Four Years as an Ambassador and the Things I Never Expected to Learn: A Conversation with Ambassador Larisa Galadza
The Margaret MacMillan Trinity One Program Hosts Ambassador Larisa Galadza for a Special Talk
Ambassador Larisa Galadza takes questions from Trinity One students about her life experiences and her role as the Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine. Photo credit: Da Seul (Regina) Chong
The Margaret MacMillan Trinity One Program was pleased to welcome the Honourable Larisa Galadza, former Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine (2019-2023) and a Trinity alumna, for a conversation on “Four Years as an Ambassador and the Things I Never Expected to Learn” on November 14, 2023.
Ambassador Galadza has dealt with many unprecedented challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic at the beginning of her tenure as Ambassador and the unleashing of the Russian war on Ukraine, which made her the first Canadian ambassador to serve in an active war zone since the Second World War.
Throughout the turmoil and trauma of the Russian war in Ukraine, Ambassador Galadza led the staff of the Canadian embassy with intelligence and equanimity. During the tumultuous times she represented Canadian values and worked with both the Ukrainian officials and the government of Canada to help evacuate Canadians and to help ensure Ukrainians had the humanitarian assistance they needed in the war-torn area
Ambassador Galadza offered some inspiring words of advice to Trinity One students interested in careers in international relations. In her experience as a career foreign service officer and diplomat, she says knowing a country’s people, their history, identity and language cannot be overemphasized. The Ambassador is of Ukrainian descent, attended a Ukrainian heritage school, and has spoken Ukrainian most of her life. In her role as Ambassador, she finds her deep understanding of Ukrainian culture even more helpful than her tangible qualifications. However challenging it may be to immerse yourself in the history, language, and culture of another country, Ambassador Galadza also believes it is important to “toughen yourself up” and make sure you’re prepared for your role abroad.
When she was a Trinity College student, Ambassador Galadza studied Political Science and Ethics, Society & Law. One of the key takeaways she took from her “POL208: Introduction to International Relations” course was that in decision making within global politics, personalities make a difference. People may have the same capabilities on paper, the Ambassador says, but it is their unique background that shapes their decision making. To learn how to frame a problem and how best to solve it, she says students need to strive for excellence in training for the world, remembering to look at problems from different angles.
According to Ambassador Galadza, taking on different angles can give students insight into the holistic nature of problems in global politics. She adds that there can be a temptation to try to impose your own viewpoint, if you do not agree. “You can’t change people’s mindsets: they need to do this for themselves,” Ambassador Galadza says.
Ambassador Galadza also advised students, especially in their undergraduate years, to make good choices by going out of their way to build relationships before you need them. In addition, the Ambassador was grateful for the enduring friendships made during her undergrad, which have been a constant in her life. It was those friends from Trinity College and alike, who offered emotional and tangible support in the most challenging moments of her time as Canada’s Ambassador to Ukraine.
In a final word to Trinity One students, Ambassador Galadza emphasized that one thing Canadians often take for granted is the security and freedom of our democratic institutions. The Ambassador reminded us not to be complacent: “Democracy is fragile. Protect it.”
Ambassador Galadza with Professor Michael Kessler (Raymond Pryke Chair and Director, Margaret MacMillan Trinity One Program), and Trinity One Mentors. Photo credit: Sharon Reid
More Conversations with Larisa Galadza
The following day (November 15, 2023), Trinity alumni and all students were also invited to a Conversations with Larisa Galadza. Ambassador Galadza was joined by Professor Tim Sayle (photo), Trinity’s Director of the International Relations Program, for a conversation about her diplomatic career. By describing her career path that started with an internship in the Department of National Defence, she was able to give students who are hoping to get into foreign service and global affairs some tips and advice. She noted that with the world being so global, everything has an international aspect to it today. Learn more about Trinity alum Larisa Galadza in the War Zone: Canadian Ambassador to the Ukraine
Trinity College student Portia Garnons-Williams is an International Relations Stream Mentor in the Margaret MacMillan Trinity One Program. Portia is a second-year student, studying Political Science and International Relations.
Categories: Academic; Alumni; Student News; Trinity One