In a world that is getting smaller every day, the need for effective diplomacy is substantial to create a good image of the country. Bangladesh largely lags behind in its diplomatic skills. While maintenance of diplomacy is mainly done by the government, citizens also have an imperative role to play in creating an identity for their country. While the growth and establishment of the citizen’s diplomacy is much more prominent in the Western world, the subject has not received adequate attention in Bangladesh. Hence, the rise of globalisation has made citizen diplomacy an urgent issue for Bangladesh.
Citizen diplomacy is a valuable concept that recognises citizens as the representatives of a country. According to this kind of diplomacy, individuals of a country have the rights and the responsibility to construct foreign relations. Anyone with patriotic emotions, passion, and devotion towards the country can be a citizen diplomat. A citizen diplomat can be a teacher, student, artist, business official, social activists, etc. The concept complements the official diplomacy in the country, and even challenges it to be more effective.
People develop their impression of other people through personal encounters. The interaction that takes place when people come to visit our land, or when we travel beyond our borders, is crucial in shaping our country’s image. We need to radically increase our capability to reach out to the rest of the world to foster common interests and values. Bangladesh, with various adversities, is falling behind in promoting healthy diplomatic relations around the world. The citizens stepping in and understanding the need for their involvement, their value, and the importance of their role is essential in shaping and advancing the country’s foreign relations.
The first step to promoting citizen diplomacy is familiarising the citizens with this concept. It can be done by creating awareness and disseminating information regarding the important diplomatic role the citizens can play. The most effective start would be in academic institutions. Schools and universities can make students aware of the need for citizen diplomacy and the importance of acknowledging the role that each citizen plays. This awareness can be spread to various private and social organisations as well. Understanding that every citizen has a part to play regardless of their profession or age, and identifying the responsibility to represent one’s country will be the milestone in developing citizen diplomacy.
The general people must be aware of the current international and domestic affairs. This will enable them to get a clear picture of where their domestic country stands with respect to the foreign nations. In order to encourage citizen diplomacy, it is necessary that information regarding the country’s foreign affairs is properly, factually, and regularly revealed to the citizens. Being informed about necessary matters regarding the country’s foreign affairs will generate opinions and even solutions.
While conveying the necessary information is vital, it is also necessary to create a platform for the citizens to put forward their opinions and judgments. It can be done through polls, or through social media. However, the most effective way by which an individual can play their part and make their opinions heard is through constructive writing.
Citizens can write about international issues or about matters regarding the domestic country. They can express their views on how a foreign affair was dealt with, and what can be done further to improvise. National newspapers already provide us with platforms to express our opinions. Hence, such opinionated write-ups or suggestions will further enhance and encourage citizen diplomacy.
In addition, volunteer involvement in international causes will also enhance the country’s diplomatic state. Citizens should be encouraged to take part in issues that has international significance or can create international benefit. Corporations, schools, social organisations etc can encourage such participation through workshops or activities that will focus on issues that go beyond borders.
Leading universities in Bangladesh have introduced the students to Model United Nations Club in the recent years. This platform allows students to represent their country and express their opinions on international issues. It provides them with a chance to represent their country in the foreign lands. Furthermore, it gives them an opportunity to connect with the world in a constructive and intellectual level that enhances the understanding, acceptance, and appreciation of the difference in culture and values.
From formal government interactions with foreign countries to how we express our opinion about international significance, shape our foreign relations. The way we conduct ourselves while travelling, represent our country for any cause, or host people from other countries in our homes, schools, workplace, or community, add up to create our foreign diplomatic relations. It is essential to understand the important role of the citizens alongside the government to develop the country’s diplomatic relations. How we present ourselves is how we present our country to the world.
