---
title: '7th IYDS Wraps Up at UK’s High Commission in Islamabad'
url: 'https://thediplomaticinsight.com/iyds-wrap-up-uk-high-commission-islamabad/'
author: 'Web Desk'
date: '2026-05-14T17:38:37+05:00'
categories:
  - 'Diplomatic News'
---

# 7th IYDS Wraps Up at UK’s High Commission in Islamabad

**Islamabad (TDI):** The 3-day International Young Diplomats School (IYDS) came to an end with a concluding visit to the residence of the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom in Pakistan. 

Participants of the 7th IYDS were welcomed by the Deputy High Commissioner (DHM) – Matt Cannell, alongside his colleagues, Nicole Roberts – Political Counsellor, and Meran Anna Lingam – an economist working in the economic section of the High Commission.

With 20 years in foreign service, Cannell has previously been appointed in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and New York.

After a round of introductions, Cannell told the cohort that Pakistan and the UK have a lot of shared interests, essentially stemming from people-to-people (P2P) contact.

Trade partnership between the two countries is not as extensive as it can be, while the development partnership is maturing, he further informed the participants.

The DHM noted that the consular section and visa services at the UK High Commission in Pakistan are some of the busiest sections.

**Read More: [IYDS Participants Attend Azerbaijan Independence Day Reception in Islamabad](https://thediplomaticinsight.com/iyds-at-azerbaijan-independence-day-reception/)**

Afterwards, participants had a more candid conversation with Political Counsellor Roberts and Meran Anna Lingam; in which questions were exchanged and reflections shared.

Lingam highlighter the rather new trade dialogue between the two countries which took place last year in June and is expected to take place in October this year. He added that the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) greatly benefits Pakistan.

Nicole Roberts shared in detail about her work at the High Commission, which helped the participants understand the broader role of a political counsellor.

In candid exchanges, each participant suggested what places in Pakistan deserve a must visit and how their experience has been over the three days of the Young Diplomats School.

The visit was part of the seventh edition of the IYDS, which is a flagship initiative of the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS). 

**Read More: [IYDS Participants Get a Firsthand Exposure of UN’s Work in Pakistan](https://thediplomaticinsight.com/iyds-firsthand-exposure-un-work-pakistan/)**

It seeks to support public diplomacy outreach of the foreign diplomatic missions based in Pakistan, and to give emerging leaders a direct exposure to the world of diplomacy.

The participants, hailing from diverse backgrounds and regions of Pakistan, appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from the ambassador.

IPDS typically organizes the Young Diplomats School once a year as a unique platform to engage with diplomatic missions, learn about global opportunities, and strengthen people-to-people ties. With each year, this initiative is gaining popularity among students and emerging leaders, all over Pakistan.

The curated visits seek to nurture the next generation of Pakistani diplomats and policy professionals while supporting the public diplomacy outreach of diplomatic missions based in Pakistan.