Islamabad (TDI): Participants of the 6th International Young Diplomats School (IYDS) visited the Secretariat of the International Labor Organization (ILO) in Pakistan, where they had an insightful discussion with the Country Director, Geir Tonstol.
Tonsol encouraged all participants, hailing from diverse regions of Pakistan, to introduce themselves and highlighted ILO’s ongoing initiatives on labor rights, decent work, and social protection, while also discussing Pakistan’s progress and challenges in advancing inclusive and rights-based labor policies.
The visit to ILO was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of global governance, public diplomacy, and international development, and to float ideas on how they can contribute to stronger people-to-people linkages and a more informed, globally engaged youth leadership.
Organized by the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS), IYDS continues to serve as a powerful platform connecting young professionals, students, and faculty members from across Pakistan with diplomatic missions and international organizations.
Prior to ILO, the group visited the office of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), where they learned about UNHCR’s work with refugees in Pakistan as well as the various initiatives and programs delivered to host communities.
On the first day of the school, the participants were received at the office of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). These visits to UN member agencies, in addition to embassy visits, are aimed at nurturing the next generation of international diplomats from Pakistan.
Running under the theme “Building Network of Future Leaders through Public Diplomacy,” the school offers an opportunity for students of International Relations (IR) and mid-career professionals to get a direct exposure to the world of diplomacy.
The participants of IYDS learn from interactive sessions with career diplomats, foreign ambassadors, country representatives of the United Nations and its various member agencies; during visits that are curated to impart a sound understanding of how diplomacy works.
IPDS organizes the Young Diplomats School every year to support public diplomacy outreach of the diplomatic missions of various countries based in Pakistan.
This program allows embassies to interact with Pakistani professionals and young students from various regions of the country and vice versa.
Established in December 2008, The Diplomatic Insight is Pakistan’s premier diplomacy and foreign affairs magazine, available in both digital and print formats.
