Through the two sessions, I gained so much knowledge and insights into diplomacy-its interconnections with activism and advocacy, the different forms of diplomacy such as Track 1, 1.5, 2 and silent diplomacy, the role of women leaders in peace building- the challenges and experiences by amazing leaders from different generations, positions and countries really enlightened my mind.

Being able to discuss with my countrymates as well as listening to the peace/security challenges from the others was really interesting for me. I have so much resources to go through and I cannot wait to learn more.

-Myat Pan Khit (Florence) - Myanmar

I had my first encounter to activism and advocacy in the warm embrace of my hometown, Yogyakarta. The university that I enrolled in is located in the same town that I have been in my whole life, in which I first learned of nonviolent strategies. The first student demonstration that I participated in happened in Tugu Pal Putih, a monument located in the heart of my hometown. When I listened to yesterday's course on activism and advocacy, my mind instantly traveled to those moments. If it weren't for those moments, I couldn't have been there participating in the workshop.

I have always had the privilege of advocating the people in my hometown. All of the women survivors of past human rights offenses which I advocate for lives in Yogyakarta, one of them lives near enough to my house that I always pick her up when we'd attend our monthly gathering (now that is a track 2 diplomacy). Not everyone has the privilege to do the same, but if you do, please advocate for the people dearest and nearest to you.

I could spend my whole life learning about the triple nexus of Humanitarian-Development-Peace (in which yes, I studied in the Humanitarian Action class that I took a few years back), I could spend weeks studying the ethnicized violence case study in Bangladesh or Myanmar, yet if I couldn't be at peace in my own home, I'd never truly be at peace to breed peace in locations far away from mine.

For me, that is a profound reason why the lessons on East Timor and Aceh felt unsettling to me. It was precisely because I used to (and still do) have a hard time admitting that I belong to the nation state that committed such atrocities. Whenever I glance at the faces of the perpetrators (my own President, in fact, and select other powerful patriarchal men who remain in high places), I feel bile rising in my throat. The disgust is very apparent that it becomes psychosomatic. I think that it is my body telling me that as a woman, I still don't feel at peace in my home country, and that I think I never would.

It was such an insightful 2-day workshop and I cannot help but to look forward for more! Aside from the fact that I earned substantial knowledge of the roots, foundations, and in-depth purpose of diplomacy, I also learned how vital it is to immerse ourselves to inter-generational dialogue, as well as integrate silent diplomacy into our everyday lives. 💗🌎

Within these 2 days of training, I would like to reflect on the things that I have learnt. There were a lot of cases that I never acquired in school and the lesson was very detail and comprehensive regarding to diplomacy, activism, and advocacy. Diplomacy does not just refer the way that we build and maintain relationship between states or countries but it also implicate the way that we include skills, strategies, and diversity in it as well.

In order to thrive for positive changes, as we are youth, we are advocating for it by addressing the social issue and possible solutions to take action.

While with the fruitful discussion, I got the chance to present our the security and peace in my country context and also get to see more about real life context of diplomacy in other countries in our region and how they are fighting for the role of women in building security and peace. I get to understand more deeply on how very important it is to have a good diplomacy in negotiation and communication especially in the case of Myanmar and Timor Leste where I used to heard on news but that day I can heard directly from the people who are living in that situation.

Dalen (Cambodia)

The bridge also reminds me of the importance of gender equality in peace processes, a key focus throughout the sessions. I’ve gained valuable insights from experts on how women and youth can create powerful, unified voices in diplomacy. This symbol reflects the journey I’ve started, and it motivates me to use what I’ve learned to build pathways toward sustainable peace and justice.

Best regards,

Muny Kunthu_Cambodia

Leangseng Ean_Cambodia 💕💕💕

We use the image of bamboo as a metaphor to describe the resilience, flexibility and strength of Vietnamese nation. Vietnamese diplomacy is soft and wise but still persistent and resolute; flexible and creative but consistent, and valiant and resilient against all challenges and difficulties facing national independence and people’s happiness. From point of view, I deeply understand the importance of negotiation and advocacy and bring the stories and knowledge in teaching and we need united and humanitarian but resolute, persistent and patient. From Vietnam <3

As an ASEAN nation, it is vital for us to exchange knowledge and emphasize the crucial role of advocacy, especially as women and youth, in shaping our collective future. 💞🌍

Thiri- Myanmar

Throughout the first two days session, I have gained myself new insights, about the interconnection between activism, diplomacy and advocacy; various forms of diplomacy; the concepts of Triple Nexus framwork and its application to peace promotion in the conflicted areas or in the context of humanitarian crisis; the engagement of women as world leaders and obstacles they might face; as well as having a chances to listen to other participants' sharings about their countries' concerns and challenges in peacebuilding.

I have been impressed by our active, lively discussion on the second day of our training; when the professional pannelist have come to share their profound working experiences in the field of fighting for peace for their people, when we analyze the case of Aceh, Myanmar crisis, Bangladesh,..; when we dived into analyzing how can diplomacy be deployed as a useful tool to peace negotiations. I still remember a saying from Ms. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer "diplomacy is not always effective, but it is crucially essential. If you can not use diplomacy, that means you are in truly danger".

Since then, I have been preoccupied with a concern, about the importance of our engagement in building peace, when we are living in a world that should have been embraced by peace and stability, after what human beings had been through after two bloodshed World Wars; in fact now facing more instabilities and humanitarian crisis, with new emerging non traditional security issues and millions of people have been put in jeopardy, displaced, brutally harmed; some cannot even wake up in the morning and see the sun anymore.

Thereby, I chose this picture with the aim to deliver my message, that peacebuilding is not something beyond our scope of capabilities and responsibilities. We, as young world leaders, all should be take charge of maintaing and promoting peace; to raise up our voices for the voiceless, to stand up and challenge against the corrupted and useless current system. As I believe by our collective efforts, we can build up a future with no one living in fear and miseries.

Huong Nguyen (Elaine) - Vietnam

The atmosphere encouraged open dialogue, and I built relationships with participants who brought valuable expertise and experiences to the table. These connections have the potential to evolve into long-term partnerships, enhancing my professional network and creating opportunities for future collaboration in diplomacy and related fields. The workshop truly demonstrated the value of networking as a cornerstone of effective diplomacy.

I hope that I can spread the good knowledge for more young people around me to raise awareness about role of youth's Vietnam in diplomacy.

*Note: this photo is my lovely hometown (Central Highland).

Thúy Hiền from Vietnam!

I selected this powerful symbol in nature because each element plays an important role in maintaining a harmonious nature and if one is lacking, it can create challenges and imbalance, just like in diplomacy that stability, adaptability, passion, and communication are essential for a peaceful world.

For the 2-day-training, we are from different backgrounds and have brought unique perspectives, experiences, and approaches to the training where I have developed my listening skills. And all the speakers have inspired me to work towards peacebuilding. For now, I am getting ready to apply the skills I have learned in the real word situations. And I look forward to the next sessions, where I hope to continue learning, further develop my skills, and work alongside others who share the same passion for creating a more peaceful world.