On the 6^th of November 2023,  the Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria, in collaboration with the Embassy of Ukraine, hosted a public lecture on "Re-centering the Role of Diplomacy in a Fragmented World Order". This thought-provoking discourse interrogated the complexities of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the role of diplomacy in resolving geopolitical crises.  

The event featured Dr. Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Dr Faith Mabera from the Institute of Global Dialogue. Moderated by Prof Christopher Isike, Acting Head of the Department of Political Sciences and the Director for the African Centre for the Study of the United States, the event brought together diplomatic insights and scholarly perspectives.

Delving into the intricate layers of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, attention was drawn to its heavily mediatised nature and the challenge of navigating truth amid contested narratives. Despite the intricacies of the war's causes and drivers, a recurring theme surfaced—the imperative for peace, political trust, and respect for territorial integrity in international relations.

While exploring diplomats' multifaceted challenges in the modern era, particular attention was directed towards the pervasive spread of fake news. The discussion underscored that, in our increasingly fragmented world, the role of every diplomat transcends traditional expectations, emphasising that every diplomat is essentially a crisis manager.

Amidst these considerations, a crucial aspect of the discussion pivoted on a poignant call to broaden our perspective and acknowledge the profound human side of the conflict. The shift in focus towards the impact of wars on people's lives was urged, emphasising the importance of placing individuals at the centre of diplomatic considerations. The narrative evolved beyond geopolitical intricacies to embrace a more empathetic understanding of the repercussions of conflicts on ordinary people's lives.

The event concluded with a resounding call to sustain and expand such discussions, recognising their indispensable role in fostering a deeper understanding of diplomacy in our interconnected global society.