Diplomats taught to look at opponents eyes

Mid-February is a festive time for Russian diplomats. The Day of Diplomatic Workers is celebrated on February 10, and the Day of the Diplomatic Academy - on February 14. According to the Vice-Rector for youth policy and social work at the the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Nadezhda Sidorova, a variety of activities, which are held annually in Moscow under the auspices of the Diplomatic Academy, are designed to teach young professionals diplomatic skills. The Diplomatic Academy's student scientific and diplomatic club 'UN International Model' has operated for already several years.

"Students take part in it not only to demonstrate their negotiation skills, ability to dress nicely, express the viewpoint of a state they have chosen, but they also prepare resolutions on the real agenda of the United Nations. And in order to protect the position of a state, which they have chosen, they must study positions of other states and of this state. So, it is kind of a scientific approach.

On February 14, which is a day of the Diplomatic Academy, we will hold a regular meeting of the 'UN International Model' club. On this day, the rector, Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov, who oversees international organizations, will deliver a welcoming speech, the Director of the UN Information Center Vladimir Kuznetsov will also address the meting," Sidorova said.

The Ambassador of Portugal was also invited to the Diplomatic Academy. "Portugal is the new UN secretary-general's homeland. We hope the ambassador will share the prospects of Portugal's foreign policy with us," the vice-rector said.

According to her, the Association of Russian diplomats stepped up in 2016, and a new format of international meetings 'Young Diplomats' was established: "Tutors of the Diplomatic Academy also have the opportunity at these meetings to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice. That is, in this case, they act not as students, but as teachers. They teach children aged 11 to 16 the basics of international relations, prepare lectures on the history of international relations and history of diplomacy, faces of diplomacy."

In addition, Nadezhda Sidorova told about the Diplomatic Academy's educational and entertaining work: "Students participate in volleyball, football, tennis and basketball competitions. The chess school was established. There is an effective art playground, where children are taught to speak eloquently, read poetry, some even write poetry themselves, so professionals help them to write properly. They are taught to sing, address speeches, not to be afraid to look into the eyes of their opponents. We believe that it is very important for the Diplomatic Academy graduates".