ISLAMABAD: On August 27th, 2019: Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies in collaboration with Commission of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in South (COMSATS) organized International Young Diplomats School 2019 in Islamabad. Ms. Andleeb Abbas, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Govt. of Pakistan graced the inaugural session as a chief guest, says a Press release.
Ms. Cynthia Ritchie, Communication Strategist, Andreas Wutz, First Secretary Political Section, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Daniel Espiratu, Ambassador of Philippines and Brek Batley, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian High Commission, Islamabad were the keynote speakers on the first day of the School.
Ms. Farhat Asif, President, Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies welcomed the participants and said that the prime purpose of organizing the event is to promote public diplomacy among the youth and urged them to learn the art of policymaking; how it is formulated and implemented in different countries. With the changing dynamics of the diplomacy in the world with growing social media and technologies, IYDS has been an innovative approach to develop next generation of diplomats.
While speaking to the audience in the Inaugural sessions, Ms. Andleeb Abbas said the Pakistani vibrant youth has a thirst to learn. Ms. Andleeb has motivated and encouraged the participants to achieve their goals through “begin with the end” approach. She said that being a diplomat, there is no higher honor than representing your country. She highlighted how diplomacy at international level has been going through significant transformations for the last two decades and said today states are using hard power as well as soft power to meet their political ends. She exemplified Pakistan’s attempts of using soft powers while retaliating to the Indian aggressive move of India. The Kartarpur corridor is a diplomatic victory of Pakistan, she added.
Ms. Cynthia Richie in her interactive and aspirational session on “Importance of Communication in Diplomacy” shared her motivations and aspirations regarding her career. She highlighted lack of teamwork, the attitude of discouraging questions, the thirst fulfilling self-prophesies and emotions as the hindrance in the way of rational thinking. During her session, she engaged young leaders and stimulating psychological exercises.
Andreas Wuts, a career diplomat from Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany, in a session spoke on “Diplomatic Traditions of the Republic of Germany”. He explained transformations underwent by German Foreign policy following World Wars and change in horizons. Multilateralism, trust-building and ruled based approach are the basic pillars of German Foreign policy, he added.
Daniel Espiratu, Ambassador of Philippines to Pakistan, in his detailed presentation about ASEAN structure evolution transformation and explained that ASEAN was founded to curb out traditional rivalries between its member states and to promote peace and stability in the region through adherence to UN charter which to a great extent it succeeded. European Union was motivation and inspiration for South-East Asian countries for the creation of a mechanism for peace and stability in the region in contrast with Economic, Political and Socio-Cultural growth. Ambassador explained streamlining of ASEAN to Young diplomats and how principles of multilateralism and Cooperation are pivotal in diplomacy on state level and regional level.
Brek Batlet, Deputy Head of Mission of Australian High Commission in Islamabad commenced his lecture on “Diplomacy and Foreign policy traditions of Australia” by highlighting deep and timely Pakistan-Australia cooperation in various field. He comprehensively explained the foreign policy and soft power for the promotion of national interests in this globalized and competitive world where threats are evolving. And how effective foreign policy bridges the gaps between domestic and foreign interests. He further added Freedom, Equality, Resilient institutions and Rule of law are basic strengths of Australian Foreign Policy. In this globalized world, the Deputy Head of Mission called Australia a ‘Regional power with global interests and outlook”. He said ‘Multilateralism, cooperation with global powers and Peace in Asia-Pacific region are some of the basic Foreign policy objectives of Australian foreign policy.
The participants are from diverse backgrounds and from different regions from across Pakistan. The School is organized by the Institute for three days and for all the ages and diversified backgrounds to participate in the event to learn from the diplomats.