Diplomacy Society: Head of Events

As a second-year History student at UCL, my interest in diplomacy has grown out of a strong belief that history and diplomacy are inseparable. Every negotiation, treaty, and international relationship is influenced by what came before it. .My experiences working with the English-Speaking Union in Albania and the British Chamber of Commerce in Albania have given me practical insight into the organisation and purpose of events within an international and diplomatic framework. At the English-Speaking Union, I was involved in organising debates, educational initiatives, and cultural exchanges aimed at improving communication and understanding between young people across different backgrounds. This experience taught me how events can serve as platforms for collaboration, discussion, and shared learning. My time at the British Chamber of Commerce in Albania built on that foundation and introduced me to event organisation on a larger and more formal scale. I helped coordinate visits involving ambassadors, business leaders, and policymakers, ensuring that every detail contributed to a sense of professionalism and cross-cultural respect. If elected as Head of Events for the UCL Diplomacy Society, I would bring this understanding to the role. I hope to help the society continue to develop as a place where students can explore the complexities of the world and the art of understanding it

I am applying for the position of Head of Events because I am passionate about creating spaces where students can engage critically with global issues and interact directly with practitioners shaping international relations today. Studying French and Spanish at UCL has strengthened my global perspective, cultural awareness, and ability to communicate across contexts, qualities that I believe are essential for organising impactful and inclusive events.

Having lived and worked across several countries, including six months in Paris and fifteen months travelling through Latin America, I’ve developed a deep interest in diplomacy, cultural exchange, and transnational collaboration. These experiences have taught me how to navigate diverse perspectives and coordinate effectively across different cultural environments, skills I would bring to planning and executing the society’s conferences, speaker panels, and networking events.

As Head of Events, I would prioritise both intellectual engagement and accessibility. I would aim to host panels featuring diplomats, academics, and NGO leaders on topics such as climate diplomacy, conflict resolution, and international development, alongside interactive workshops on negotiation and global governance. My goal is to make every event both informative and inspiring, a platform that connects students with the realities of diplomacy and the people driving it.

Hi! My name is Sofia Riva, and I’m a second-year History, Politics and Economics student in the SEESS Department. Diplomacy and international relations have always been among my biggest interests, inspiring me to get involved in initiatives that bring people together around global issues. I believe the Diplomacy Society has incredible potential to bring these themes to life on campus through engaging panels, networking events, and collaborations, and I would love to contribute to that.

I already have strong experience in event planning and coordination: as Social Secretary of the Italian Society, I’ve organized successful socials, cultural gatherings, and collaborations that brought together large groups of students. Before university, I also helped organize university fairs and school-wide events, managing logistics and outreach — experiences that taught me how to handle both creative planning and practical details efficiently.

I’m a highly organized and enthusiastic person who loves connecting people and creating meaningful experiences. I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity to get involved and bring fresh ideas to the Diplomacy Society, ensuring every event reflects its goals of discussion, inclusivity, and global awareness.

I’m standing for Head of Events because I want to make the Diplomacy Society’s events engaging, accessible, and meaningful for everyone involved. I’m excited by the idea of organizing embassy visits, panel talks like Pizza and Politics, and other opportunities where students can connect directly with diplomats, experts, and contemporary political debates.

I’ve run large-scale events and coordinated speakers before, hosting over 700 students and staff attendees at campus-wide conferences and volunteering initiatives before UCL, where I managed teams of appointed organisers and liased external speakers. I’ve also worked with international advocacy teams, as far away as Bauchi, Nigeria, connecting with diverse stakeholders and turning complex ideas into something understandable and engaging as part of global fundraising campaigns. At UCL, as a Mathematical and Physical Sciences Student Ambassador, I’ve connected with diverse audiences, promoted events, and built engagement around complex topics through digital media and sitting on student panels.

I want to bring the same energy and organisation to the Diplomacy Society to help expand our network of speakers, raise awareness of current diplomatic issues, and create events that students look forward to attending. I want to use these connections and skills to make every event feel like an opportunity people don’t want to miss.

I’m standing for Head of Events because I’m passionate about turning ideas into experiences that spark conversation and connection. Diplomacy and international politics shape our world, and I want to create events that make these issues tangible, engaging, and exciting for students. From embassy visits to debates, panel talks, or even informal socials, I’d love to design experiences that bring people together, spark curiosity, and build a strong community around the society. I’m excited to reach out to new speakers, explore fresh partnerships, and find creative ways to make global issues feel relevant to students’ lives. More than anything, I want to help the Diplomacy Society be a space where networks grow and where every student feels welcome. 

I am standing for Head of Events because I am passionate about creating ways for members of the society to engage in diplomacy through events. As Events Manager of my Sixth Form, I have previous experience in this field and want to continue organising creative and exciting events. 

I have a keen and unyielding interest in diplomacy and international relations. And I think it is clear that the discipline has become more relevant and vital these past few years.

UCL Diplomacy Society plays an important role in developing insight in international and diplomatic affairs. I wish to build on this legacy in my position as Head of Events. I will endeavour to provide events that are:

Informative on a plethora of contemporary and pressing issues.

Engaging for our members, by making effort in inviting only the best personalities and experts. This will include a wider range of embassies and guest speakers.

Useful to those interested in pursuing a professional career linked to diplomacy (including tips and practical advice).

Built on a strong and active community; stressing the importance of networking both between students and external organisations. I will push for more receptions/refreshments after events as this undoubtedly enables better networking conditions. After all, I believe that the connections that are fostered between people is where diplomacy really begins.

Besides a passion for the society and everything that it constitutes, I also have had the honour to represent it as a delegate to the YIAPD Conference in Rabat in June of this year. Additionally, I have significant experience as member of the society since joining it in October of last year.

Based on all these things, I hope I can earn your vote. Thank you for your attention.

Dear fellow Diplomacy Society Members,

My name is Angelica, and I am a Philosophy, Politics, and Economics student. I am excited to run for being Head of Events in the Diplomacy Society!

I have always enjoyed bringing people together and creating engaging events. One example that aligns closely with this role is my experience as a student representative at my previous school, where I organized bi-weekly assemblies, fun seasonal events, and, most relevant to this position, a monthly speaker series. In the speaker series we had people with diverse professions and backgrounds share their career to high school students. We had people from all sorts of backgrounds– from Harvard economists and historians to fashion curators from the Museum of Fine Arts– provide inspiration to students navigating potential careers.

After attending events like the talk with Lord Robert Skidelsky and Internships in International Relations, and getting to know some of you, I am confident I can collaborate effectively with you and the committee to create meaningful events that support your academic and career goals.

I look forward to working with you, whether being your Head of Events or as an active member of the Diplomacy Society. Thank you for considering me – I would love the opportunity to kickstart engaging events with you!

~ Angelica :)