February Youth Diplomats Meeting

On February 21st, we had our Youth Diplomats monthly meeting via Zoom. We started our meeting as we usually do with a Kahoot on current affairs. Through this fun quiz, all of us were equipped with new knowledge and information on current global news & events.

Afterwards, we had an engaging and collaborative discussion on the Philippines which was facilitated by the Leadership Committee. It was a great opportunity for us to share our opinions and thoughts. Throughout our dialogue, we tackled the policies and ideologies of their current president and how those policies affect their economic growth and international relations with other countries. We tried to examine the situation from different perspectives. The conversation allowed us to reflect, expand our knowledge, and see the world from different outlooks. Every participant shared their thoughts, and that created a fruitful discussion.

For the second part of the meeting, Diplomat in Resident C.B. Tomey joined us. He shared information on diplomacy, careers in diplomacy, and the mission of U.S Department of State. We learned about his inspiring and diligent work. Through this presentation, the Youth Diplomats learned about different internships and different career opportunities with the U.S. Department of State. Mr. Tomey definitely helped shape our perspective and vision on what we think of diplomacy. It helped pave the road for us on the decision about our professional careers!

We ended the meeting with feedback and reflection using our favorite “two roses and one thorn” evaluation. Here everyone can share their favorite & not-so-favorite parts of the meeting.

During these hard times, these meetings have made us feel more positive as we embrace ourselves in a virtual room full of warm and optimistic faces.  Each meeting we have, we are excited about grasping new information and broadening our point of views.

Era Thaqi – Youth Diplomat, Kosovo