“We also must develop effective ways to marshal the great creativity of our private sector. American companies, universities, private foundations, our travel industry all have extensive contact with people throughout the world.... I welcome ideas to more fully engage the private sector because I believe this engagement is critical to our success.”
-- Karen Hughes, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs
The Office of Private Sector Outreach was established in 2006 to develop innovative ways for the State Department to engage and work with the private sector on our public diplomacy initiatives.
The Office creates partnerships with U.S. businesses, foundations, and non-profit organizations. These programs are utilizing the resources, technology and expertise of our nation’s best and brightest to reach youth, teachers, women in business, journalists, entrepreneurs, and other key influencers around the world, and we are continually looking for ways to further maximize public diplomacy resources and impact.
We are working to foster a sense of shared values between Americans and people of different countries, cultures and faiths throughout the world, and the private sector has not only a vested interest, but a key role to play in this endeavor. From sponsoring an educational or cultural exchange, to hosting an international student, to incorporating public diplomacy concepts in international business practices, there are numerous ways in which large organizations and individual citizens alike can contribute to this critical effort.
To learn more, please contact us at diplomacyupdate@state.gov or (202) 647-9199.
