Westminster’s Global Diplomacy Initiative visits the Embassy of Panama

The GDI was founded in May 2023 by Diplomacy and Global Politics MA alumna Norah Soufraji in collaboration with Course Leader Dr Frands Pedersen. It has since attracted over 120 members, including undergraduates, postgraduates and alumni from across the University. This initiative is a vibrant partnership between students and colleagues to foster engagement within the Politics and International Relations Department. By bridging academic study with real-world diplomatic experiences, GDI exemplifies a commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and employability.

GDI was awarded Student Group of the Year at the 2024 University of Westminster Students' Union Awards. 

During the visit to the Embassy of Panama in London, students engaged in an enlightening discussion with H.E. Ambassador Natalia Royo de Hagerman, Deputy Head of Mission Karla P. Gonzalez and Science, Technology and Education Attaché Michelle Arjona. All three diplomats shared their unique experiences as women in foreign service. They discussed the impacts they have had in Panama and abroad and highlighted the challenges they have faced in a field which continues to be dominated by men. 

These conversations explored the unique challenges faced by women in diplomacy and delved into feminist foreign policy, multilateralism in Latin America and Panama’s achievements in sustainable development. A group discussion focused specifically on the strides Panama has made in the realm of ecology, biodiversity, and sustainable development as one of the first three carbon negative countries in the world. 

Alessia Diaconescu, Co-Vice-President of GDI and International Relations and Development BA Honours student reflected on the visit by saying: “At the Embassy of Panama, I found that they pursue projects meant to uplift the youth and develop their skills. It was equally inspiring that they strive to empower women in diplomacy, encouraging and creating a space where more women should be offered a seat at the table in the world’s most important policy discussions. The staff being primarily made up of women, and seeing them able to produce these ambitious projects, is something to be commended and seen as exemplary.” 

Dr Frands Pedersen added: “The GDI-organised events complement our Diplomacy and Global Politics MA programme perfectly. While the MA programme enhances students’ knowledge of global politics and develops their diplomatic and negotiation skills, GDI’s events continue to inspire and alert students to career opportunities and ways in which their degree and newly gained knowledge can advance their careers in diplomacy and related fields. We thank Ambassador Natalia Royo de Hagerman and her colleagues for hosting us and providing inspiration for us all.”   

Since its founding, GDI has organised a series of visits to embassies, think-tanks, intergovernmental organisations (IGOs) and nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) across London with particular focus on providing students with nuanced and diverse perspectives from the Global South or Global Majority. Previous visits have included the Embassies of Brazil, Lebanon, Mexico, the Indian High Commission, the Commonwealth Secretariat, UK Parliament, International Maritime Organization and the International Institute of Strategic Studies.

The GDI student committee and steering committee are currently preparing a host of events for the next academic year focused on employability and enriching students’ global experiences at Westminster, from workshops with practitioners in the field to panel discussions and authentic learning visits. 

Founder and outgoing President Norah Soufraji said: “We are excited for the future and thrilled that the University believes in the work we are doing. Our focus will continue to be on empowering students in fields like diplomacy, International Relations, and development and providing opportunities where they can learn, network, and gain first-hand experiences outside the classroom. Here at the University of Westminster, we have such a diverse student and staff population from all corners of the world, so it only makes sense to create a space which exposes students to real global perspectives.”  

In her new role with the Centre for Education and Teaching Innovation, Norah will be continuing to use the industry connections GDI has made to cultivate new student and staff partnerships.  

The Global Diplomacy Initiative’s work directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education, 10: Reduced Inequalities and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society. 

Join the GDI as a student, or reach out to the GDI as an alumni or industry professional interested in collaborating with GDI projects.