Launching the Network of “Casas”
These six institutions have signed a General Protocol to promote cooperation amongst them and introduce the Network’s web portal
February 13, 2015
MADRID
The Directors of Casa África, Casa de América, Casa Árabe, Casa Asia, Casa Mediterráneo and Centro Sefarad–Israel signed a General Protocol today to create a stable framework for cooperation amongst all of these “Casas” and to promote the holding of joint activities. In turn, they have launched the web portal of the Network of “Casas,” which will display the highlights in its six center’s cultural schedules, at an event held in the Casa de América.
This protocol will make it possible to strengthen the work performed by these public diplomacy institutions even more, with the cooperation of public and private role-players. Their objectives includes the promotion of joint activities, seminars and a new Forum that will host conferences and dialogue throughout the year 2015.
The six “Casas” are top-level instruments in the field of public diplomacy, capable of expressing the priorities of our country in key fields to the public opinion of third world countries and bringing the reality of other regions in the world closer to the Spanish people.
The objective of this agreement is precisely to strengthen each of the “Casas” and all of them as a group, encouraging them to work in an increasingly coordinated manner and to share goals. Therefore, the holding of events (digital or in person), exhibitions, seminars and other initiatives carried out by two or more of the “Casas” will be promoted, using the “Network of Casas” logo for that purpose.
Moreover, the communications side, including coherence in communications amongst the “Casas,” will also be strengthened because the agreement includes a reference to the launch of a web portal, www.reddecasas.es, where the agendas, contents and programming of the six “Casas” can be found.
It also includes a Twitter account for the “Casas” @reddecasas and links to the six institutions. The “Casas” are consortiums in which the General State Administration takes part through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, as well as the corresponding Autonomous Regional Government and Municipality. The “Casas” have gradually become points of reference in certain fields, making it possible to hold activities which are known for their excellence and an especially close relationship with the people.
The Foreign Action Strategy approved by Spain’s Council of Ministers last December 5, for remittance to the Spanish Parliament, mentions four main priorities, all closely related with public diplomacy: coherence, effectiveness and transparency in action abroad, promoting and projecting our values and interests and, last of all, achieving global outreach as an advanced country. This initiative forms part of the spirit of the aforementioned strategy.
The Directors of Casa África, Casa de América, Casa Árabe, Casa Asia, Casa Mediterráneo and Centro Sefarad–Israel.
Los Directores de Casa África, Casa de América, Casa Árabe, Casa Asia, Casa Mediterráneo y Centro Sefarad–Israel