THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 21, 2003 New White House Office Coordinates Global Communications Why? The President understands the importance of conveying America 's message to the world. Better coordination of our international communications will help convey the truth about America and the goals we share with people everywhere. He knows we need to communicate our policies and values to the world ? with greater clarity and through dialogue with emerging voices around the globe. Created by Executive Order of the President, this new office within the White House coordinates strategic communications with global audiences, integrating the President's themes into new and ongoing programs. The New Office of Global Communications The Office of Global Communications (OGC) advises on the strategic direction and themes that United States government agencies use to reach foreign audiences. The Office assists in the development of communications programs that disseminate truthful, accurate, and effective messages about the American people and their government. With State Department Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs remaining at the frontlines of international communications, Global Communications coordinates the work of many agencies and Americans to convey a few simple but powerful messages. These will be aimed to prevent misunderstanding and conflict, build support for and among United States coalition partners, and better inform international audiences. Lessons learned from the temporary Coalition Information Centers (CIC) have been applied to the new Office. Created to react to our adversaries' misinformation, CIC quickly proved that White House-led efforts could facilitate strategic, proactive communications in the war on terror. Last year's focus on the liberation of women in Afghanistan is a prime example. Working closely with the communications office of the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, Global Communications recently coordinated communications about the Administration's Ramadan activity and the President's views on Islam. Recognizing the value of remotely deployed coalition information centers, the President has authorized the new Office to coordinate with the appropriate agencies the creation of teams of communicators to work in areas of intense global media interest. No such team is currently operating, but OGC is organized to move swiftly in cooperation with other US government agencies and coalition partners. America's Message to the World This new office assists the President in communicating his message to the world -- dignity, security and liberty for all people, everywhere. The "non-negotiable demands of human dignity" and the National Security Strategy's focus on peace and freedom are US Government policy, but they are also universal aspirations. As such, they provide a framework for more listening and greater dialogue around the globe, and a framework in which OGC will coordinate a variety of new efforts. As the President says, we value the dignity of all human life. Family, learning and generosity, both here at home and around the world, are central to prosperity and peace for all. Meanwhile, for security's sake, we seek to defend, preserve and extend the peace. The President's strategy makes clear that peace is defended by fighting terror and tyranny. Peace is preserved with good relations among great powers. And peace is extended by encouraging free and open societies. And America must always stand for liberty. As the President plainly states, freedom is God's gift to every single person. Freedom is also the one true model for national success. Different circumstances require different methods ? we help societies so they can choose for themselves the rewards of political and economic freedom. New Initiatives The President understands that reaching global audiences ? especially people who are open to the truth but unsure or critical of some aspects of America ? will take many years, but we must begin to make a difference now. OGC coordination efforts focus on 1) daily messages, 2) communications planning, and 3) long-term strategy. 1. OGC produces The Global Messenger, a one-page fact sheet sent world-wide to disseminate key points and daily activities on global issues. OGC leads a daily conference call of Administration leaders to coordinate near-term and mid-range communications planning. The office also works closely with the State and Defense Departments to ensure rapid response to allegations and rumors in the war on terror. 2. The new office coordinated themes and events to support the President's successful drive for Congressional and U.N. support for disarming Saddam Hussein. OGC is coordinating efforts to reveal the disinformation and propaganda of the Iraqi regime, including the publication of Apparatus of Lies: Saddam's Disinformation and Propaganda, 1990-2003. Working closely with the Pentagon and all relevant agencies, OGC is coordinating the launch of new reconstruction initiatives in Afghanistan. Also, from time to time, OGC facilitates the organization of teams of communicators to be sent proactively to foreign or domestic areas of high global interest and media attention. For example, one such team worked with the international media gathered in Kabul, Afghanistan for the Loya Jirga. This effort underscored the ongoing US and coalition commitment to rebuilding the country and restoring liberty. 3. OGC will coordinate government-wide efforts to convey America's message to the world by improving communications about US humanitarian and pro-democracy efforts. Drawing on the President's outreach to Arab and Muslim audiences, OGC is working closely with the State Department to increase our interaction with existing pan-Arab news media. Also, the Office is studying new ways to reach Muslim audiences directly via US-supported broadcasting. ### THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary _____________ For Immediate Release January 21, 2003 EXECUTIVE ORDER - - - - - - - ESTABLISHING THE OFFICE OF GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Establishment of the Office of Global Communications. There is hereby established within the White House Office an Office of Global Communications (the "Office") to be headed by a Deputy Assistant to the President for Global Communications. Sec. 2. Mission. The mission of the Office shall be to advise the President, the heads of appropriate offices within the Executive Office of the President, and the heads of executive departments and agencies (agencies) on utilization of the most effective means for the United States Government to ensure consistency in messages that will promote the interests of the United States abroad, prevent misunderstanding, build support for and among coalition partners of the United States, and inform international audiences. The Office shall provide such advice on activities in which the role of the United States Government is apparent or publicly acknowledged. Sec. 3. Functions. In carrying out its mission: (a) The Office shall assess the methods and strategies used by the United States Government (other than special activities as defined in Executive Order 12333 of December 4, 1981) to deliver information to audiences abroad. The Office shall coordinate the formulation among appropriate agencies of messages that reflect the strategic communications framework and priorities of the United States, and shall facilitate the development of a strategy among the appropriate agencies to effectively communicate such messages. (b) The Office shall work with the policy and communi-cations offices of agencies in developing a strategy for disseminating truthful, accurate, and effective messages about the United States, its Government and policies, and the American people and culture. The Office may, after consulting with the Department of State and obtaining the approval of the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs on the President's behalf, work with cooperating foreign governments in the develop-ment of the strategy. In performing its work, the Office shall coordinate closely and regularly with the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, or the Assistant's designee. (c) The Office shall work with appropriate agencies to coordinate the creation of temporary teams of communicators for short-term placement in areas of high global interest and media attention as determined by the Office. Team members shall include personnel from agencies to the extent permitted by law more (OVER) 2 and subject to the availability of personnel. In performing its functions, each information team shall work to disseminate accurate and timely information about topics of interest to the on-site news media, and assist media personnel in obtaining access to information, individuals, and events that reinforce the strategic communications objectives of the United States and its allies. The Office shall coordinate when and where information teams should be deployed; provided, however, no information team shall be deployed abroad without prior consultation with the Department of State and the Department of Defense, and prior notification to the Office of the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. (d) The Office shall encourage the use of state-of-the-art media and technology and shall advise the United States Government of events, technologies, and other communications tools that may be available for use in conveying information. Sec. 4. Administration. The Office of Administration within the Executive Office of the President shall provide the Office with administrative and related support, to the extent permitted by law and subject to the availability of appropria-tions, as directed by the Chief of Staff to the President to carry out the provisions of this order. Sec. 5. Relationship to Other Interagency Coordinating Mechanisms. Presidential direction regarding National Security Council-related mechanisms for coordination of national security policy shall apply with respect to the Office in the same manner as it applies with respect to other elements of the White House Office. Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect any function assigned by law or by the President to the National Security Council or to the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. Sec. 6. Continuing Authorities. This order does not alter the existing authorities of any agency. Agencies shall assist the Deputy Assistant to the President for Global Communications, to the extent consistent with applicable law and direction of the President, and to the extent such assistance is consistent with national security objectives and with the mission of such agencies, in carrying out the Office's mission. Sec. 7. General Provisions. (a) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or equity by any party against the United States, its agencies, instrumentalities or entities, its officers or employees, or any other person. (b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to grant to the Office any authority to issue direction to agencies, officers, or employees. GEORGE W. BUSH THE WHITE HOUSE, January 21, 2003. # # #