The third session of the prestigious “Diplomacy and Foreign Service” postgraduate program, run by the Center for Diplomatic Research at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, has just concluded. Meetings with experts and diplomats provided an opportunity to deepen theoretical knowledge, learn about the practical experiences of those involved in the foreign service, and exchange views on the current challenges facing diplomacy.
Session took place on 12–14 June 2026. The programme focused on key issues of contemporary diplomacy and foreign service, with lectures and workshops delivered by experienced diplomats and renowned experts in international relations.
The first day was dedicated to economic and export diplomacy. On the first day of the meeting, students were met by Anna Golec-Mastroianni, who served as Consul General of Poland in Milan from 2022 to 2024 and has headed the Polish-Italian Business Council since 2026. The expert has been active in public service for over 25 years, holding positions in local, regional, and economic government, as well as establishing organizations with a national and international reach.
Consul Anna Golec-Mastroianni discussed the role of diplomatic and consular missions in promoting national economic interests, supporting businesses in international markets, and strengthening economic cooperation between countries. Participants gained valuable insights into the practical dimensions of economic diplomacy and consular work.
On the second day, a lecture was given by political scientist Dr. hab. Tomasz Kamiński – university professor at the Faculty of International and Political Studies of the University of Lodz, head of the Center for Research on Paradiplomacy and City Diplomacy.
Professor Tomasz Kamiński introduced the concepts of paradiplomacy and city diplomacy, highlighting the growing importance of local and regional authorities in international cooperation. Through lectures and interactive workshops, participants examined examples of international engagement undertaken by cities and regions.
Later, Jolanta Róża Kozłowska – Consul General of Poland in Munich in 1998–2002 and Ambassador of Poland to Austria in 2017–2022, as well as CBnD KUL coordinator for cultural diplomacy – shared her extensive professional experience, presenting the realities of a diplomatic career, the ethos of public service, and the challenges of representing one’s country abroad.
The final day focused on cultural diplomacy. Dr. hab. Anna Umińska-Woroniecka – professor at the University of Wrocław – researcher of international relations, diplomacy and foreign policy studies – explored the role of culture as an instrument of foreign policy and an important tool for strengthening a country’s international image. Workshop activities enabled participants to better understand how cultural diplomacy contributes to international dialogue and cooperation.
The third session provided an excellent opportunity to deepen academic knowledge, learn from the experiences of distinguished practitioners, and exchange views on the contemporary challenges facing diplomacy. The meetings with experts offered participants valuable insights and practical perspectives on the evolving international environment and the work of modern diplomatic services.