The Art and Impact of Diplomacy LAWAC Event

By Elle R. ’28 and Eleanor S. ’28

GFI I, II, and III students had the chance to attend the Los Angeles World Affairs Council Diplomacy In Action Series: The Art and Impact of Diplomacy in Downtown Los Angeles on February 6. This event featured a panel of esteemed diplomats: Consul General of Italy, the Deputy Consul General of Korea, and the Honorary Consul of Estonia.. Over 25 GFI Scholars had the chance to not only attend, but engage in conversation, ask questions, and learn about the journey and life of those working in international relations. 

The Marlborough Global Futures Institute gives scholars the opportunity to dive into the futures of democracies, global societies, and the environment. This panel was an incredible way to focus on the former two. Accompanied by Dr. Millar, Ms. Mohr, and Ms. Foster, students were welcomed into the historic LA Times entry way at Arizona State University’s California Center. Scholars enjoyed a delicious lunch, settled in, and met peers from other schools around Los Angeles. 

The panel began with a wonderful introduction from Michael Postl, who worked under the Obama Administration with the goal of furthering religious freedom across the globe, and who, in this position, traveled to 96 countries. Students then had the opportunity to watch videos provided by the three consuls to learn about each respective country, showing the incredible diversity of architecture, natural landscape, and people represented by the three speakers. 

Consul General of Italy Raffaella Valentini shared her appreciation for her occupation as a diplomat; she stated that she appreciates the cultural immersion, variety of perspectives, and the ability to represent her country and culture. Consul Valentini also played an advertisement for the Olympics, showing pride and support for the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games. In GFI seminars, scholars engage in conversations regarding the futures of global societies, and dive into intersectionality and how countries with diverse cultural representation work together. The Olympic Games are a perfect example of these concepts in action, as all of the different countries from around the globe come together to compete.

Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Korea Seoung-ho Francis Cho also expressed his gratitude towards his profession, emphasizing the diplomat occupation is both a rewarding and challenging experience. The Consul described the U.S. and Republic of Korea’s relationship, describing how the countries are building the future through security, economics, and exchanges, with separate specialties like rare Earth minerals, AI, and semi-conductors. The relationship between the countries align with the futures of democracies pillar, as the Republic of Korea and the U.S. have upheld a relationship since the end of World War II. Consul Seuong-ho Francis Cho encouraged students to specify and pursue their field of interest, and to develop strength in their niche. 

Jaak Treiman, the honorary Consul General of Estonia, recounted his childhood during World War II  and traveling throughout his adolescence. Appointed in 1986, Consul Treiman is Estonia’s longest serving honorary Consul General. Estonia is a global leader in environmental progress, aligning with GFI’s futures of the environment pillar. The country is admirably one of five nations reducing emissions at a rate sufficient enough to reach climate neutrality by 2050. The honorary Consul illustrated the value of his job; although he is not an official Consul General, he is grateful for the opportunity to “serve the people.” To conclude, Treiman encouraged students to be curious about the world and dive into literature. 

Students had the opportunity to candidly ask questions to the panel, which gave them an opportunity to grow their knowledge in specific areas of interest regarding diplomacy including economics, cultural affairs, and interwar relations. After the culmination of the questions, students had a chance to talk to the diplomats, solidifying the experience as an upclose view at the importance of international relations. 

Having come away from this experience with both knowledge and perspective, it is important to reflect on how special these kinds of opportunities are. Rarely do youth have the chance to engage in conversations with the day-to-day decision makers who are shaping the lives and interactions of citizens and governments alike. In a rapidly evolving geopolitical time, having the possibility to learn from seasoned individuals like the three consuls was a pleasure and extremely valuable. 

Los Angeles is a global city, and being open and willing to gain new perspectives is imperative not just for students, but for every individual. To quote Consul Treiman, “If you see something you don't like, go out and do something about it, it is your obligation.” Everyone can learn from diplomats that change does not start with laws, it starts with the small choices to lead with curiosity, forgiveness, and empathy.