International Young Diplomats School
Islamabad, 16-18 August 2022
The International Young Diplomats School (IYDS) is a pioneering initiative of the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies that recognizes the importance of diplomacy in a changing globalized world with innovation, new technologies, and growing public diplomacy.
IYDS is a model of International Summer School with three days of engaging and illuminating practical understanding of diplomacy and its worldwide practices from experienced Ambassadors, Diplomats including visits to embassies and Ministries.
The course is designed for dynamic and exceptional professionals, including mid-career leaders and students from various academic backgrounds, eager to learn new skills in diplomacy, leadership, and decision-making to cope with challenging international environments.
IYDS is designed to meet the needs of emerging young leaders between the ages of 18 to 40 with a strong interest in and background in Social Sciences, Peace, Conflict, Development, Law, Business, Trade, Anthropology, International Relations, Psychology, and Diplomatic Studies.
It also encourages those with backgrounds in Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Technology, and other related fields to join the journey to enrich and diversify diplomacy and diplomatic practices not only in Pakistan but globally.
Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies organizes this School with the purpose to support public diplomacy outreach of the diplomatic missions of various countries based in Pakistan. This program allows Embassies to interact with common Pakistani professionals and young students from various regions of Pakistan to interact and develop an understanding of Pakistan, and vice versa.
The Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies hosted the fourth edition of IYDS. Participants came from all over Pakistan, including KPK, FATA, Interior Sindh, South Punjab, North Punjab, ICT, and Kashmir.
The 4th Edition of the International Young Diplomats School drew participants from a variety of regional and professional backgrounds. The Cohort also included professionals such as faculty members, development professionals, academicians, and lawyers, as well as students from various regions of Pakistan.
The school was divided into eleven country-specific thematic sessions, with all sessions hosted by Ambassadors/Embassies at their respective locations.
The School commences with an inaugural session at the premises of the Embassy of Romania to Pakistan. The school was divided into country-wise thematic sessions with in total of eleven sessions wherein all the sessions were hosted by the Ambassadors/Embassies at their respective locations.
The first session was hosted by Excellency Nicolae Goia, Ambassador of Romania to Pakistan at the embassy premises, Excellency Hamid Abbas Lafta Ambassador of Iraq at the Embassy of Iraq, Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan Ulanbek Totuiaev at the Embassy of Kyrgyz Republic, The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, Vice Admiral Mohan Wijewickrama at the Sri Lanka High Commission, Chargé d’ Affaires of the Embassy of Philippines, Maria Agnes M. Cervantes at the premises of the Embassy of Philippines, The Ambassador of Palestine, Ahmed Rabei at the embassy of Palestine, Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Yerzhan Kistafin hosted participants at the Embassy of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, Ambassador of Italy, Andreas Ferrarese hosted a reception for the participants at his residence, Diplomats from Embassy of the United States of America, hosted an interactive session at the Embassy’s American Centre at the premises of the US embassy, Indonesian Ambassador, Adam Mulawarman Tugio hosted a reception and interactive session for the participants at the Embassy and finally Ambassador of TRNC, Dilshad Senol hosted an interactive session at the Representative Office.
Inaugural Session With the Ambassador of Romania
The Embassy of Romania to Pakistan hosted the inaugural session of the International Young Diplomats School. The Ambassador of Romania, Nicolae Goia at the inaugural address discussed his warmth and love for Pakistan and shares his fond memories with participants during his stay.
Ambassador said that for him Pakistan can be a leader in economics and can overcome all challenges as a result of having inspiring youth of this beautiful country. Ambassador also shared information about Romania and how Romania has gained tremendous success in building strong ties with European Union.
During the questions and answer session, Ambassador replied to various questions from the participants about the Economic relation between Pakistan and Romania, Scholarship Opportunities, Technological innovations, and the benefits of being part of NATO.
Session hosted by Ambassador of Iraq
The second session of the first day was at the Embassy of Iraq in Pakistan. The Ambassador of Iraq, Hamid Abbas Lafta welcomed the participants of IYDS participants at the Embassy.
The Ambassador gave an overview of the relations between Pakistan and Iraq. He explained how public diplomacy can help in building good relations between Pakistan and Iraq. He further added that Iraq has huge investment opportunities.
Ambassador said that Pakistan and Iraq enjoy strong ba ilateral ties and recnetly there has been regular high level exchanges between the two countries that reflect the growing trajector of strong partnership.
A question-answer session followed the Ambassador’s speech. A number of participants asked questions related to relations between Pakistan and Iraq, MOUs and oil and gas supplies. This questionnaire was followed by the Lunch arranged by the Embassy of Iraq. Their traditional dishes were part of the cuisine.
IYDS Session with Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan
The Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan Ulanbek Totuiaev received the participants of IYDS at the Embassy of Kyrgyzstan in Pakistan.
The Ambassador shared important insight about Kyrgyzstan and the relations between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan. He discussed how such an event could strengthen Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan’s ties.
During the questions and answers session, Ambassador shared that Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have strong bilateral ties and the country has an abundance of natural resources.
Second Day’s First Session At High Commission of Sri Lanka
The Second Day’s First session was hosted by the High Commission of Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, Vice Admiral Mohan Wijewickrama briefed participants regarding relations between Pakistan and Srilanka.
The high commissioner highlighted Pakistan’s perpetual support to Sri Lanka in her hard times. He also talked about the evolving geopolitical circumstances in the region, particularly the economic crisis in Sri Lanka.
Later, he took questions from the participants and shared insights about Pakistan- Sri Lanka bilateral ties.
Session at Philippines Embassy to Pakistan
The Second Day’s Second Session was with the Philippines’ Embassy in Pakistan. The , Chargé d’ Affaires of the Embassy of Philippines, Maria Agnes M. Cervantes welcomed the Participants and organizers of IYDS.
The Deputy of Mission Dan Erwin C. Bagaporo gave a presentation on the Philippines. He described the History of the Philippines, the Philippines culture, the diversity of people in the Philippines, and the Vision of the Philippines for the future.
Furthermore, he explained the strategic location of the Philippines. He said that MOUs are being signed in different sectors of Air transport services, trade, etc. The tourism sector of the Philippines was discussed. In the end, the traditional Food of the Philippines was served to the participants.
Session with the Palestinian ambassador
The Second Day’s Third session was held in the Embassy of Palestine in Pakistan. The Ambassador of Palestine, Ahmed Rabei hosted the participants and organizers of IYDS.
The Ambassador of Palestine gave an overview of the relations between Pakistan and Palestine, the strong bond between the people of Pakistan and the people of Palestine, and the importance of Mosque Al-Aqsa for Palestine and Pakistan.
The Ambassador also talked about the MOUs To be signed in the future between Pakistan and Palestine.
The deputy of the mission, Nader K. Alturk gave a presentation on the history of Palestine from being a British colony to Israeli Occupation.
The Ambassador replied to questions and answer the queries from the participants about the latest development in the region.
Session with Kazakhstan’s Ambassador
The Second Day’s Fourth Session took place at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Pakistan. The Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Yerzhan Kistafin to Pakistan hosted the participants and organizers of IYDS.
The Ambassador briefed participants on Kazakhstan’s geo-strategic importance and pivotal role in the region.
He also added that Kazakhstan is the 9th largest land lock country in the world and has enormous natural resources, two different time zones, and different terrains. He talked about the bilateral ties between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
He talked about Pakistan’s geo-strategic location that provides trade routes to Central Asian Countries and cooperation between Countries for a better future.
The Question/Answer session also took place in which different questions were asked about the regional cooperation.
Session with the Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan
The Second Day’s last Session was hosted by the Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan. At the same time Ambassador also distributed the certificates of participation to the participants of the IYDS.
The Ambassador of Italy, Andreas Ferrarese welcomed the participants and organizers of the IYDS. The Ambassador gave a brief history of the foundation of diplomacy and role of Italy.
The ambassador later distributed the certificates among the participants of IYDS. The Deputy head of mission also talked about the diversity in Pakistan, according to region, culture, and people. He talked about the beauty of Pakistan and the delicious dishes of Pakistan.
In the end, Italian cuisine was served to the participants of IYDS, in which different types of pastas were served.
Third-Day’s First Session with diplomatic staff at the US embassy in Pakistan
The Third Day’s First Session took place at the Embassy of the United States of America in Pakistan. The representatives of the US embassy hosted the participants of IYDS.
The Representatives of the US embassy had given an overview of the US Department of Foreign Services works in different countries across the world. Rob Folley, economic affairs officer briefed the IYDS audience about USAID and its initiatives in Pakistan.
Juan German, Public diplomacy officer talked about the initiatives taken for the empowerment of Pakistani women. He talked about the 37,000 alumni who studied at US Educational institutes. He informed the participants about the internship programs. The representatives also took Questions from the participants.
Session at the Indonesian Embassy
The Third Day’s Second session took place at the Embassy of Indonesia. The Indonesian Ambassador, Adam Mulawarman Tugio welcomed the participants of IYDS. The Ambassador of Indonesia gave a brief overview of Pakistan-Indonesia’s historical relationship since diplomatic ties between the two Muslim countries.
He also talked about Indonesia’s Success in the field of economy and discussed Indonesia’s Economic success aims to make Indonesia World’s top 7 Economy in the future. He further added that Indonesia is providing scholarships to international students including Pakistanis.
The embassy arranged a lunch for the participants. The Ambassador also gave detailed answers during question answer session
Session with TRNC Representative office
The Third Day’s last session took place at the Embassy of TRNC. The Representative of TRNC, Dilsad Senol gave an overview of the history of TRNC. The struggle of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus for resolutions in the United Nations.
She added that currently, TRNC is having 27 Diplomatic missions across 20 Countries and talked about Pakistan and TRNC’s bilateral relations.
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