International Salient Youth Conference 2019 focusing on diplomatic experience in new digital world, started in Ljubljana on Thursday with a calls for creating an open discussion how to achieve better understanding trough diplomacy between nations.
Secretary-General of Bled Strategic Forum, Peter Grk spoke to ambassadors about Diplomatic styles in transatlantic relations. “It’s called the art of diplomacy for a reason. It is not simply about formal attire, kind words and protocol. Moreover, diplomacy has developed in the 21st century. Now, digital diplomacy has become an everyday part of diplomats everywhere and the diplomatic profession has to adapted to these changes,” said Grk.
Ambassador of the Italian Republic, H.E. Mr Paolo Trichilo gives an honest insight into the cunning of diplomatic success. “There is public diplomacy, but there is also diplomacy that should stay behind closed doors. Some negotiations must be held behind the scenes, because some things have to stay hidden in order to succeed,” said Italian Ambassador.
Ambassador of the French Republic, H.E. Ms. Florence Ferrari outlines the demands of 21st century diplomats. “Introduction of social media had huge consequences on the timing of responses. If I had to list the positives and negatives about social media, there would be more cons. We always have to react quickly and there is no time for preparing a strategy or planning the response,” stressed French Ambassador.
Salient is an interdisciplinary youth conference organised by the MUN Slovenia Club. Created in 2015, its aim is to foster critical dialogue among young professionals and equip them with the necessary analytical and practical skills to effectively address the challenges facing societies in the 21st century. This is achieved through a combination of interactive engagement with experts from a variety of backgrounds and rigorous hands-on exercises (simulations, workshops, round-tables and lectures), all cantered around the principles of creative thinking, knowledge dissemination, inclusiveness and sustainability.