FR 2024-30859

The document serves as a public notice from the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy (ACPD), which is part of the U.S. State Department. It announces an upcoming in-person and online meeting on January 16, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. The focus of this meeting will be on a discussion by a panel of experts regarding how the People's Republic of China employs public diplomacy to further its strategic objectives. The meeting is open to the public, but interested attendees must register online beforehand.

General Summary

The purpose of the document is to inform the public about the forthcoming meeting organized by the ACPD. This commission has been active since 1948 and is tasked with assessing activities aimed at informing and influencing foreign audiences, ultimately striving to bolster understanding and support for such actions among global communities. The findings from these evaluations are reported to key U.S. leadership, including the President and Congress.

Key Issues and Concerns

Several significant issues arise from the document that may affect the public's engagement with this meeting:

1. Lack of Specificity in Topics: The document does not provide detailed information about the specific topics or sub-themes the expert panel will cover. This lack of detail could deter potential attendees who may want to understand more about the content to be discussed.

2. Dissemination of Findings: The document does not clarify how the conclusions or insights from the panel discussion will be shared with the public or how they might influence public policy. This leaves questions about the transparency and subsequent impact of the meeting's outcomes.

3. Accessibility of Information: The complexity of the registration URL and additional information link may pose challenges for users attempting to access and share them, potentially hindering participation.

4. Clarification on Accommodations: There is a mention of "reasonable accommodation" for attendees, but the document does not specify what this entails, which could lead to uncertainty for individuals with specific accessibility needs.

5. Identification Requirements: The requirement for photo identification to attend the meeting might pose a barrier for some individuals, especially if the document does not mention alternative methods for verifying attendee identity.

6. Legal References: The document cites legal codes which may not be easily understood by those without legal knowledge, potentially creating confusion about the authority under which the meeting is held.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, this document and the meeting it announces represent an opportunity to gain insights into how a major global power is utilizing diplomatic strategies to influence international perspectives. The open registration allows public involvement, which can foster greater transparency and accountability in how the U.S. engages with global diplomatic challenges.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

• Policy Analysts and Academics: These stakeholders may find the meeting particularly beneficial, as the discussion could provide valuable insights into China's public diplomacy, informing research or policy recommendations.

• Governmental and Non-Governmental Representatives: Attendees from various organizations may use the insights gained to better understand geopolitical dynamics and adapt their strategies accordingly.

• Individuals Needing Accommodations: The document's lack of detail about accommodations might deter individuals with accessibility needs from participating, impacting inclusivity negatively unless addressed.

Overall, while the meeting presents a vital platform for discussing geopolitical issues, addressing these concerns could enhance its accessibility and the effectiveness of its communication to the public.