The future of the universities, the harmony of theoretical and practical education, as well as the tasks of diplomats were also discussed at the closing ceremony of the first year of the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy. Orsolya Pacsay-Tomassich, Secretary of State, President of the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy and the Stipendium Hungaricum Program, and András Koltay, Rector of the National University of Public Service, welcomed the participants of the Diplomatic Training Program and the Diplomatic Leadership Training Program at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
22 participants of the Diplomatic Leadership Training Program received a state-recognized diploma certifying the completion of specialized training, and 25 scholars of the Diplomatic Training Program received a final diploma, thus starting their careers at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the ceremony, it was said that the participants of the two trainings were enriched with theoretical and practical knowledge, with which they can effectively represent the interests of our country on an international level.
In her ceremonial speech, Orsolya Pacsay-Tomassich emphasized that the aim of the Academy is to provide internationally competitive training – with the help of Hungarian and foreign lecturers - and ensure quality supply for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The graduates contribute to Hungary's foreign policy and diplomatic success in the future. The Secretary of State believes that the students and lecturers of the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy have been successful despite the difficulties of the pandemic.
András Koltay, Rector of the National University of Public Service, considers it of great importance that thirty years after the change of regime, it is possible to build in a relatively calm period of several decades, one of the results of which is the launch of the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy. The head of the University of Public Service said that the future of universities has become questionable in the 21st century, as these are old constructions that have been operating in the same form for a long time. However, in addition to preserving the values of the past, “every university should strive to find new ways.” He added that several trainings have been launched at the UPS to this end, including joint training with the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where the participants can learn not only the theoretical foundations, but also get to know the practical side of the profession with the help of professionals.