Trinity’s student society, the Society of International Affairs (SOFIA), held its annual Ambassadors’ Ball last week.
The event, which included a prosecco reception in the Atrium followed by a three-course meal in the Dining Hall, was attended by 24 international ambassadors to Ireland, several notable diplomats and over 130 students.
Australia, The Netherlands and Palestine were among the 24 countries represented at the event.
This was the first Ambassadors’ Ball the Palestinian ambassador, Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, had attended since her official appointment to the role, following the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the Republic of Ireland and the state of Palestine in September.
She previously served as “ambassador-head of mission” for the Palestinian Authority.
Speaking to Trinity News, Dr Wahba Abdalmajid highlighted the importance of engaging with students, particularly students of “different backgrounds”.
“This is our cause, this our just cause and I wanted to talk to people about the current situation and as well engage with students about their questions and their concerns.”
She described being at the event as the Palestinian ambassador as “a privilege” and praised Ireland’s formalisation of diplomatic relations with Palestine.
“[Ireland] is a small country, but you lead, but especially when it comes to justice and human rights and international law, you’re leading in Europe, in the United Nations and international platforms.”
Charlotte Vengrin, assistant secretary of SOFIA and chair of the subcommittee responsible for organising the Ambassadors’ Ball, said the event was “a special opportunity” for students.
“It’s just this incredibly unique event where these incredibly important and influential people, ambassadors, diplomats, can come together and meet with students, can listen to students, can speak to students, can share anything from career advice to their thoughts on international relations.”
The chairperson of SOFIA, Ylva Kopineck, described the ball as a “celebration”.
“Students can talk to the ambassadors and basically have a one of a kind chance to speak to them. I just think it’s a really amazing evening, because you get to speak to these people who you see in newspapers or you see them on websites, but you never really get a chance to speak to them.”
The society event concluded with a student after-party held in Lost Lane.
