Major Success for the First Edition of the Diplomacy Barcamp!

Diplomacy Barcamp

On October 18th, the Guarini Institute for Public Affairs hosted its annual edition of the Festival of Diplomacy in an original, dynamic Bar Camp format, with a focus on the topic of Food Security. Contestants submitted proposals addressing sustainability, production, and distribution problems and solutions.

Professor Frank Le Veness of the Department of International Relations at St. John’s University moderated the event between the panelists, contestants, and the audience.

An excellent array of panelists presented their own perspectives and projects addressing the topic of the bar camp. These panelists were: JCU’s own professor Margaret Kneller, who gave a presentation on the scientific backdrop of the food security issue, Denis Dreschler of AMIS, and Juan Cammarano of the US Mission to the United Nations, who presented on the topic of gender equality in promoting increased production.

Contestants Barbara de Rossi (representing a group project from the University of Alberta Canadian Dairy Network and Iowa State University), Mia Hambali, Davit Pipoyan, JCU graduate Francisco Infante, and Elena Tiberti (connected via telephone) each had their own innovative ideas and insights when addressing different aspects of the food security issue.

After their presentations, the contestants took questions and received constructive criticism from the panel of experts, as well as advice on how to turn these proposals into practice. Over all, it was an excellent, quality discussion full of great ideas. A special thanks to Enzo Le Fevre of LUISS Guido Carli for organizing such an innovative event.