Diplomatic engagement in international conferences and summits is essential to global politics. Through these platforms, countries come together to discuss and negotiate on issues that affect the world at large. Diplomatic engagement is crucial because it helps to foster cooperation, build trust, and promote peace among nations.
International conferences and summits provide a forum for countries to discuss issues such as climate change, terrorism, trade, human rights, and security. These issues are complex and require the participation of multiple stakeholders to find solutions that work for everyone. Diplomatic engagement allows countries to share their perspectives, concerns, and interests. Countries can reach agreements that benefit all parties involved through dialogue and negotiation.
One example of successful diplomatic engagement in international conferences is the Paris Agreement on climate change. In 2015, representatives from 195 countries came together in Paris to negotiate a global agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The deal resulted from years of diplomatic efforts by various stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, businesses, and scientists. The Paris Agreement demonstrated the power of diplomacy in addressing global challenges.
Another example is the Iran nuclear deal negotiated in 2015 between Iran and six world powers (the United States, Russia, China, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom). The deal aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons while lifting economic sanctions against the country. The long and arduous negotiations ultimately resulted in a historic agreement that helped reduce tensions between Iran and other nations.
Diplomatic engagement also plays a critical role in preventing conflicts between nations. By engaging in dialogue with other countries before conflicts arise or escalate into violence, diplomats can help resolve disputes peacefully through negotiation rather than military action.
For instance, during the Cold War era, when tensions were high between the United States (U.S.) and the Soviet Union (USSR), diplomatic engagement was essential in preventing a nuclear War between superpowers through arms control negotiations. The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) and the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty were examples of diplomatic efforts that helped to reduce the risk of nuclear War between the U.S. and the USSR.