Public Diplomacy fosters public understanding of American foreign policy by communicating US Government policies in Gabon and Sao Tome and Principe. Public Diplomacy therefore supports and augments official diplomatic activities by interacting directly with the public through various educational, cultural exchange and press-related activities.

The main functions of the Public Diplomacy (PD) Section include:

Public Outreach

The PD Section fields public inquiries about US Government activities in Gabon and Sao Tome and Principe and also communicates regularly to the public through the press. PD maintains contact with Gabonese and Sao Tomean press agencies, drafting and distributing press releases, and inviting media professionals to Embassy-sponsored events.

Educational Advising

The PD Section can provide information to assist those who wish to study at an institution of higher education in the United States. Twice a month, PD offers a "séance d'information" (information session) on studying in the United States. Participants watch an orientation video, receive brochures, and have the opportunity to ask questions. Interested students can view the following French document about studying in the US, or send an email to the PD Section to attend the information session.

Fulbright Program Support

PD assists in the implementation of the Fulbright Scholarship program. This includes evaluating applications for Fulbright scholars who wish to work in Gabon or Sao Tome and Principe, and supporting accepted scholars during their stay.

The PD Section also nominates local professors to attend the program's Summer Institute in the United States. The Summer Institute is intended expressly for Gabonese or Sao Tomean professors teaching at a university who have a very good understanding of the English language. Visiting professors can come from a variety of fields, including economics, geography, and science. You can read more about the program on two different Fulbright websites:
Fulbright Program Administrator | Fulbright Association

International Visitors and Speaker Programs

The PD Section sponsors visits to Gabon and Sao Tome and Principe by well known American speakers from different disciplines. The speakers engage local professionals or academics in discussions on issues of interest to the participants and to the US. In addition, every year the Embassy has two slots for individuals from the Gabonese/Sao Tomean government, NGO or private sectors to go to the United States on the International Visitor Program. The PD Section nominates participants for the program.

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