International Summer School “Relations Internationales”

POLITEHNICA Bucharest hosted the Université d’Été “Relations Internationales” (International Summer School on International Relations) - an intensive, inspiring, and profoundly international week that brought together nearly 50 young francophones from across Central and Eastern Europe.

Organized in close partnership with the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), through its Representation for Central and Eastern Europe, this edition transformed POLITEHNICA’s campus into a true hub of ideas, dialogue, and intercultural exchange.

For one week, the university opened its doors to the energy and commitment of a new generation - young people passionate about diplomacy, communication, and global issues - ready to build bridges between cultures and engage with the challenges shaping the world today.

A Prestigious Opening with Diplomatic Voices

The opening ceremony was held in the presence of Mr. Mihnea Costoiu, Rector of POLITEHNICA University of Bucharest, and Mr. Eric Poppe, Representative of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) for Central and Eastern Europe, who welcomed participants and underlined the importance of multilingual education and cooperation between institutions.

The event was also graced by the presence of distinguished ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions in Romania, including:

• H.E. Mr. Hassan Abouyoub, Ambassador of Morocco and President of GADIF

• H.E. Mr. Dô Duc Thành, Ambassador of Vietnam

• H.E. Mr. Nicolas Warnery, Ambassador of France

• H.E. Mr. Tigran Galstyan, Ambassador of Armenia

• H.E. Mrs. Lili Grammatika, Ambassador of Greece

• H.E. Mrs. Rana Mokaddem, Ambassador of Lebanon

Exploring Global Challenges: From Geopolitics to Artificial Intelligence

Throughout the week, participants immersed themselves in a stimulating academic journey that explored key themes defining the 21st century:

• 🌐 Geopolitics and global governance

• 🤝 Diplomacy and the Francophone space

• ⚖️ Gender equality and women’s empowerment

• 🧠 Artificial intelligence and ethics

• 📺 Disinformation and media literacy

• 🕊️ International negotiation – realistic simulation exercise

The programme blended interactive lectures, workshops, and expert panels, encouraging critical reflection and the exchange of perspectives. Sessions were entirely held in French, strengthening linguistic skills while fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and mutual respect.

Learning through Experience: Diplomacy in Practice

A central highlight of the summer school was the simulation of international negotiations, during which participants stepped into the roles of diplomats and mediators to debate and resolve real-world global scenarios. This exercise, praised by both students and mentors, emphasized the complexity of decision-making, the importance of empathy in diplomacy, and the need for multilateral cooperation.

“This simulation brought theory to life,” shared one participant. “It made us realize how much patience, listening, and compromise are needed in real negotiations — skills that go far beyond the classroom.”

At the closing ceremony, participants proudly announced the name of their cohort: “Promotion Charles Aznavour”.

The 2025 edition of the International Summer School “Relations Internationales” will remain a memorable chapter in the story of POLITEHNICA Bucharest’s international engagement - a week of learning, dialogue, and inspiration that strengthened the bonds between languages, nations, and generations.