The leaders of tomorrow: Secrets of success for young diplomats

The world has changed its course of action many times throughout history. We are now witnessing such a change, and the consequences are here to stay. Those were the opening words of Igor Lukšić, former Montenegrin Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, during his session at the XIII Summer School for Young Diplomats “Gavro Vuković”.

The ultimate goal of the Summer School was to open the floor for dialogue and cooperation in order to guide the subsequent generation of diplomats to overcome challenges during the changing times. How has diplomacy changed over the last four years? What are the challenges in foreign affairs for the new generation of diplomats? Do we need a new diplomacy?  How to connect through dialogue?  Those were only some of the questions that arise with each passing day, together with number of other hot topics.

The answers to those questions, but also more questions to think about, were provided by four exquisite professionals. Igor Lukšić focused his message on the need to adapt the approach towards diplomacy under times of disruption. Steven Erlanger, the Chief Diplomatic Correspondent in Europe for the New York Times, presented recent examples of evolution and reshaping of diplomatic relations and gave his opinion on the topic. Catherine Ashton, former High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, gave her ten most important tips for young diplomats. Finally, Govinda Clayton the Senior Researcher at ETH Zurich shared valuable advice on how to improve the quality of any conversation.

Does the new reality ask for new diplomacy?

As the newfound situation the world faces becomes more complex, ministers and high government officials hold numerous meetings, majorly online. There are increasing number of burning topics, such as the pandemic, climate change and demographic challenges, but the question is can digital diplomatic meetings be as effective as the ones held in person? This was one of the questions that Igor Lukšić raised during his session “A need for new diplomacy”.

Lukšić pointed out that diplomacy is difficult to be dealt with while sitting at home, and that some problems require the physical presence of the parties involved. Important topics are not only discussed over the table during summits but also at side meetings or during breaks in the agenda, which allows for participants to be more open while discussing. Problem-solving, not rarely, prerequisites for face-to-face conversations. Online diplomacy should be a complementary tool, but the purpose should not be to avoid human contact. He went on to say that being proactive and innovative is the key to engaging with the community.

“There is a need for foreign services to reinvent themselves and to also go back to basics in terms of refreshing our diplomatic knowledge and getting upskilled. Diplomacy has changed in terms that it is not only about old-school discussion about the items on the agenda. Diplomacy is intertwined, and also becomes more specialised in some ways”.

Technological advancement, undoubtedly, brings us prosperity, but only if managed wisely. The biggest challenge for youth is to find their optimal dose of technology usage, while not sacrificing physical contact as the main means of reaching goals.

The problem is not to change the world, but to make it better

The evolution and reshaping of diplomatic relationships worldwide were covered by Pulitzer Prize winner Steven Erlanger who reported from 120 countries during his career. As he stated, it is a particularly miserable time for Europe: with the pandemic, the crackdown in Belarus, the war in Ukraine, the annexation of Crimea, efforts in reconciliation with Serbia and Kosovo… Additionally, the rise of China and Russia with its leaders’ decline in popularity and American politics is just several of current-affair topics on everyone’s minds. Yet, there are also unresolved problems with the pandemic, the migration crisis, the issue of illiberal democracy, oligarchy, press intimidation and press corruption. Erlanger demonstrated the need for journalists to be neutral when transmitting the message to the public. In this field, the journalists and diplomats are like cousins, as he states, and have a similar goal, but they are not necessarily always on the same page.

While engaging in the topic of the current affairs, Erlanger pointed out adequate and not-advisable ways of communicating to the public, in examples of different countries. In the divided world, staying impartial is a challenging task, but yet that is the job for real media. There will always be a market for real journalists, so it is important to cherish their integrity and to remain impartial and credible. Erlanger drew a precise similarity with diplomats’ approach in this field, as the first thing they should do is listen, show empathy and be open as much as possible. He also passed on a strong message when it comes to the potential of young leaders,

‘‘Young diplomats, you have tremendous freedom to dig into the societies where you are. The point is, despite the internet, it’s the human contact that really matters – it is the human contact that tells you what kind of world you’re in, that gives you a sense of empathy for the people you are serving, but also the people you are trying to represent for your own government.’’

One step closer to a true global citizen

It is certain that the young diplomats will face obstacles related to their profession. Some of these obstacles are of repetitive nature, and generations throughout history have faced them. Yet, others will occur for the first time, as the changing world brings on newfound circumstances. To support the situation, Catherine Ashton gave her advice, summing up on the 10 most beneficial tips for young diplomats in the future.

Her session about challenges in foreign policy outlined the aspects of personality for successful future decision-makers. Firstly, to seek knowledge – to discover as much as possible and to be curious. Ashton drew attention to the importance of managing communication – however small the job is, a media plan is always necessary. To collaborate internationally, but also within your own circle, and to try to maintain the engagement is the right path towards a great leader.  Along the way, enough patience and prioritizing things will help reach the goals faster. The imperfect information is everywhere, so the right judgment is the prerequisite for future decisions. Ashton advised to always define what is a success, in order to know when the goal was reached. Nonetheless, she was clear about one concluding fact: young diplomats, you are doing a responsible, yet very rewarding job. Be humble. It does not matter who will claim success in the end.

“You can achieve much more if you are prepared not to take the credit’’.

Communication for the actual connection

The importance of productive conversations that will prod the parties involved to establish a mutual connection is addressed in insightful video materials by Govinda Clayton. The first step is to understand what you would like to achieve through conversation and why it is important. Clayton suggested to always be aware of our initial feelings before the conversation, as it is not the best to engage in a hard talk while feeling sad or angry. He brought up the importance of active listening, and why it is not enough just to understand the content of what is said.

‘‘Be genuinely curious and ask questions. This is a pro tip to talk less, and listen more’’.

To shield your country’s interests in an international environment can be tricky. Aware of that, Clayton taught about how to articulate correctly and come to a productive conversation. Paying attention to inner motives, body language and our feelings as well can improve the quality of discussions and help to reach diplomatic goals.