On 21 January, first- and second-year students of the Small Diplomatic Academy at the Kyiv Palace of Children and Youth visited the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine.
The meeting took place within the framework of the cooperation agreement between the DAU and the KPCY and was held in a friendly and lively atmosphere.
Academy Director Ihor Ostash spoke about his career in diplomacy – from his student ambitions and academic activities to his work as Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Vice-President of the OSCE, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Canada and Lebanon.
In his speech, he also focused on the challenges and responsibilities that accompany diplomatic service, especially in times of war. He emphasised the importance of in-depth knowledge of the languages and cultures of different countries and the desire for continuous self-development.
Ihor Ostash paid particular attention to public and cultural diplomacy, which has always been and remains a key factor in his professional success. In particular, he shared details of his landmark projects: “The Historical Train of Ukrainian Pioneers in Canada”, “The Gospel of Ivan Mazepa”, the first monument to Taras Shevchenko in the Middle East, the Ukrainian library in Arabic, the Bohdan Vesolovsky International Retro Music Festival, and others.
The communication took place in the format of an open dialogue: the audience of the Small Diplomatic Academy had the opportunity to ask questions and receive candid answers and practical advice on further professional development.
“It is a great pleasure for us to welcome the young people of the Small Diplomatic Academy to the DAU. Even in difficult times for the country, we continue to invest in education and the future – in training a new generation of diplomats. My path to diplomacy began with a love of foreign languages and a thorough education. Today, I am convinced that deep knowledge, patriotism, and high moral values are the foundation of a successful diplomatic service. We are always open to cooperation with young people who want to develop in the field of international relations,” said Ihor Ostash.
The event was also attended by: Anna Dolgikh, curator of the Small Diplomatic Academy project, head of the Social Initiatives and Partnerships Department of the Kyiv Palace of Children and Youth; David Ivdra, lecturer in the Youth Initiatives Sector/Social Initiatives and Partnerships Department of the Kyiv Palace of Children and Youth; Mary K. Leonard, President of the International Women's Club of Kyiv (IWCK).