Visually-Impaired Version 
On April 12th, Maqsut Narikbayev University hosted the Roundtable on the Role of Diplomacy in a Turbulent World with the participation of the Ambassador of the European Union to Kazakhstan, His Excellency Kestutis Jankauskas, the Ambassador of Estonia to Kazakhstan, His Excellency Toomas Tirs and the Ambassador of Austria to Kazakhstan, His Excellency Willy Kempel.
The speakers emphasized the critical role of diplomacy in resolving conflicts and crises worldwide, highlighting the significance of preventing escalation and achieving lasting peace through diplomatic efforts. The discussion covered topics such as the role of the UN Charter and human rights in general in promoting stability, and the EU’s experience as a peace project.
The panellists acknowledged the challenges and limitations of diplomacy in today’s digital age, including social media, speed, security of communication, and cyber security and warfare. Moreover, they noted the limitations of the international legal system, particularly in negotiating with unrecognized actors. However, Ambassadors agreed that diplomacy remains crucial in resolving disputes peacefully, as “talking is always cheaper than fighting”.
The Roundtable also provided an opportunity for students to ask questions about regional integration, cyberattacks, and the future of diplomacy in conflict resolution. Overall, the discussion highlighted the need for continued efforts and collaboration among nations to address current challenges and achieve lasting peace.
