New Delhi: In conventional terms, paradiplomacy refers to the use of sub-national actors and organisations to further the interests of a State in the international arena. When retired Ambassador Dr Jürgen Morhard, President of the Indo-German Society (DIG), came on to speak at the diplomacy keynote of the much-awaited second edition of News Global Summit of TV9 Network held in Germany, he focused on the essence of paradiplomacy.
The theme of the session was ‘Paradiplomacy as a new dimension of Germany-India partnership’, and in his speech, Morhard stressed the fact that paradiplomacy denotes the connection of people more than the meetings of diplomats.
He said, “We listened to diplomats, ministers at the summit about the partnership between Maharashtra and Baden-Württemberg. However, diplomatic and ministerial meetings are carefully planned, and the press releases are carefully crafted. In paradiplomacy, I want to explore friendships that last.”
While elaborating further, Morhard said, “Diplomacy means cross-border relations, and they are not conducted in meetings. I am referring to the meetings between common people. The importance of paradiplomacy lies in human connection across borders, in private homes. Diplomacy starts with people, not government. Diplomats can open doors to meetings, but it is people who are the vital cogs of diplomacy.”
He added, “I come from a border region and know how France helped rebuild Germany after the wars. Exchanges of school students will strengthen diplomacy. The government can sign an agreement, but people can build trust. When an Indian student finds a home in Germany, real diplomacy flourishes.”
The News9 Global Summit aims to strengthen bilateral ties between India and Germany at a time when the global order is changing. India, as a new power on the world map, is rising like a comet with pride and confidence. It was reflected in this year’s theme of the Summit, ‘Democracy, Demography, Development: The India-Germany Connect’.
