Newly appointed US Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Under Secretary Tara Sonenshine spent the day in Lahore meeting with leaders from the civil society. This was her first visit to Pakistan, only her second country visited, after China, since she assumed her position. Under Secretary Sonenshine’s goal was to better understand how public diplomacy can bolster US-Pakistan relations and build a sustainable future for the generations to come. The secretary’s delegation consisted of US Public Diplomacy South and Central Asia Deputy Assistant Secretary Jim Moore, US Consul General Nina Fite and US Mission Strategic Communication Director Tom Miller.
Speaking to students from various universities at Kinnaird College, the under secretary spoke about the role of public diplomacy in Pakistan in building bridges between the people of both countries. She highlighted the fact that as citizens of the globe, we all face a combination of shared challenges and opportunities. She discussed how US public diplomacy empowers, engages, and supports citizens around the world. Using Pakistan as a specific example of US public diplomacy efforts, she mentioned programmes like the Fulbright scholarship, English language courses for underprivileged students, university linkages, and cultural exchanges such as visits by jazz musicians to Lahore.
Following her remarks, Under Secretary Sonenshine interacted with the students at Kinnaird College during a lively question and answer session.
Sonenshine also paid her respects to Lahore’s great cultural history. She visited the mid-18th century Sunehri Mosque, which is being restored under the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation with a $67,500 US government grant. Honouring Pakistan’s foundation, she also visited the historic Minar-e Pakistan and recorded her impressions in the visitor’s book. Sonenshine also participated in a US exchange alumni community service project at the SOS Village, where she joined the youth exchange programme participants in repainting the children’s home’s playground. She also met with a cross-section of civil society at various events throughout her visit, including leaders in media, the arts, and education.
Later in the day, she participated in a group discussion with US-funded after school English language programme graduates from across the Punjab.
