On 24 September 2019, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Slovak Republic H. E. Mr Jun Shimmi launched the 26th edition of the two-semester lecture series Diplomacy in Practice. The main theme of the winter semester is the economic and multilateral diplomacy of the Asia-Pacific States. In his presentation, Ambassador Shimmi pointed out the constant changes that society has to face in the 21st century, with a particular focus on population growth, the challenges of developed countries and the challenges of the future in the international arena. In the discussion, he answered several questions from students who were interested in the problems of the aging population and the next year's Olympic Games.
The lecture of the ambassador of the Swiss Confederation, at the University of Economics in Bratislava took place on 16 April 2016 as a part of the Diplomacy in Practice lecture series. H.E. Mr Alexander Hoffet presented to students Swiss foreign policy with a specific focus on political and economic relations and relations towards the European Union which is Switzerland’s strategic partner largely due to its cultural and geographical proximity. It was indeed enriching to get acquainted with projects which run in Slovakia with a support from the Swiss financial mechanism. These projects focus mostly on the environmental and cultural heritage protection, strengthening of democracy and social protection. Important part of the lecture was also an outline of the current challenges influenced by United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union and growing populism in European countries. Questions of participating students at the end of the lecture touched upon functioning of direct democracy which is an integral part of the Swiss political system for decades, growing populism, migration flows from third countries, cooperation with other countries of the international community and a debate on how to integrate cultural aspects of minorities into dominant culture.
German ambassador to Slovakia, H.E. Mr Joachim Bleicker gave a lecture at 25th issue of Diplomacy in Practice lecture series on 12 March 2019. Ambassador Bleicker spoke about the priorities of German foreign policy and a number of global issues. The German ambassador answered to questions of students interested in current political situation in the country and his views on world economic and political events.
Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland H.E. Mr Andrew Garth spoke at the University of Economics in Bratislava on Tuesday, 5 March 2019 at Diplomacy in Practice lecture series. Ambassador Garth presented to Slovak and international students various different aspects of the work of a diplomat sharing with them his knowledge of the world of diplomacy. Ambassador Garth stressed the importance of communication in diplomatic practice not only in negotiations but also in contact with different cultures.
Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of France to the Slovak Republic, H.E. Christoph Léonzi presented to students the most recent political and economic situation in France. His lecture took place on 26 February 2019 as a part of Diplomacy in Practice lecture series.
On 19 February 2019 Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ireland to the Slovak Republic H.E. Hildegard Ó Riain visited the University of Economics in Bratislava and launched 25th edition of Diplomacy in Practice lecture series. The main topic in the spring term is the current economic and political situation in Europe. Ambassador Ó Riain discussed Ireland’s economic diplomacy, Brexit and Ireland’s migration policy. In her lecture, she stressed importance of the upcoming European Parliament elections also with regard to increasing the participation in the elections. In discussion, the Ambassador answered the questions by students which focused on internal politics of Ireland and EU funds.
Chargé d’Affaires and ministerial councillor of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Thailand to Slovakia, Mr Bolbongse Vangphaen who gave a lecture at the Diplomacy in Practice lecture series visited the University of Economics in Bratislava on 27 November 2018. The embassy is located in Vienna and is also accredited for international organisations with the seat in Austria.
On 20 November 2018, the ambassador and deputy head of the permanent mission of the United Mexican States, Mr Hermann Aschentrupp Toledo, visited the University of Economics in Bratislava to give a lecture at Diplomacy in Practice lecture series. The guest was accompanied by Ms. Alejandra Vazquez. The Mexican embassy is located in Vienna and is accredited for Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia and international organizations with the seat in Austria.
On 13 November 2018 the ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Indonesia to the Slovak Republic, H.E. Ms. Adiyatwidi Adiwoso Asmady visited the University of Economics in Bratislava and gave a lecture in Diplomacy in Practice lecture series. The ambassador was welcomed befor the lecture on behalf of the rector, Mr Ferdinand Daňo, by the vice-rector for international relations, Mr Boris Mattoš. Mr Dahnny Perkassa Arslan, responsible for the economic agenda, was also present at the meeting.
On November 6, 2018 Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Canada to Slovakia, Mr John von Kaufmann visited the University of Economics and delivered a lecture within the Diplomacy in Practice lecture series.
On 23 October 2018, the ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Mr Lin Lin was a guest in the Diplomacy in Practice lecture series. The ambassador was welcomed before the lecture by the rector of the University of Economics in Bratislava, Mr Ferdinand Daňo. Mr Boris Mattoš, vice-rector for international relations and Ms Jana Blštáková, vice-dean for international relations at the faculty of Business Management presented the international cooperation with Chinese academic and research institutions at the meeting.
October 16, 2018 saw another from a series of stimulating lectures within the Diplomacy in Practice lecture series, this time with the ambassador of New Zealand, H.E. Ms Nicole Roberton. The embassy is located in Vienna, Austria and ambassador Roberton is accredited for Slovakia, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary and international organizations located in Austria. Prior to her lecture, the ambassador was greeted on behalf of the rector, Mr Ferdinand Daňo, by the vice-rector for international cooperation, Mr Boris Mattoš.
