The 11th General Assembly opened with a vote to admit Uzbekistan, represented by the Center for Foreign Policy and International Initiatives Studies at the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, bringing GPDNET's membership to 30.

The move is expected to strengthen the network's international presence and expand cooperation and knowledge-sharing among public diplomacy institutions.

Katara General Manager and GPDNET President Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti signed a memorandum of understanding with the new member to support institutional cooperation and broaden the network's international partnerships.

GPDNET Secretary-General Maryam Majed Al Saad welcomed the participants, expressing her appreciation for their attendance and contributions to the assembly and for their continued confidence in the General Secretariat.

She said the network's progress was the result of the commitment and collective efforts of all member institutions.

The General Assembly, she added, provided an important opportunity to review achievements, strengthen cooperation and set clear priorities for the next phase, moving beyond the exchange of ideas and proposals toward practical initiatives and joint projects with tangible impact.

Al Saad said Uzbekistan's membership added to the network's institutional and geographical diversity, opening up wider opportunities for cooperation and knowledge-sharing and enabling members to benefit from different experiences and develop partnerships in support of public diplomacy.

The assembly also discussed the operation of GPDNET's website, with members presenting proposals to improve its content and strengthen its role as an interactive platform for communication and the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

The proposals included allowing members to upload information, data, topics and articles to introduce their institutions, activities and initiatives, showcase their experience and achievements, and enrich the website's content as an international window reflecting the diversity of the network and its members.

The program also featured a presentation of the Youth Mentoring Project, which aims to empower young people and develop their skills and knowledge by drawing on the experience of specialists and practitioners.

The initiative will provide opportunities for mentoring, communication and experience-sharing, helping prepare a new generation to promote dialogue and understanding among cultures and communities.

The assembly also discussed the Digital Projects Initiative, with representatives from Bosnia, Bulgaria, Ghana, Romania and Ukraine presenting proposals to strengthen members' digital presence, showcase their activities and projects, and expand opportunities for knowledge-sharing and cooperation on joint initiatives.

Participants stressed the importance of continued joint efforts, developing the proposed initiatives and ensuring active participation in future projects to advance GPDNET's mission, expand its international presence and influence, and strengthen communication and cooperation among institutions, peoples and cultures. (QNA)