Future Diplomats Ignite Global Conversations at Abbey College Cambridge Conference

Aspiring diplomats at Abbey College Cambridge hosted a dynamic, student-led Diplomacy Conference last month, bringing together over 70 young minds from across Cambridgeshire and overseas.

The event provided an immersive platform for delegates to explore international issues, negotiate solutions, and develop their leadership and communication skills. Creating a truly international learning environment, participants hailed from a diverse array of schools, including Abbey College Cambridge, Gymnázium Andreja Sladkoviča v Banskej Bystrici (Secondary Grammar School of Andrej Sladkovic), AMES Education Lithuania, St Mary’s School Cambridge, Cambridge Academy of Science and Technology (CAST), and Landmark International.

A key highlight of the conference was the opportunity to hear from distinguished guest speakers, including former British Ambassador Sir Laurie Bristow, who captivated the audience with insights into diplomacy and global conflict. Dr Robin Bunce, Historian and Writer at the University of Cambridge, also delivered a keynote speech, sharing expert perspectives on international relations.

The event offered students several hands-on experiences, allowing them to step into the roles of diplomats, negotiators, and problem-solvers. Participants engaged in immersive sessions including crisis simulations, media labs, and nation-building workshops. Highlights included a World Map session that challenged delegates to identify today’s biggest global issues and propose viable resolutions, followed by reflective exercises drawing on lessons from the expert talks. Other activities included a Global Mineral Crisis simulation, a Build a Nation workshop, a Media and Diplomacy Lab, an Art and Propaganda workshop, and a Crisis at the UN exercise.

The day was expertly opened by student MC Qish in Year 12, who inspired the audience by noting, “The world does not change because people avoid difficult conversations. It changes because people choose to have them.” The event was expertly organised by

Tauhida Raquib-Khan Housemaster of Neptune House and Teacher of Politics alongside Abbey College Cambridge’s History and Politics students.  The event was attended by a number of Abbey College Cambridge Year 9 students who were willing ambassadors for the college.  They participated and led activities, communicated effectively with students from other schools and presented with great knowledge and conviction.

Reflecting on the event, Year 9 student Charles said: “The Student Led Diplomacy Conference was a really memorable day. The Crisis at the UN workshop was the highlight for me. It was where we really got to know each other and the collaboration across our team under pressure was impressive to see. Dr Robin Bunce’s talk also really stuck with me, particularly his idea that the diplomacy only exists as a necessity rather than a choice, in a world where everyone was content, there would simply be no need for it. The World Map activity was another standout moment for me, as it was truly interesting to see how differently everyone views the world’s biggest challenges. This reminded me that understanding the world starts with understanding the people around you.”

 Abbey College Cambridge Principal Dr Elena Hesse added: “Our Diplomacy Conference brought together brilliant young minds from across the Cambridgeshire region and the world for a day of exploration, debate, and leadership. The students engaged with pressing global issues, hearing first-hand from distinguished speakers whose experience and insights made the discussions both topical and inspiring. It was a truly remarkable day of collaborative thinking, diverse perspectives, and meaningful conversations that showcased the potential of our future leaders. Sir Laurie Bristow was particularly impressed by the questions posed by our students, noting that one in particular was especially ‘insightful.’

 “Our commitment to personal development at Abbey College Cambridge was clearly reflected in our students throughout the day, especially among our youngest cohort. The Year 9 students stood out as confident and capable ambassadors, actively leading and participating in activities, engaging effectively with peers from other schools, and presenting their ideas with impressive knowledge and conviction.”