Nigerian Youth Advocate, Kelechi Iwuagwu, Participates In Global Diplomacy Forum In Paris

Mary Nnah

A young Nigerian American, Kelechi Iwuagwu, has participated in the Global Youth Diplomacy Forum, Paris Edition 2026, where delegates from more than 80 countries gathered to discuss international relations, peacebuilding, global governance and the future of diplomacy.

The forum, held from September 25 to 27, featured diplomatic discussions, panel sessions and debates involving young leaders, diplomats and international affairs practitioners.

Iwuagwu, who has a background in mathematics and data analytics, participated in the gathering against the backdrop of his involvement in global advocacy through engagements with the United Nations Association of the USA.

The main proceedings on September 26 took place at the Palais du Luxembourg, the historic seat of the French Senate, where delegates examined contemporary diplomatic challenges and the role of young people in shaping international relations.

One of the highlights of the forum was a debate on the motion, “This House Questions Whether Modern Diplomacy Remains Effective in Preserving International Peace and Stability.”

Iwuagwu joined the opposition, arguing that despite the limitations of existing diplomatic institutions and approaches, diplomacy remains indispensable to maintaining international peace and stability.

At the conclusion of the debate, the opposition secured 55 votes against 14, with two abstentions.
He maintained that the shortcomings of diplomatic institutions should not be interpreted as evidence that diplomacy has become irrelevant, but rather as a reason to strengthen international cooperation, improve dialogue and make diplomatic institutions more effective.

According to him, diplomacy provides countries with channels of communication even when their interests conflict, creating opportunities to prevent disputes from escalating, negotiate humanitarian arrangements and pursue solutions to challenges that transcend national boundaries.

The debate was moderated by Estonia’s Ambassador, Jüri Seilenthal; Muhammad Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the Youth Diplomatic Academy; and Fatima Zohra Besnouci, according to the programme provided to delegates.
Beyond the debate, Iwuagwu participated in sessions featuring diplomats and practitioners whose work spans foreign policy, mediation, international cooperation and diplomatic service.

A panel titled “Modern Diplomacy and Foreign Policy: How States Are Adapting Their International Relations Practices” featured Thailand’s Ambassador to France, Nikorndej Balankura; Lithuania’s Ambassador to France, Arnoldas Pranckevičius; Michèle Guillaume-Hofnung, President of the Guillaume-Hofnung Institute for Mediation; and Thijs van der Plas, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to France.

The discussions examined developments in international relations, including digital and public diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, strategic communication and the need for greater youth participation in global affairs.

Another session, “Pathways into Diplomacy: Diplomatic Careers, International Service and Professional Perspectives,” featured Pakistan’s Ambassador to France, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch; Anke Van Lancker, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Belgium in Paris; Bulgaria’s Ambassador to France, Radka Balabanova-Ruleva; and Anna L. Nsubuga, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of the United Kingdom to UNESCO.

The session explored diplomatic careers, international service and professional opportunities for individuals seeking to contribute to international relations.
The forum also featured Salome Zourabichvili, former President of Georgia, as a keynote speaker.

Reflecting on his participation, Iwuagwu said engagements with diplomats and international affairs practitioners provided valuable insights into the practical realities of diplomacy beyond what academic study alone could offer.
He also emphasised that representing Nigeria in international spaces was not limited to individuals holding official diplomatic appointments.

According to him, young people, researchers, data analysts, advocates, entrepreneurs and members of the Nigerian diaspora can contribute to the country’s international image while building relationships and facilitating the exchange of ideas across national boundaries.

He, however, stressed that such representation requires competence, integrity and a commitment to constructive engagement.
Iwuagwu further highlighted the relevance of his background in mathematics and data analytics to contemporary diplomacy, noting that international relations increasingly intersect with artificial intelligence, misinformation, climate data, migration statistics and digital communication.

He argued that diplomatic engagements and policy decisions would increasingly require professionals capable of interpreting complex information, assessing evidence and communicating findings clearly.
He therefore called for greater opportunities for young people from diverse academic and professional backgrounds to participate in international affairs, particularly those whose technical expertise could enrich diplomatic discussions and policy development.

For Nigeria, he said, the country’s large youth population and extensive diaspora represented an opportunity to strengthen its contribution to global conversations, provided young people received the preparation, encouragement and access needed to participate effectively.

He urged young Nigerians not to remain spectators in international decision-making but to develop the skills, confidence and professional capacity required to contribute to discussions shaping the future of the world.
Iwuagwu added that his involvement in United Nations advocacy in the United States and participation in the Paris forum had reinforced his conviction that young Nigerians could make meaningful contributions to global affairs without waiting to acquire formal diplomatic titles.

He described his participation as an opportunity to represent his Nigerian heritage while advancing his commitment to advocacy, international dialogue and youth involvement in global affairs.

The Global Youth Diplomacy Forum, Paris Edition 2026, was organised around diplomacy, international relations, global governance, youth participation and policy dialogue. Its September 26 proceedings at the Palais du Luxembourg brought together young delegates from more than 80 countries.