Diplomacy Today : S.E. Johan Verbeke

The Comité Diplomatique had the honor of welcoming Ambassador Johan Verbeke for an illuminating talk, where he shared his perspectives on the evolving nature of diplomacy and the essential skills that shape a successful diplomat today. The event was held at the Université Libre de Bruxelles.

S.E. Verbeke began his presentation by discussing the fundamental distinction between international relations and diplomacy.

Moving on to the nature of modern diplomacy, S.E. Verbeke spoke on how the practice has transformed in response to today’s increasingly interconnected and complex world. He emphasized that diplomacy now requires not only traditional negotiation skills but also an awareness of economic, social, and environmental issues.

One of the highlights of the talk was Verbeke’s focus on the specific skills a good diplomat must possess— the core subject of his latest book, Diplomatic Skills.

To conclude, S.E. Verbeke elaborated on the difference between public and private diplomacy. Public diplomacy, he explained, is aimed at building a nation’s image and strengthening relationships directly with foreign publics, whereas private diplomacy involves behind-the-scenes negotiations with government officials and other high-level actors. Both forms, he stressed, are crucial and often work in tandem to create sustainable international relationships.

Following his presentation, attendees had the unique opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with the ambassador. The interactive segment allowed students to ask questions on topics ranging from the current global landscape to career advice for aspiring diplomats. Ambassador Verbeke’s thoughtful answers provided valuable insights into the nuanced world of diplomacy, and attendees left the event with a renewed appreciation for the critical role diplomats play in fostering global cooperation and peace.

We want to extend our gratitude to S.E. Verbeke for his time and for generously sharing his knowledge with us. We also wish to thank the students and other attendees for their interest and participation. Thanks to all of you, this gathering was a memorable achievement for the Comité Diplomatique.