The event, titled Diplomacy in War: Roles and Functions of an Ambassador, was attended by more than 60 people.

Manor College held its 16th Ukraine Dialogue on April 25, 2024. For the first time since before the COVID pandemic, the event was held both virtually and in-person at Manor College’s Ukrainian Heritage Studies Center. 

The event, titled Diplomacy in War: Roles and Functions of an Ambassador, explored how an Ambassador contributes to humanitarian and strategic efforts. 

The panelists included: 

Ambassador Oksana Markarova: Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the USA, Permanent Observer of Ukraine to the Organization of American States

Colonel (ret) Robert J. DeSousa: Counsel, Eckert Seamans, Attorneys at Law, former State Director for US Sen. Pat Toomey and Retired Army Judge Advocate

Our panelists have led and managed through the greatest crises, the loss and injury to human life at a large scale, and the protection of a homeland.

“The teams are small, but the tasks are huge, especially for a country like Ukraine,” Ambassador Markarova said. “You have to be more persistent, not taking no for an answer.”

Colonel DeSousa added, “If you wait until there is an existential threat, then it’s too late. There’s an importance of building relationships. Understanding the culture is critical and knowing that time is of the essence.” 

More than 60 people watched the event, including more than 30 who watched from Manor College’s campus. Viewership for the event came from across the country, including a participant who asked a question from Hawaii. 

The event was moderated by Ambassador Roman Popadiuk, an American Diplomat and the first United States Ambassador to Ukraine under President George H.W. Bush’s Administration. 

Manor College’s Ukraine Dialogue is presented by the Ukrainian Selfreliance Federal Credit Union. To see photos for the event, click here.