State and diplomatic protocol and etiquette as an effective tool of modern diplomacy

On 26 March 2025, with the assistance of the Department of International Organisations and Diplomatic Service, an exclusive master class on ‘STATE AND DIPLOMATIC PROTOCOL AND ETHICS AS AN EFFECTIVE TOOL OF MODERN DIPLOMACY’ was held at the Small Diplomatic Academy (13 Ivan Mazepa St., Kyiv). The author of the training is Vyacheslav Tsivatyi, Associate Professor of the Department of International Organisations and Diplomatic Service of the Institute of International Relations of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor, Honoured Worker of Education of Ukraine, Coordinator of the Centre for Public and Cultural Diplomacy at the Department of IODS (Head of the Department - Professor Viktor Matvienko).

How is diplomacy combined with etiquette? Why is it important to understand the cross-cultural peculiarities of business communication? These questions were answered by the students of the Small Diplomatic Academy during the lesson ‘Cross-cultural features of diplomatic and business etiquette in the context of globalisation’.

During the meeting, the students learned about the organisational and protocol features of a diplomatic reception, national and global traditions of speech etiquette, classification and subtleties of table and dining etiquette, differences between them, cross-cultural features of toasting, rules for using napkins and the basics of table behaviour. Particular attention was paid to the rules of business card exchange, the art of handshakes, official greetings and the choice of appropriate clothing for diplomatic events, taking into account the traditions of the host country.

They also discussed important aspects of diplomatic protocol, including the procedure for presenting agrimony and credentials by foreign ambassadors. The lecturer shared interesting historical examples that illustrate the importance of etiquette in international relations, interesting episodes of the diplomatic history of Ukraine and the world.

Rita KOSYAK, Head of the Small Diplomatic Academy, noted that mastery of diplomatic etiquette helps future professionals to behave confidently in the international environment, demonstrate respect for cultural traditions and build their professional image.

The Academy's students were delighted with the lecture, as they were able not only to learn new things but also to practice their knowledge and professional competences. The feedback from the students following the training by Associate Professor Vyacheslav Tsivatyi shows that everyone was interested in the topic, and the presentation of the material was informative, professional, practice-oriented and interactive.

On behalf of the Department of International Organisations and Diplomatic Service, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the leadership of the Small Diplomatic Academy (Rita Kosiak, Anna Dolgikh, etc.) for the invitation to cooperate, for the invaluable opportunity to visit them and share my practical experience with future diplomats and experts in international relations!