Society of International Security (SIS)

Yesterday, a group of students from the Society of International Security (SIS) of Diplomatische Akademie Wien had the privilege of visiting Botschaft der Schweiz in Österreich for an insightful discussion on Switzerland’s neutrality and foreign policy. H.E. Ambassador Salome Meyer delivered a thought-provoking presentation on Swiss neutrality, exploring its historical roots and its continued relevance in today’s geopolitical landscape. She highlighted how neutrality remains a strategic asset, reinforced through defence capability, solidarity, and added value in global affairs. This was followed by an in-depth briefing from Counsellor Jonas Baumann, who provided valuable insights into Switzerland’s foreign policy strategy and its approach to international relations. The visit concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, where students engaged in meaningful discussions with the experts, exchanging perspectives on key global security challenges. Beyond the academic and professional enrichment, the warm hospitality of the Swiss Embassy—including refreshments and further conversations—made this experience truly memorable. We extend our sincere gratitude to Ambassador Meyer, Counsellor Baumann, and the entire team at the Swiss Embassy for their time, expertise, and generous reception. Opportunities like these are invaluable for aspiring diplomats, fostering a deeper understanding of international affairs and diplomacy in practice. #Diplomacy #ForeignPolicy #SwissEmbassy #InternationalRelations #SwissNeutrality #DiplomaticAcademy #GlobalAffairs #InternationalSecurity #ForeignPolicy #ForeignPolicyStrategy #botschaftschweizwien

🌍✨ Our Exclusive Visit to OPEC Headquarters! ✨🌍 Yesterday, the Student International Security Society of Diplomatische Akademie Wien had the incredible opportunity to visit the heart of global energy diplomacy: OPEC Headquarters in Vienna! The visit offered a fascinating insight into OPEC’s organisational structure, its rich history, and its alignment with the UN Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals. Led by the amazing Public Relations Coordinator, Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, we explored the critical role OPEC plays in shaping global energy policies and learned about its collaboration with organizations like @OPEC+ and The OPEC Fund for International Development. We had the unique opportunity to engage in a thought-provoking presentation and Q&A session that deepened our understanding of OPEC’s influence in the global economy. We’ve stepped inside the Main Conference Room, where pivotal general assembly meetings take place—an awe-inspiring experience!

We had the honour of visiting the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See for an insightful discussion with Monsignor Richard Allen Gyhra, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN and OSCE in Vienna. 🇻🇦🇺🇳 The conversation delved into the Holy See’s role in multilateral diplomacy and its humanitarian efforts, offering a unique perspective on its global contributions. A huge thank you to Monsignor Allen Gyhra for his time and valuable insights, and to everyone who joined us for this enriching experience! Special appreciation to our colleague Damian Slobbe⁩ for his collaboration in making this visit possible. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking events as we continue to explore the world of international security and diplomacy! 🌍🤝 #HolySee #VaticanDiplomacy #MultilateralRelations #HumanitarianEfforts #InternationalSecurity #GlobalAffairs

A big thank you to Vladimir Petchkovsky for hosting an incredible workshop on “The Art of Writing an Intelligence Report” for the Society of International Security (SIS) at the Diplomatische Akademie Wien! 👏 From practical insights to expert tips, students gained valuable skills in intelligence analysis and report writing. ✍ A special shoutout to everyone who attended and made this event such a success! Stay tuned for more exciting opportunities to learn and grow. 😊 #DiplomaticAcademy #IntelligenceAnalysis #SecurityStudies #diplomats #intelligence #workshop #studentsleadingstudents

An inspiring and enriching experience at the OSCE secretariat! 🌍 As Master’s students in international relations at the Diplomatic Academy, we had the incredible opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the vital work of the Gender Team, at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The discussions centred on their impactful missions, particularly in promoting gender equality and fostering inclusivity and security efforts. This visit not only deepened our understanding of international cooperation but also sparked meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities in achieving equality on a global scale. A big thank you to the OSCE Gender team for their time, knowledge, and commitment to building a more secure and equitable world! Special thanks to Beatrice Baccarini for the warm welcome and for facilitating the visit! #OSCEVisit #InternationalRelations #GenderEquality #GlobalCooperation #FutureLeaders #MastersJourney

📣An inspiring day at the Hungarian Embassy in Vienna!📣 Students from Diplomatische Akademie Wien, under the organisation of the Society for International Security, had the unique opportunity to visit the Hungarian embassy and gain insight into the Hungarian foreign policy.  The students were warmly welcomed by H.E. Madame Ambassador Szilágyiné Bátorfi, who delivered opening remarks to set the tone for an engaging visit. The highlight was a compelling presentation by Dr. Bence Bauer, Director of the German-Hungarian Institute for European Cooperation, shedding light on Hungary’s foreign policy and its dynamic role as the current president of the Council of the EU. The visit wrapped up with a lively Q&A session and a taste of Hungarian hospitality, complete with delicious traditional pastries and refreshments. A memorable experience blending diplomacy, insight, and culture! #diplomacymatters #DiplomatischeAkademieWien

🇦🇺🦘🇦🇹 Yesterday, the Society of International Security (SIS) had the unique opportunity to visit the Australian Embassy in Vienna, gaining invaluable insights into Australia’s bilateral and multilateral relations with Central and Eastern European nations. The in-depth discussions highlighted Australia’s strategic partnerships and diplomatic engagements in the region, offering our members a profound perspective on Australia's strategic role in the CEE region. The discussion was led by Brittany Clarke, First Secretary of the Australian Embassy to Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia who also offered the students a first-hand perspective on what a career in the diplomatic service entails. A huge thank you to the Embassy team for this enlightening experience! 🇦🇺🦘🇦🇹🦘🇦🇺🦘🇦🇹🦘🇦🇺🦘🇦🇹🦘🇦🇺 #diplomaticacademy #sis #australia #austria #international #partnership #globalaffairs #embassy #australianembassy

Last but not least we are presenting you our Vice-President Wendt Lukas von Reichenbach von Thüngen! My name is Lukas and I’m an ETIA 2 student at the DA / TU Vienna. My personal focus during my undergrad and my first career steps in the world of international politics were focused on security politics. The fascinating aspect of security politics is, that it includes and covers almost all aspects of politics: from food security over critical resources to the classic military dimension. During my job at the Munich Security Conference but also in all my ETIA classes, this interdisciplinary aspect played and plays a crucial role. Security is not a singularity in politics, security politics consists of hard facts AND soft emotions, of perceptions and the will to do the right thing. I hope that we as the DA`s “security society” will be able to provide a platform to discuss and enlighten this interdisciplinarity at our small, yet international university!

It is now time to present to you our Treasurer Sergei Valenzuela: Hello everyone, my name is Sergei Valenzuela I’m from the US, where attained a bachelors of science in IR and economics. I joined the security society to be more engaged in the DA studentry by helping my team organize events that will enhance the DA Experience.

Today, we are presenting you our Secretary - Beatrice Minetti. See below what she shared about herself 😊. Hello everyone! I’m Beatrice Minetti, a second-year MAIS student from Milan, Italy, where I completed my undergraduate degree in International Relations. My passion for IR led me to continue my studies at the Diplomatic Academy, where I’m also excited to get involved in student-led initiatives. That’s why I joined the team at SIS, a society dedicated to fostering students’ interest in international security and global issues. I’m looking forward to participating in thought-provoking events and discussions on topics that shape our daily lives and future!