Past Events
Women In International Affairs Event
9 April 2024
The Young Diplomats' Society hosted a panel event showcasing five inspiring women working in international affairs. Each shared their personal experiences and gave attendees tips to equip them on their journeys in the industry. Through sharing their insights and expertise our panelists discussed everything from decoding global policies to increasing representation of women and platforming youth and migrant voices in global affairs.
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YDS Trivia Night
27 March 2024
The Young Diplomats Society hosted a social evening of friendly competition at the Clyde Hotel in Richmond! Attendees teamed up to tackle a variety of trivia questions spanning foreign policy, history, geography, diplomacy, political figures, and everything in between. Thanks to everyone who attended, we look forward to seeing you next time!
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Past Events
YDSxAIYA Event: Youth and Politics - an Analysis of the 2024 Indonesian Election
8 February 2024
The Young Diplomats Society and Australian Indonesia Youth Association - Victoria Chapter joined forces to host the first-panel event of the year discussing Indonesia's highly anticipated 2024 election.
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Experts such as Dr Mughis Mudhoffir (University of Melbourne), Ibu Yacinta (Monash University) and Hirzi Putra Laksana (KPMG) shared their insights on the Indonesian political climate, what the election could mean for the Australia-Indonesia bilateral relationship, and its potential impacts on Indonesian youth.
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Careers in Global Affairs
10 March 2022
For our first in-person event since Covid, we lined up panel speakers from DFAT, DT Global, The Guardian, British Consulate General and the Middle East Institute for a Q&A panel and networking night. This gave our attendees unique opportunities to ask questions and network with our guests about possible career pathways in public policy, diplomacy or research in global affairs.
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Here we also launched our Careers Guide, our resource for members to access information about internships, volunteer opps, graduate programs and career advice in the international affairs industry. If you are a YDS member you can access the Careers Guide through the members portal on our website.
James Findley, Vice-Consul General U.S.A
The Consular Series, III
4th September 2019
For the second time in 2019, we teamed up with Minter Ellison to host Jim Findley Vice-Consul of the United States of America in Melbourne - who flew in from the Northern Territory to join us for the third and final instalment of our Consular series.
Following Vice Consul Findley’s spirited talk, which covered the Trade War with China and diplomacy under the Trump Administration, there was a lengthy networking segment to round out the evening.
Myriam Boisbouvier-Wylie, Honoury Consul-General France
The Consular Series, II
29th August 2019
In the second instalment of the 'Consular Series', Young Diplomats Society hosted Madame Boisbouvier-Wylie in the Executive Lounge at the International Chamber House. Madame Boisbouvier-Wylie provided a keynote speech outlining her role as the Honorary Consulate General of France in Melbourne, outlining the establishment and history of the French Consulate in Melbourne.
Madame Boisbouvier-Wylie’s talk was followed by a networking session with drinks and canapés.
Chris Holtby, Consul-General UK
The Consular Series, I
22nd August 2019
The first instalment of the much hyped 'Consular Series' saw a talk at Melbourne Law School from Mr Chris Holtby - Consul General and Head of the UK Office for South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria. Mr Holtby provided frank insights and stories that extolled the challenges maintaining diplomatic relations in tense circumstances.
On a more topical note, Chris provided a keynote talk that addressed Public Diplomacy and Truth in the era of 'Fake News'
Justice Tony Pagone QC
The role of the International Association of Judges
22nd May 2019
In a society first, YDS was able to collaborate with a multinational Law firm, Minter Ellison to host our esteemed guest. In his address, Justice Pagone canvassed the incredibly important role that the International Association of Judges plays in the globalised world we find ourselves in. The core aim of the organisation is in working to safeguard the independence of the judiciary. He also lamented the underperformance of his beloved football team, the Melbourne Demons.
Dr Remy Davison
Understanding Brexit
April 4th 2018
In a very topical evening, YDS collaborated with MIAS to discuss the impact of Brexit and how a 'deal' or 'no deal' Brexit would unfold.
Dr Davison provided a keen insight into the implications of Brexit on global and domestic economies.
Rémy often briefs international diplomats on security and trade issues and also provides highly sought-after commentary in Australian and International media.
Julian McMahon AC SC
International Law and Diplomacy
15th March 2018
As a strong opponent of the death penalty and a human rights advocate, Julian McMahon AC SC has depicted an unrelenting commitment to Australian’s facing capital punishment abroad. He shared his insights on the impacts of rising populism as well as describing his experiences in working pro-bono for death-row defendants including Forbes in Sudan and members of the Bali Nine, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran.
Dr Scott Flower
Personal Safety and Security
8th August 2017
Delivered in an intimate workshop format, Scott Flower shared his experiences and provided his advice on the types of personal safety and security issues you can be exposed to, and the measures you can take to maximise your chance of remaining safe in a hostile situation or environment. The workshop covered topics such as learn about field deployment, personal security, developing and sustaining field relations, dealing with corruption, cyber security and personal communications and mechanisms for coping with stress.
Julian Burnside AO QC
Australian Refugee Policy
8th August 2017
Julian Burnside AO QC has been one of the leading voices for human rights and Australia's treatment of refugees. He practises primarily in commercial litigation and trade practices, but has become widely known for his firm opposition to the mandatory detention of asylum seekers. In 2009, he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for his service as a human rights advocate, particularly for refugees and asylum seekers, to the arts as a patron and fundraiser, and to the law.
26th April 2017
YDS's first event of the year in partnership with the US Consulate featured US Vice Consul Migael Penix. Migael gave students an insight into his career as a diplomat, detailing his experiences working in Kingston, Jamaica, Mexico City and Melbourne.
Tim Costello AO
NGOs in International Relations
11th October 2016
Visiting our members in October, Tim Costello delivered a passionate speech detailing his life career, culminating with his recent work for international organisation World Vision. Mr. Costello gave valuable advice for pursuing an internationally focused career, and participated in a Q&A session to end the evening.
Gareth Evans AC QC
Launching the Young Diplomats Society
14th April 2016
Young Diplomats Society was privileged to be officially launched by The Hon. Gareth Evans who shared his preeminent experience on the international stage with our members. Professor Evans was Australia's foreign minister from 1988-96, and from 2000-2009 was President of the International Crisis Group.
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An edited version of Gareth's speech was published in The Conversation.
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