Written question WQ85747
- Asked by
- Heledd FychanPlaid
- To be answered by
- First Minister
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
Has sports and cultural diplomacy been added into the agreement between Wales Arts International and Welsh Government in light of the Cymru men's football team qualifying for the 2022 World Cup and, if not, can this be urgently considered along with the relevant resources to maximise the opportunities presented?
Answer
Answered by First Minister (Mark Drakeford)
The importance of sports and cultural diplomacy is reflected in the Welsh Government’s International Strategy. We fund a number of organisations to help us deliver that strategy including Wales Arts International. Sports and cultural diplomacy are an important part of their work and the organisation brings significant experience of maximising diplomatic opportunities from previous events such as the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
As part of our planning and preparations for the World Cup in Qatar, Wales Arts International have been an important organisation representing the arts at a number of stakeholder meetings. Alongside others they have been encouraged to submit a proposal to develop activity to support activity around the World Cup.
The Strategic Partnership Agreement referred to is supported by regular dialogue and monitoring. This means that changes in circumstances and priorities can be discussed and resources can be directed towards activity that will have most impact on raising Wales’ profile and establishing Wales as a globally responsible nation.