"The Czech Centres are indeed a powerful tool of our foreign policy. The new Director General has extensive experience in public and cultural diplomacy, both academically and practically. She previously managed the Czech Centre Brussels during the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU, and Brussels was literally the capital of presenting Czech culture," stated the Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský.

This year the Czech Centres celebrate their 30th anniversary, with 28 branches currently operating on four continents. Earlier this year, the Office of the General Commissioner of the Czech participation at the General World Exposition EXPO became a part of the Czech Centres.

"Czech culture is among the most significant sources of our credit abroad. It is essential to be a good partner for it – it has the ability to capture the attention of international audiences and promote important values in international debates," said Pánek Jurková.

In her role, she will focus on coordinating the strategy with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strengthen Czech public diplomacy worldwide. "The development of the Czech Centres' network into non-European territories will grant us access to new audiences, where there is significant, untapped potential. The Czech Centres will help build the image of Czechia as a country with a rich culture that actively participates in the international community," she added.

Jitka Pánek Jurková was the Director of the Czech Centre Brussels from 2017 to 2023. She was responsible for conceptualizing and implementing a significant portion of the cultural programme during the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU. Pánek Jurková has been involved in cultural diplomacy both in practice and in her work as an author and lecturer. She is the co-author of the book "Ambassadors of Bohemia: Contemporary Czech Cultural Diplomacy and Its Dilemmas" (with Eliška Tomalová) and the podcast "Jazzman versus Spies: Art as a Secret Weapon of International Politics."