3rd Year IS Students Danielle Noche, Dominique Policarpio, and Zoe Nicola Verzo were honored with invitations to partake in the Diplomatic League Global Summit 2023 held last December 18, 2023, at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Main Headquarters in Pasay City.

Themed around "Promoting Youth Diplomacy," the summit, organized in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs Office of the Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs (DFA-OUCSCA), featured a comprehensive program. The agenda included sessions on (1) The Diplomatic League & Youth Diplomacy, (2) An Introduction to the Office of the Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs, and (3) Careers in the Department of Foreign Affairs. An open forum provided participants with the opportunity to engage and seek insights from experienced professionals.

The Honorable Jesus S. Domingo, Undersecretary for Consular Affairs and Civilian Security at the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, delivered the opening speech. He shed light on the Volunteer Ambassador Externship (VAMBA) program, emphasizing its pivotal role in fostering youth engagement in the diplomatic arena.

Throughout the summit, various offices within the Department of Foreign Affairs, including the Office of Civilian Security, Overseas Voting Secretariat, and Office of Consular Affairs, presented their roles and functions. Delegates gained valuable insights into the intricate workings of the department and explored potential career paths, with a specific focus on the Foreign Service Examination.

Danielle Noche, a VAMBA graduate from Batch A and a 3rd Year IS student, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to delve into Philippine Foreign Policy and Youth Diplomacy at the Diplomatic League Global Summit 2023. She shared, “The focus on initiatives like the Volunteer Ambassador Program resonates with my dedication to empowering the younger generation like me. The insights from the Office of the Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs and discussions on career paths, including the Foreign Service Officer Examination, have helped me to further engage myself within this field.”

The summit concluded with an optimistic outlook on the future of youth involvement in diplomacy, leaving the participants inspired and better equipped to contribute meaningfully to the nation's foreign affairs landscape.

By: Danielle Noche, Dominique Policarpio, and Zoe Nicola Verzo