Dear Students,

As the Chair of the Department of International Relations, I am delighted to share this academic journey with you. Our primary goal is to further strengthen the academic standing of our department while supporting your personal and professional development and fostering a vibrant culture of learning together.

Today, International Relations is far more than the study of interactions between states. Security, diplomacy, international law, economics, technology, energy, migration, climate change, and artificial intelligence have become deeply interconnected. In such a rapidly changing world, you are preparing to become the diplomats, public officials, international civil servants, researchers, and academics who will contribute to shaping the future.

For this reason, I encourage you to view your university years as much more than a period of completing courses and earning a degree. Stay curious. Ask questions. Read extensively. Conduct research. Challenge assumptions. Be willing to understand perspectives different from your own. One of the defining qualities of an outstanding international relations professional is the ability to analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives rather than relying on a single viewpoint.

Our mission extends well beyond awarding degrees. We aim to educate graduates who think analytically, approach problems critically, communicate effectively in foreign languages, uphold the highest standards of academic integrity, and are capable of interpreting both national and international developments with confidence and responsibility.

To support these objectives, we will continue to enrich your academic experience through seminars, conferences, workshops, student initiatives, simulation exercises, and research projects alongside our regular curriculum. University life is not only about acquiring knowledge; it is also a unique opportunity to develop your character, broaden your perspective, and strengthen your leadership skills. We encourage you to make the most of every opportunity this journey offers.

My door will always be open to you. Your ideas, suggestions, and constructive feedback are invaluable to the continued growth of our department. A successful academic community is built not only by its faculty members but also by students who are intellectually curious, actively engaged, and willing to take responsibility.

I firmly believe that each of you has the potential to become a graduate who continually strives for excellence, follows global developments with an open mind, and contributes meaningfully to both your country and the international community.

I wish you a successful, rewarding, and inspiring academic year. May your time in our department be filled with intellectual growth, lasting friendships, and achievements that will shape both your career and your future.