Integration Potential of Public Diplomacy in Implementation of Social Projects by Patient NPOs in the Field of Orphan Diseases: Eurasian Experience

Abstract

The subject of the article is the Eurasian experience of the integration potential of public diplomacy in the implementation of social projects by patient NPOs in the field of orphan diseases. The aim of the study is to describe and generalize the project practices of the Association for Assistance to Patients with Rett Syndrome in promoting public diplomacy in the Eurasian space. The initial data consisted of the activities and results of the social projects implementation in the countries of Eurasia (Russian Federation, Republic of Kazakhstan, Armenia, Moldova, Republic of Belarus). The methodological basis of the study was the concept of methodological pluralism, consolidating the approaches of constructivism to public diplomacy and the classical scientific school to positioning the activities of non-profit organizations. Research methods include design, description, evaluation of qualitative and quantitative results, feedback from the target audience of the project in the form of a review. During the implementation of the projects, the knowledge and skills of the parent and professional (medical, pedagogical) audience were strengthened; the geography has been expanded: 4 countries of the Eurasian space have been joined by partners from a fifth country — the Republic of Belarus, with voluntary participation. The scientific contribution consists of verifying the integration potential of NPOs in the development of public diplomacy in the project activities of domestic patient SO NPOs with friendly NPOs in Eurasia in joining forces, holding events, developing communication channels, and helping families. A model of a social resource has been created for replication in all countries of the post-Soviet space (4 countries are covered, but in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, there are children with Rett syndrome, and they all need social resources for a quality life).