Students of the Faculty of International Economic Relations talked to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Iraq
It is not the first time that the Faculty of International Economic Relations has invited diplomats to give its students the opportunity to communicate with real professionals. Today's guest is Ivan Dovhanych, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Iraq.
‘International students attend lectures on the courses ‘Country Studies’, ‘Diplomatic Consular Service’ and ‘Religious Factor in International Relations’, so the meeting was held within the framework of these subjects. Such discussions are especially important for us, as they contribute to the formation of professional qualities of future diplomats, economists and specialists in international relations,' said the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Mykola Palinchak.
The meeting was held in a question-and-answer format, and the future specialists were very interested in communicating and gaining knowledge from the guest's experience. The meeting traditionally began with introductions, so Ivan Dovhanych told a little about himself and his work: ‘Since childhood, I wanted to be a diplomat, but it was difficult to realise this in Soviet times. However, when you set a goal for yourself, it will definitely come true. My journey began when I joined the service in 1992 at the lowest diplomatic post. I worked for 12 years and tried to perform my duties efficiently, because as one person told me, ‘A diplomat should solve problems, not create them.’ That is why I was the person who always tried to solve problems, both national and specific ones from our citizens. Let me give you some advice that has become a science for me: ‘Until you are 30, you work for your reputation, and then it starts working for you. Your career will depend on the reputation you have built for yourself. Since I had an excellent reputation, proved myself as a reliable, qualified diplomat, I was eventually offered the opportunity to head an independent embassy in a rather difficult country, Iraq, at the age of 34.’
In addition, the diplomat also visited Vietnam as an ambassador. He notes that he should not be afraid of challenges, as he was once in the Southeast Asian country and did not even speak the language, but was able to work there. The guest emphasised that you should respect the country you are in and understand the people there.
Ivan Dovhanych was happy to share his experience and give advice to the students. The ambassador noted three qualities that a diplomat should have: professionalism, integrity and patriotism. During his practice, the guest encountered unusual and interesting situations, and at the students' request, he recalled a few of them and warned the young people to be careful in the future. He also spoke about the place of Ukrainian culture in Iraq and stressed that it is important to take into account the difference between the mentality of the two countries. One of the leading areas through which Ukraine is represented is science. The Dean of the Faculty Mykola Palinchak noted that he had already discussed with Ivan Dovhanych the prospect of inviting students from Iraq to study. It is the people from this country who are not afraid of martial law and are ready to come to study.
An important part of the discussion was devoted to the cooperation between our country and Iraq and how it has developed during the ambassador's tenure. The students were also interested to hear about the attitude of Iraqis to the war in Ukraine.
Overall, the meeting was interesting and instructive, with both sides taking an active part in the discussion and receiving thorough answers to their questions. Events involving leading experts are especially important for university students, as a person with many years of experience can easily and simply present material, give valuable advice and reinforce interest in the profession.
‘I didn't expect a meeting to take place. I was told that I would visit the head of the faculty and that it would be limited to coffee. Later, I was taken to the room and saw so many bright, joyful, cheerful and cunning faces, in general, different faces. When they said ‘Your word...’, I was surprised, but a diplomat cannot be confused, so of course I composed myself and hope that I said something interesting, although I would like to emphasise that I had not prepared at all. I was very pleased that the audience was so active, the interest of the listeners was immediately noticeable, thank you for that!’, diplomat Ivan Dovhanych shared his impressions.
