remain indispensable in receiving country or to the rest of the world is
all areas of social life, the pandemic-related an essential task of a contemporary diplomatic
lockdowns made it more obvious than mission. It helps improve understanding of
ever! Diplomacy is no exception. I don’t see each other and build intangible bridges of
diplomatic missions disappear, and AI replace mutual respect and trust among people and
diplomatic staff, anywhere soon; not before I nations. “Food diplomacy”, which builds
retire, I hope... on the culinary traditions of a country or
region is, undoubtedly, an important element
“I don’t see diplomatic missions What are the UN bodies and UN agencies you of cultural diplomacy. Very often cultural
are cooperating most in Geneva? In which diplomacy events also serve a charitable cause
disappear, and AI replace diplomatic domains? Council’s meetings this year. Together with and raise funds in support of a humanitarian
staff, anywhere soon; not before I have been much involved in the work of the the President and other Vice-presidents action: this is actually the case of the annual
Human Rights Council (HRC), as Bulgaria I am member of the HRC Bureau, which UN Bazaar whose latest edition took place on
I retire, I hope...” is one of 47 member-states, completing discusses the program of work, organization 27 October.
its 3-years term this year. We plan to re- and modalities of Council’s meetings and
apply for HRC membership for the period makes proposals to this effect to the plenary. What are your hobbies? Your life outside
2024-26. In 2021 my country was also part Implementation of anti-pandemic measures in working hours?
of the P-6 (6-countries presidency) of the Switzerland put to test the ability of the HRC Travelling and hiking are my family’s favourite
Conference on Disarmament and I was CD to remain effective and efficient in a de facto leisure activities when whether allows. We love
had brought the issue of e-governance on top President from 12 March to 21 May. I am virtual/online mode of functioning. The HRC to discover new places, people and cultures and
of the global agenda. If e-government and also following closely the work of the WHO, made proof of its resilience and continued take nice pictures of them (we always have our
e-commerce are part of our lives, if social UNHCR, IOM, ILO – all of them play a role its work according to the schedule. This was camera with us). I and my wife also nurture aI and my wife also nurture a also nurture a
media influence public opinion, shape and in addressing the challenges of the COVID- of particular importance at a time when special interest for opera and classical music:
amplify social and political change and virtual 19 pandemic and its consequences in various human rights were facing worldwide multiple you may know that Bulgaria is the motherland
reality is merging more and more with actual fields: humanitarian, health, socio-economic. challenges caused by the pandemic, or as result of a plethora of world-wide renowned opera
one, why should diplomacy be expected to We have excellent cooperation with WIPO of conflicts in different parts of the globe, in singers and musicians and we hope to be able
stay immutable? International relations have and support the efforts of its Director General relation to the environmental degradation to have some of them perform in a UN setting have some of them perform in a UN setting
already largely gone online and ‘”e-diplomacy” and his team to enhance WIPO’s focus on and greenhouse effects, irregular migration, in Geneva: after months of pandemic-relayed
is apparently the future of international policy- youth, innovation, SMEs-driven sustainable rise of political radicalism, populism and restrictions the diplomatic community is
making and global governance. economy. ITU, UNECE, UNCTAD are other authoritarian rule, discriminatory practises, longing for high level culture events!
relevant multilateral fora concentrating human rights violations and political
What are your views on “teleworking” or expertise and competences in important areas repression in many countries...
“online” events – do they represent a danger of international cooperation. This is not to
for the offices abroad? If many things can be say that I and my fairly small diplomatic team What is your attitude towards diplomacy by
done through teleworking, are we not running underestimate the importance and work of other means than negotiations, mediations.
the risk of losing necessity to have diplomatic other international bodies and UN-affiliated e.g. – arts diplomacy, food diplomacy. The UN
missions abroad? agencies. Bazaar can be also considered in a way a part
Your question reminds me of a textbook of diplomacy. We know that Bulgaria played
example of scepticism and fear that You hold an important position in the area of an important role in the preparation of the
developments in technology provoked in human rights in Geneva. Please, tell us about recent Bazaar. Tell us about that.
diplomats almost 2 centuries ago: Lord this position. What are the main challenges in Cultural diplomacy has become an inalienable
Parmerston’s reaction (“this is the end of the area of human rights today? part of the modern diplomatic “toolbox”.
diplomacy!”) when he saw the first ever I am currently one of the four vice-presidents Making known a nation’s cultural heritage and
telegraphically transmitted message. But of the HRC and chaired a number of the present-day achievements to audiences in the

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