International Black Sea University (IBSU) hosted “Empowering Women: A Forum with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands , Meline Arakelian,” founded and moderated by Art Arakelian, President of the American Studies Students’ Union.

At the meeting with students, the Dutch Ambassador, with her extensive experience in diplomacy, shared her journey and the challenges she faced as a woman leader. She provided invaluable advice to young women aspiring to pursue careers in diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and cultural awareness. She also highlighted successful initiatives in the EU, the Netherlands, and Georgia that have promoted women’s empowerment. Attendees actively participated, asking thoughtful questions and contributing to the dialogue.

Before the forum, IBSU Rector Kakha Shengelia and Dean Tamar Shioshvili briefed the Ambassador on the university’s recent happenings and prospective plans.

Serafina Scharf from the Culture and Press/Political & Protocol Affairs Department of the German Embassy also attended the event.