Lecture by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Mr. Vasyl MYROSHNYCHENKO

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On November 3, 2026, facilitated by the Department of International Organizations and Diplomatic Service, an online lecture was held by Mr. Vasyl MYROSHNYCHENKO, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Australia and New Zealand, and concurrently to the Republic of Fiji.

The meeting took place as part of the "Economic Diplomacy" course for 2nd-year Master’s students of the "Diplomacy and International Cooperation" educational program, specializing in "Practical Diplomacy" (instructor: Nataliia RYLACH, Ph.D. in Economics, Associate Professor).

Mr. Ambassador focused on the following thematic areas:

  • theoretical foundations of economic, trade, and commercial diplomacy;

  • practical aspects of attracting foreign direct investment to the country and working with Ukrainian exporting companies;

  • the connection between economic diplomacy and the realm of national security.

"In the work of a diplomat handling economic affairs, it is crucial to thoroughly study the economy of the host country."

Students also learned about the specifics of diplomatic work in Australia, particularly regarding the signing of Free Trade Agreements and Agreements for the Avoidance of Double Taxation between Ukraine and Australia, a security agreement between the two nations, as well as specific current and prospective sectors of bilateral cooperation, along with the practical application of economic diplomacy tools in Australia and New Zealand.

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The practical component of the Ambassador's work involves advocating for and lobbying Ukraine's interests, particularly economic ones: attracting investment, working with businesses, and supporting Ukrainian companies.

Today's agenda is focused primarily on maximizing international support in combating the aggressor and securing resources for post-war reconstruction.

Among the key implementation tools are high-level meetings, media engagement, building support coalitions, utilizing public opinion polls, and collaborating with ambassadors from other influential states. In the economic realm, priority is given to strengthening bilateral cooperation at the corporate level and establishing the Ukrainian-Australian Business Council.

During the lecture, students had a wonderful opportunity to ask numerous questions to the esteemed Mr. Vasyl MYROSHNYCHENKO — an alumnus of the Educational and Scientific Institute of International Relations (Class of 2003, "International Relations") — and to receive valuable career advice regarding building a path in the diplomatic field.