The Sovereign Order of Malta, represented by the First Secretary of the Order of Malta’s Embassy to Montenegro, Mr. Valerio Carafa, participated to the 18th edition of the Summer School for Young Diplomats “Gavro Vuković,” held from 22 to 27 June 2025 in Montenegro. The event was organized and funded by the Montenegrin Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This prestigious diplomatic forum started in 2008 as a regional meeting with 20 participants from 9 countries, and it has since expanded to welcome over 1,000 professionals from nearly 100 countries, including young diplomats, international leaders, and experts. The Summer School has this year grown into a globally recognized platform for dialogue and professional development in international relations.
The 2025 program focused on critical topics such as foreign affairs and security in the information age, peacekeeping, and strengthening international cooperation. Participants also explored Montenegro’s foreign policy priorities, history, and culture, as well as those of other represented nations.
Mr. Valerio Carafa actively engaged in lectures, roundtable discussions, workshops, and networking events, strengthening the Order of Malta’s ties with Montenegrin officials and fellow diplomats. His presence also served to promote the Order’s diplomatic and humanitarian mission on the international stage.
The event featured notable speakers, including Ekaterina Paniklova, UNDP Resident Representative to Montenegro, Vladimir Vučinić, Head of NATO Political Engagement Support Cell in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Miroslav Lajčák, EU Special Representative for the 2006 Montenegro Referendum and former Slovak Foreign Minister, and Prince Nikola Petrović Njegoš.
The closing ceremony and awarding of certificates, attended by ambassadors and representatives of UN Agencies, was chaired by the Secretary-General of Montenegro’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Order of Malta’s participation underscores its commitment to fostering international dialogue and cooperation, reflecting its active role in global diplomacy.
