From Theory to Practice: The Finale of the 2nd Summer School of Diplomacy at KUL

Participants of the Summer School of Diplomacy came to Lublin from many places in Poland: Gdańsk, Łódź, Wrocław, Kraków, and Warsaw.

They actively took part in workshops prepared by experienced instructors: diplomats, experts in promoting Poland abroad, cultural and public diplomacy, as well as public speaking and media work - explains Dr. hab. Beata Piskorska, Vice-Rector for Students and Internationalization at KUL, initiator and head of The Center for the Study of Diplomacy, emphasizing the practical dimension of the educational project. - Participants came to Lublin as part of a unique program that expands knowledge about diplomacy and international relations and about what is happening in the world, while preparing young people for work in institutions - she adds.

Expert knowledge and skill refinement

The first day of the Summer School of Diplomacy began with classes led by Marek Magierowski, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the United States and Israel, who spoke, among other things, about the role of the head of a diplomatic mission abroad. On Poland’s soft power in international promotion and the promotion of Polish science, Marta Zielińska, Deputy Director of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency, and Dr. Magdalena Nowacka – a key expert on the Polish science promotion program in the Expo Exhibition Department at the Polish Investment and Trade Agency – spoke based on their own experiences. Students could learn more about cultural diplomacy from an expert in this field, Dr. hab. Anna Umińska-Woroniecka, professor at the University of Wrocław. Public speaking and media relations were handled by Jacek Babiel, an experienced journalist, author, trainer, and specialist in public relations, marketing, communication strategies, and election campaigns.

Final presentations and a unique atmosphere

The culmination of the three-day efforts was the presentation of students’ work – a test showing how they practically assimilated the knowledge provided and how they can use it in specific tasks, as well as the awarding of diplomas.

I am glad I could participate in this event and I hope it will contribute to my future professional success - evaluates Anna Wasil, a participant of the Summer School of Diplomacy. - The program offered by the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin was very rich. We had workshops with Ambassador Magierowski, but also workshops on public speaking, which I consider very important, especially since a diplomat’s work is based on public speaking and contact with the media - she adds.

The Center for the Study of Diplomacy at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin is an international center for research, education, and social engagement specializing in broadly understood diplomacy.

The Center’s activities are funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education as part of a project commissioned by the Minister of Science and Higher Education under the name “Center for Diplomacy Research KUL.”