Diplomacy Panel at LIMUN 2025: Global Leaders Inspire the Next Generation
written by Giulia Mingrino, Journalist, LIMUN 2025
The 2025 London International Model United Nations (LIMUN) conference, held at King’s College London, commenced with a distinguished diplomacy panel featuring five esteemed diplomats. As the largest university-level Model United Nations conference in Europe, LIMUN provides a platform for aspiring young leaders to engage in critical discussions on global affairs. This year, the Diplomacy Panel brought together: H.E. Luis Ignacio Vayas Valdivieso, Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador to the UK; H.E. Ignacio Higueras Hare, Ambassador of Peru to the UK; H.E. Jerome Cooreman, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the UK; Ms. Elisabeth Bowles PSM, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to the UK; and Mr. Adam Jayme Muniz, Counsellor and Chief of Staff to the Ambassador of Brazil to the UK. These accomplished diplomats shared their insights on multilateralism, international cooperation, and the evolving nature of global diplomacy, inspiring the next generation of political leaders.
Personal Reflections from Global Leaders
Each panelist enriched the discussion with personal anecdotes, offering students a deeper understanding of the diplomatic profession. Ambassador Cooreman of Belgium highlighted the formative impact of his early travels across Europe, emphasizing the importance of cultivating an open mind. Acknowledging that not all young people have the opportunity to travel, he urged international students to embrace their multicultural backgrounds, recognizing adaptability, curiosity, and global awareness as essential qualities for future leaders.
Echoing this sentiment, Adam Jayme Muniz of Brazil encouraged students to nurture their curiosity, actively listen, and seek understanding before engaging in negotiations. Through these reflections, the diplomats shared invaluable lessons on leadership, reinforcing the idea that diplomacy requires both knowledge and empathy. Their insights underscored the transformative power of international exposure and dialogue in shaping competent global citizens.
The Evolving Political Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities
A thought-provoking moment arose when students posed the question: "How has the political system changed over the course of your careers?" This led to a dynamic discussion on the impact of emerging technologies, shifting geopolitical power structures, and the accelerating flow of information in the digital age.
The diplomats highlighted the profound changes in global governance, particularly the increasing speed at which information is disseminated and processed. Drawing an unexpected parallel, the Brazilian ambassador compared the roles of journalists and diplomats, both of whom work with information sources, report to central authorities, and influence decision-making processes. This analogy provided a compelling perspective on the evolving nature of diplomacy in an era of rapid technological advancement.
Artificial intelligence (AI) also emerged as a focal point, raising ethical and operational concerns. While some critics argue that AI threatens originality and critical thinking, Muniz shared an instance where Brazilian diplomats used ChatGPT, to prepare briefings. His remarks underscored the transformative potential of technology in diplomatic work, as well as the need for careful ethical considerations.
Deputy High Commissioner Bowles highlighted a concurrent geopolitical shift, noting the increasing prominence of voices from the Indo-Pacific and Latin America. She emphasized that as global economic power decentralizes, historically underrepresented regions are beginning to assert greater influence on the international stage. This shift challenges long-standing power dynamics, presenting both opportunities and complexities in global governance.
Diplomacy as a Lifelong Commitment
Concluding the panel, the diplomats reflected on their motivations for pursuing careers in international relations, hoping to inspire students to consider careers in diplomacy and global governance. The ambassadors of Ecuador and Peru emphasized the profound responsibility of representing national interests while simultaneously working toward collective global progress. Ambassador Vayas Valdivieso shared candid reflections on the slow and often frustrating nature of international negotiations, particularly his work as Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution, for which negotiations are taking longer than expected. Despite challenges, he emphasized the tangible impact of diplomatic efforts, reinforcing the idea that perseverance is key to enacting meaningful change.
The panelists encouraged MUN delegates to cultivate knowledge, skills, and ethical values essential for effective diplomacy. While realism is necessary in international relations, they also stressed the importance of maintaining an optimistic vision, a sort of “naïveté” for peace and cooperation. As future leaders, students must balance pragmatism with the idealism that fuels global progress.
The 2025 LIMUN Diplomacy Panel exemplified the spirit of multilateralism, offering students a rare opportunity to engage with experienced diplomats. Through personal narratives, insightful discussions, and thought-provoking debates, the panelists inspired the next generation to embrace the challenges of diplomacy and contribute to a more just and interconnected world.
