Young women were motivated to continue striving towards their career in diplomacy as they attended a TED-style discussion in honour of International Day of Women in Diplomacy.
It was hosted by the United Nations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, along with the Embassy of China on Friday.
At the Royal International Hotel, fourth-year International Relations student Mya Kendall said hearing directly from experienced diplomats gave life to the concepts she has been studying in the classroom.
“I learned so many things from women who experience what I study and really put into practice what I work so hard to learn,” Kendall said.
Kendall further stated that the insight she gathered today, spanning from fashion to culture, was inspiring in how they intertwine with diplomacy.
Similarly, for Keandrea Daniels, the discussions reinforced to her that women bring unique perspectives to international leadership and decision-making.
“It’s an empowering way for women to speak on global platforms,” Daniels said.
She said that one message that really stuck with her was that women can lead in different ways, and having women on global platforms means diversity and better decisions being made.
Meanwhile, Kiara Muridall said the forum reshaped her understanding of diplomacy, showing that it is ultimately about serving people.
“I learned that diplomacy is more than travelling to represent your country on a global stage. It is about building and protecting people and using empathy and the resilience of women to help build a better nation,” she said.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador and Director of the Frontiers Division Donnette Streete said the forum’s theme reflected the many roles women continue to play in advancing diplomacy.
She noted that Guyana proudly co-sponsored the United Nations resolution establishing the International Day of Women in Diplomacy and remains committed to promoting the full and meaningful participation of women in international decision-making.
Ambassador Streete also highlighted Guyana’s rich multicultural heritage, noting that the country’s diverse cultures are a powerful example of soft power in action.
Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Yang Yang underscored the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening international cooperation.
She said diplomacy extends beyond formal negotiations, with women helping to build trust through understanding, dialogue and people-to-people connections.
United Nations Resident Coordinator Jean Njeri Kamau echoed that message. The UN coordinator described diplomacy as fundamentally about people, relationships and listening across differences.
She encouraged young women to pursue leadership roles in diplomacy. She noted that their voices, experiences and ideas are essential to building a more inclusive and peaceful world.
The forum provided participants with an opportunity to engage directly with experienced women diplomats while exploring how culture, soft power and inclusive leadership continue to shape modern diplomacy.