Master Class At The Iir Under The Author's Program "State And Diplomatic Protocol For International Relations Specialists"

On May 21, 2026, the Institute of International Relations hosted its traditional, once-a-semester practice-oriented training in the format of a role-playing game titled "Diplomatic reception: features of modern diplomatic practice."

The coordinators and authors of this educational and scientific project were lecturers from the Department of International Organizations and Diplomatic Service of the IIR – Associate Professor Viacheslav Tsivatyi, PhD in History, and Associate Professor Roman Petiur, PhD in Political Science.

The training participants were second-year Bachelor's students of the "International Relations" educational program. This time, the session was modeled after a diplomatic reception hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Ukraine on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Poland.

The academic discipline "Diplomatic Protocol and Etiquette" is an essential component of training for future diplomats and international relations specialists. During the training, higher education students had the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge of diplomatic protocol, etiquette, and ceremonial in conditions as close as possible to real diplomatic practice.

In particular, the participants practiced:

•        Compliance with dress code and protocol norms during diplomatic receptions and state ceremonial events;

•        Rules of greeting, introduction, communication, and business card exchange;

•        Specifics of state flag placement and the playing of national anthems;

•        Preparation and delivery of welcoming remarks, public speeches, and toasts;

•        Essentials of table etiquette, networking rules, and guest etiquette;

•        Features of intercultural and cross-cultural communication;

•        Etiquette of gifts, flowers, and other aspects of diplomatic ceremonial.

In real-world conditions, students tested the algorithms of organizing and conducting a diplomatic reception in accordance with the modern requirements of international practice, which contributes to the formation of professional competencies of future specialists in the field of international relations.

A diplomatic reception is a universally recognized form of diplomatic activity. During the implementation of foreign policy events, the diplomatic service of each state adheres to specific traditions, norms, and rules, the totality of which forms the diplomatic protocol.

Diplomatic protocol is a form of implementing a state's foreign policy activity and its internal or external representation. This is precisely where its political content, practical effectiveness, and significance for international communication lie. Diplomatic protocol and the diplomatic reception as a form of its realization remain crucial tools for implementing the core principles of a state's foreign policy.

Master classes and professional excellence trainings are an integral part of the extracurricular student club activities of the IIR Department of International Organizations and Diplomatic Service (headed by Professor Viktor Matviienko) and are aimed at developing the practical competencies of future diplomats and international relations specialists.

Specifically, the preparation of students is carried out within the activities of the scientific clubs "State Protocol, Ceremonial, and Etiquette of International Courtesy" (supervised by Associate Professor Viacheslav Tsivatyi) and "Business Etiquette and Corporate Culture of an International Relations Specialist" (supervised by Associate Professor Roman Petiur).

Special words of gratitude for organizational support of interdisciplinary ties and communicative participation in conducting the training are expressed to Mariia Zaitseva, PhD in Political Science, Assistant Professor at the Department of International Information.