People Who Inspired: Guests and Partners of the Junior Diplomatic Academy at the Assembly

Throughout the academic year, students of the Junior Diplomatic Academy had the rare opportunity to engage with diplomats, representatives of international organizations and government institutions, scholars, and civic leaders. The 2026 Assembly of the Junior Diplomatic Academy became a moment not only to reflect on the year’s achievements, but also to thank those who dedicated their time, expertise, and experience to mentoring and inspiring the next generation.

Unfortunately, the night before the Assembly was a difficult one for Kyiv due to another large-scale russian attack. As a result, not all invited guests were able to attend in person. Even so, their willingness to support the event and stand with the Academy’s students remained a meaningful gesture of solidarity and respect.

Among the invited guests were diplomat Anica Jamic, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Croatia to Ukraine; Olena Yalova, Director of the State Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine; Mary K. Leonard, President of the International Women’s Club of Kyiv; Olha Lysenko, Director of the Stylian-K Charitable Foundation; Ihor Ostash, Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine; Oleksandr Kyrychenko, Deputy Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine; Irakli Abesadze, Chargé d’Affaires of Georgia in Ukraine; Oleksandr Sudarkin, Director of the MBA Program at MIM Business School; Jason Lieuallen, representative of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine; Oleh Demchyk, President of the Professional Negotiators Club; Viacheslav Tsivatyi, lecturer at the Department of International Organizations and Diplomatic Service of the Educational and Scientific Institute of International Relations of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv; Ukrainian diplomat Volodymyr Yatsenkivskyi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Lithuania (2015–2021); Ukrainian diplomat Viktor Nikitiuk, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Tajikistan (2012–2018); Ukrainian diplomat Ihor Tumasov, Consul General of Ukraine in Rio de Janeiro and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Peru (2018–2020); Ukrainian diplomat Volodymyr Khomanets, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Tunisia; Yurii Koshel, Acting Director of the National Museum of Military History of Ukraine, Head of the International Relations Department of the Kyiv City State Administration Taras Holota as well as many other friends and partners of the Academy.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this collaboration was that it was built entirely on goodwill and professional generosity. Despite demanding schedules, official duties, and frequent travel, the invited guests consistently made time for the Academy’s students—answering questions, sharing personal experiences, and offering valuable insights into the world of diplomacy and international affairs.

For many participants, these meetings provided their first meaningful encounter with the diplomatic profession. Through open conversations, firsthand stories, and direct engagement with experienced practitioners, students gained a deeper appreciation of international relations as a field grounded not only in policy and institutions, but also in responsibility, communication, and cooperation.

“As the academic year comes to a close, the relationships formed through these encounters will remain with our students for years to come. True diplomatic education begins where knowledge is combined with trust, openness, and a willingness to invest in the future of others”, said Rita Kosiak, Head of the Project Office at the Kyiv Palace of Children and Youth.