By teaching, We learn

On Friday, September 27, in Sofia, I had the honour of receiving, on behalf of Diplo, the Docendo Discimus Award from the Institute of Diplomacy of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The award’s name, meaning “By teaching, we learn,” struck a chord with me. It perfectly reflects Diplo’s core approach to education and knowledge sharing.

At Diplo, we firmly believe that teaching is not a one-way street but rather a dynamic, interactive process. It’s not just about transferring information but about dialogue, exchange, and mutual improvements. In teaching, we continuously learn—whether through the perspectives of others, the diversity of experiences, or the simple act of explaining complex ideas in new ways. Every lesson taught is a lesson learned.

This was particularly evident during my Award lecture in Sofia on demystifying artificial intelligence (AI). As I spoke about AI’s impact on society, politics, and diplomacy, the young diplomats in the audience pushed the conversation into new and exciting directions. Their questions were insightful and forward-thinking, reflecting their concerns as future leaders who will have to negotiate the societal contracts of tomorrow’s AI-driven world.

It was during these exchanges that I, too, learned a lot. I learned about their hopes and concerns for the future, their fresh perspectives on societal shifts, and how they envision integrating AI into diplomacy, such as using AI for predictive analysis in conflict resolution or enhancing cross-cultural communication. Their curiosity reminded me of education’s critical role in shaping not just individual knowledge but the future of humanity in the AI era. 

At the heart of our discussions was a realisation: understanding technology is no longer a technical or optional skill—it is a fundamental requirement for modern diplomacy. As AI continues to reshape international relations, diplomats must stay ahead of the curve, mastering new tools while addressing AI’s ethical, political, and social ramifications.

In Sofia, I also had the chance to discuss the future of diplomatic training with Tanya Mihaylova, creative leader of the Bulgarian Institute of Diplomacy, and her team. We focused on how the preparation of diplomats for the AI era demands new knowledge and skills and, more importantly, new teaching methods.

For example, diplomats can learn about patterns and probability, the conceptual foundation of AI, through national flags which are part of their visual space in New York, Geneva, Brussels, and other diplomatic centers.

Another effective teaching method is Diplo’s AI Apprenticeship program as hands-on learning—where diplomats gain a deeper understanding of AI by developing practical tools and applications.

Receiving the Docendo Discimus Award reaffirmed my belief in the power of teaching as a catalyst for learning and transformation. It highlighted the importance of fostering dialogue across generations, cultures, and professions and how these exchanges profoundly enrich teachers and students. In the fast-evolving world of diplomacy, this reciprocal process will be vital in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

In just two weeks, at the annual meeting of the International Forum on Diplomatic Training in Montenegro, we will continue these conversations with representatives from 70 diplomatic institutions worldwide. Together, we will explore the future of diplomatic training, ensuring that the next generation of diplomats is equipped to manage the complexities of tomorrow.

Through teaching and learning, we better understand the world and each other. And in this shared pursuit of knowledge, we become better prepared to face future challenges.