Daystar University hosts Diplomatic Day Celebrations

Israel ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Michael Lotem addressing students during Diplomatic day celebrations

By Timothy Onyango and Victoria Mumbi

[Wednesday, October 2, 2024] Over the recent years, International Relations has been influenced by various global factors such as shifting global power dynamics, technological advances, and new socio-economic challenges which reflect the complexity of today’s interconnected world where both cooperation and conflict shape the future of global governance and diplomacy.

In a colorful event aimed at recognizing expanding horizons through the role played by cultural diplomacy in shaping global careers in international relations, the Daystar University Peace and International Studies Students Association (DUPISSA), through  the Department of International Relations and Peace Studies hosted the 2024 Diplomatic Day cerebrations at the Main Campus, Athi River.  The event was designed to provide a platform for International Relations and Security Studies students to interact with industry stakeholders and gain valuable insights into their field of study-international relations.

The event was graced by Israeli Ambassador to Kenya, H.E Michael Lotem, The Philippine Ambassador, H.E. Marie Charlotte G. Tang, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Brazil, Ms. Adriana Telles Ribeiro, Ambassador, The Kingdom of Thailand, H.E. Amb. Morakot Janemathukorn, CEO IRSK, Mr. Leonard Wanyama, Director, Cinematics Solutions, Mr. Bob Nyanja. Hon. Caleb Amisi, representing the Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Moses Wetangula, and Director of Cultural Affairs, Japanese Embassy.

Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Faith Nguru said that Daystar University was characterized by diverse cultures, with students drawn from different cultural backgrounds and countries across the globe. “Daystar is a vibrant tapestry woven from various local and international cultures,” said Prof. Nguru, further stressing on the importance of cultural diplomacy, saying that it fosters intercultural competence, and ability to interact with people from different culture.

The Israeli Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Michael Lotem, reflected on the origins of cultural diplomacy, tracing  it to the adage times of the Roman Empire and the early beginnings of the church. He gave the example of his own country Israel, saying that in 2007 the country decided to change the world’s view of Israel, in order be identified with positive Israeli culture rather than the common accolade as a military superpower.

The Philippines Ambassador, H.E Marie Charlotte spoke on the role culture plays in reference to her home country. She talked of how as a developing nation the Philippines has contributed to diplomacy, revealing that it fosters soft power by signing bilateral treaties of cultural understanding with various countries. She further stated that the Philippines protect its own cultural diplomacy by collaborating with the Diaspora nations through cultural events. She finished her remarks by acknowledging that despite the complexity in today’s Geo-Political environment, cultural diplomacy paves way for conflict resolution.

Ambassador Adrianna Telles Ribeiro from Brazil addressed the impact of culture in a country. “Culture is the window to the soul of our Nation,” she remarked. Her speech left the audience with the conviction to safeguard and protect their own culture at all cost.

The event reached at its peak with a keynote address by the Member of Parliament for Saboti constituency, Trans Nzoia County, Hon. Caleb Amisi, on behalf of the Speaker of the National Assembly Rt. Hon. Dr. Moses Wetangula. A seasoned lawyer and politician, Hon. Amisi acknowledged Daystar University for shaping the future of students.

“You are beacon of excellence as International Relations students,” said Hon. Amisi, further calling on the students to harness the power of cultural diplomacy in order expand their horizons not just for themselves but also for others in different countries. Hon. Amisi also said cultural diplomacy is the core of peace building, which fosters meaningful exchange; enabling Kenya to position itself at the global stage.

The purpose of this Year’s Diplomatic week was to:

• Explore how international relations course work translates into real world applications with a specific focus on the strategies and tools used by diplomats to promote their cultures abroad and navigate global diplomatic landscapes.
• Promote sustainability, ethical practices, and cultural awareness in various areas of diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange and understanding in fostering peaceful international relations.

By participating in the Diplomatic Week, students gained valuable insights into the strategies and tools used by diplomats to promote their cultures abroad and develop a clearer vision of how these practices can inform and shape their own career.

The event culminated with a panelist discussion comprising The Philippines Ambassador, H.E. Marie Charlotte G. Tang,  CEO IRSK, Mr. Leonard Wanyama, Director, Cinematics Solutions, Mr. Bob Nyanja. Hon. Caleb Amisi, and the Deputy Director General, Cultural Diplomacy Directorate, Dr. Rosemary Anyona.

Throughout the event, guests were entertained by the Daystar University Choir and Ngenia Boys High School, who performed several traditional Kenyan music.

Partners of the diplomatic week were: International Relations Students Association of Kenya (DUPISSA), Daystar Model United Nations (D-MUN), and the Department of International Relations and security Studies.