Top photo (L-R): Ambassador of South Korea, H.E. Woongsoon Lim, NPSIA Director Prof. Teddy Samy, Ambassador of Germany, H.E.  Sabine Sparwasser, Ambassador of the Philippines, H.E. Maria Andrelita Austria, and Ambassador of Argentina, H.E. Maria Josefina Martinez Gramuglia ; Bottom photo: Ambassador Austria (second from left) with Filipino-Canadian Diplomacy Students of NPSIA

1 December 2023, Ottawa - Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita Austria joined the Ambassadors of South Korea, Germany, and Argentina in a panel discussion organized by the graduate students of Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA). The discussion was led by NPSIA Director and Professor of International Affairs Yiagadeesen (Teddy) Samy.

The panel discussed some of the most pressing global questions, including climate change, the resurgence of traditional threats and the continuing emergence of non-traditional threats, such as cybersecurity challenges and the role of AI.  Ambassador Austria highlighted the importance of the rule of law in discussing the situation in the West Philippine Sea, and the shared values between the Philippines and Canada which serve as an anchor in bilateral relations. Describing the diplomatic career as a life choice that affects not only the self but families as well, she also encouraged the students to reflect on the reason for choosing diplomacy.

The discussion was followed by a short meet and greet, where Ambassador Austria met four Filipino-Canadian diplomacy students.