Philippine Consul General to Barcelona Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro (standing) speaks before the students and faculty of the Blanquerna-Universitat Ramon Llull (URL)
School for Communication & International Relations, on 17 February 2025, sharing insights on the critical role diplomats play in global affairs. (Photo by Blanquerna-URL)

BARCELONA, 17 February 2025 – Philippine Consul General to Barcelona Maria Theresa S.M Lazaro held a special talk on international relations, underscoring the important role of diplomats in global affairs, with the students of the Blanquerna-Universitat Ramon Llull (URL) School for Communication & International Relations, on 17 February 2025.

Upon the invitation of Blanquerna-URL Director for the Undergraduate Program in International Relations Onno Gerard Hubert Seroo, Consul General Lazaro engaged with around 75 freshmen International Relations (IR) students, predominantly Spanish, as well as faculty members of Blanquerna-URL in a special session which included discussion on the role of diplomacy and diplomats in international relations, the distinction between bilateral and multilateral diplomacy,  the necessity of dialogue in IR, among others.

“Diplomacy remains to be the primary instrument of a nation to attain its foreign policy objectives. And diplomats, in pursuing such objectives, must put a premium on honesty, credibility and trustworthiness to be effective,” said Consul General Lazaro.

The talk forms part of the Blanquerna-URL student’s ongoing IR lesson on “Actors of International Relations". Director Seroo emphasized the importance of engaging with diplomats as state actors, stating that, “Diplomats play a crucial role in representing their country’s interests abroad and fostering international relations. We are honored to have Consul General Lazaro, with her 20 years of experience as a diplomat, share her wisdom and experience with our students”. 

When asked about the emergence of AI and its impact on diplomacy, Consul General Lazaro said, "While AI can enhance diplomatic work, diplomacy's essence lies in human intuition and relationships. AI tools can facilitate diplomatic work easier, but they cannot replace the nuanced understanding and skills that are fundamental to effective diplomacy. AI will never make diplomacy obsolete. Diplomacy will in fact thrive with AI.”

Blanquerna-URL’s IR program is the first officially accredited bachelor's degree in International Relations in Catalonia, reflecting its pioneering role in the field.

The Philippine Consulate General continues to strengthen its partnerships with universities within its jurisdiction, fostering a more informed and inclusive approach to Europe’s engagement with Asia and advancing the Philippines' presence in global discussions. This marks the fourth collaboration between the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona and Blanquerna-URL in facilitating meaningful dialogues on shared interests.

Blanquerna-URL Director for the Undergraduate Program in International Relations Prof. Onno Gerard Hubert Seroo introduces Philippine Consulate General to Barcelona Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro
as keynote speaker to freshmen IR students of Blanquerna-URL.  Once every academic year, Blanquerna-URL invites a distinguished foreign diplomat to speak before its IR students. (Photo by Blanquerna-URL)

In the right photo, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and International Relations Blanquerna-URL Dr. Marc Polo (2nd from the right) welcomes Philippine Consulate General to Barcelona Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro (2nd from left) to Blanquerna-URL.
Joining the two are Blanquerna-URL Director for the Undergraduate Program in International Relations Prof. Onno Gerard Hubert Seroo (leftmost) and Vice Consul Lee D. Gano (rightmost). (photo by Blanquerna-URL)