Diplomacy in Action: Canadian Embassy Representative Addresses NATO Summit

On January 29, delegates at the NATO summit welcomed Janine Cocker, a representative from the Canadian Embassy. Attendees listened as Cocker provided insight into the Arctic region and shared her experiences in public service. Delegates had the opportunity to speak with her and ask questions. In an interview with the press afterward, Cocker offered additional advice and discussed her personal experiences.

Cocker finds that being an embassy representative is rewarding in itself, particularly for fostering national pride. She noted that things are changing rapidly, making it challenging to keep up. Methods and approaches to diplomacy are evolving.

“It’s not our traditional way of doing diplomacy,” -Janine Cocker 

Before moving to Africa, Cocker was not well versed in the issues surrounding poverty and conflict; ultimately, those experiences led her to specialize in the field and earn a master’s degree. “Africa’s an amazing place,” Cocker said. She believes that the potential and ongoing work there will play a significant role in the future, and she finds her tasks exciting and worthwhile.

Cocker considers it a privilege to come here and speak with delegates, and she enjoyed the opportunity to talk to students and meet them. She finds the experience inspiring, and it gives her hope for the future. Cocker believes that events like THIMUN provide students with the chance to engage in real issues that affect their day-to-day lives as well as their futures. She sees THIMUN as an excellent opportunity for students interested in pursuing a career in diplomacy or international affairs, as it brings together diverse groups and cultures and offers insight into governance and global understanding. She said that traveling and learning a new language are ways to sharpen cultural awareness and intelligence, which are imperative for a career in diplomacy. She advises students to seize opportunities while they are young to enhance their worldview.

As Cocker left the World Forum, she expressed that she was impressed and inspired by the depth of the students’ questions. Cocker’s visit serves as a reminder that the path to effective diplomacy begins with curiosity, education, and a commitment to understanding the complexities of our world.