How To Be An Ambassador of A Country With No Embassies

Ten proposals to defend Catalan culture around the world.

If we don’t have our own embassies, how can we be received in Europe as Catalans? Can the geographically fragmented territories of Catalan culture present a united image to the world? Can the international actions of figures like Pompeu Fabra, J.V. Foix, Mercè Rodoreda, or Carles Riba in the 1920s and 1930s still inspire us today?

There are many international organizations —academic, sports-related, musical, legal, human rights-focused, pacifist, and more— where the Catalan federation enjoys full recognition, with equal voice and vote alongside other nations. Carles Torner began his international journey in the 1980s through student and writers' associations recognized by the UN and UNESCO. He also served as director of the literature program at the Institut Ramon Llull when Catalan culture was the guest of honor at the Frankfurt and Guadalajara book fairs.

What was his experience like as a cultural ambassador? In this essay, Torner reflects on that path and —after four decades of traveling the world— presents his ten-point plan for defending and promoting Catalan culture internationally.

«Ambassador without embassies, and therefore also a smuggler of the culture, language, and legitimacy of our country: what a beautiful profession, that of Carles Torner».

Joan-Lluís Lluís