IYDS Participants Visit UNHCR’s Country Office in Pakistan

Islamabad (TDI): As the three-day International Young Diplomats School (IYDS) kickstarted, the participants visited the country office of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Pakistan, on Wednesday.

The participants were received by staff and representatives of UNHCR and were briefed in detail on the humanitarian mandate under which the office operates in Pakistan.

They also learned about UNHCR’s work with refugees in Pakistan as well as the various initiatives and programs delivered to host communities.

In the detailed briefing, the representative of the High Commission also turned participants’ attention to displacement trends worldwide and how these are affecting refugee populations.

It also touched upon the challenges that host countries face; problems related to capacity building, donor support, seamless integration, and providing the refugees a life of dignity.

The participants showed great interest in learning about the work of UNHCR in Pakistan; a country which as hosted a large refugee population and multiple influx waves over the decades.

The visit to UNHCR’s office was the cohort’s second stop of the second day. The school started on Tuesday and the visit to UNHCR strengthened IYDS’ objective of connecting young leaders with international organizations and diplomatic missions.

IYDS Participants Visit UNHCR's Country Office in Pakistan

Earlier, at the Embassy of Kazakhstan, the participants had a meaningful interaction with the Kazakh Ambassador to Pakistan. On the first day of the school, the group visited the embassies of Austria, Zimbabwe, Russia, Nepal, and the country office of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

This year marks the sixth edition of the International Young Diplomats School, which is gaining popularity among students, emerging leaders, and young professionals from all over Pakistan.

Organized by the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS), the school offers a unique platform to engage with diplomatic missions, learn about global opportunities, and strengthen people-to-people ties.

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Established in December 2008, The Diplomatic Insight is Pakistan’s premier diplomacy and foreign affairs magazine, available in both digital and print formats.