Islamabad, 17 August 2022 (TDI): The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pakistan hosted the participants of the International Young Diplomats School (IYDS).
The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, Vice Admiral Mohan Wijewickrama delivered a lecture on Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations.
The Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS) launched the IYDS as a ground-breaking program with the goal of highlighting the value of diplomacy in the rapidly evolving, globally connected world.
In addition, the High Commissioner also shed light on the evolving geopolitical circumstances in the region and beyond. This is the second day of the program that kicked off yesterday.
In his lecture, Vice Admiral Mohan Wijewickrama highlighted that there were several high-level visits from both sides, which typified strong bilateral relations between the two countries.
He shared that the two countries enjoyed deep-rooted bilateral relations, as old as the two country’s independence. Pakistan and Sri Lanka are cooperating in various dimensions for mutual benefit. Both have the strongest possible ties despite the challenges.
He shared that Pakistan is the second largest trading partner of Sri Lanka in South Asia. Likewise, Sri Lanka was the first country to sign a Free Trade Agreement with Pakistan, which became operational on June 12, 2005.
However, the relations can be strengthened more by ensuring people-to-people exchanges, particularly through visits from legislators and other high-ranking officials, cultural events, and scholarships.
The High Commissioner also congratulated the organizers for hosting this important public diplomacy school and commended them for their tireless efforts to make this program possible.
International Young Diplomat School
Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies has organized the Fourth Edition of International Young Diplomat School (IYDS) from 16-17-18 August 2022 in Islamabad.
It is the 4th International Diplomats School, in which participants are given opportunities to interact with Ambassadors of different Embassies.
The participants are young professionals with diverse backgrounds, students, and faculty members across Pakistan. During the School, the participants will be meeting hosted by Ambassadors of different countries at their offices.
Details about the program can be seen here, especially about earlier cohorts. International Young Diplomats School (IYDS) is based on the model of the Public Diplomacy approach for offering an opportunity for Diplomatic Missions to meet diverse groups of professionals and young people from across Pakistan having various ethnic, religious, linguistic, and regional backgrounds.
Hence, offering the Diplomatic Missions to increase their outreach and interaction with the young people from across Pakistan.
While on the other hand, IYDS offers young people to meet Ambassadors and Diplomats to know more about countries and build stronger relationships while returning to their communities.
The group of 16-20 participants with ages 18-40 having diverse academic and professional backgrounds from different regions of Pakistan have joined to be part of the program.
The program includes visits to different diplomatic missions in Islamabad and information sessions with Ambassadors, diplomats, and other embassy staff.
Ambassadors and diplomats will share insights about their missions, countries, and opportunities for education, development, and trade.
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