The first-ever Diversity in International Affairs Mini-Conference at Washington University aimed to address the barriers underrepresented groups face in international affairs and U.S. foreign policy on Thursday and Friday through a series of events.

The event, organized by Amy Heath-Carpentier, the assistant director of pre-graduate school and career development, and Brennan Kaiser, was an interdisciplinary effort, organized by groups including multiple departments and programs, the Career Center and the office of the provost.

Through panels, roundtable discussions and small group work, the conference allowed students to address concerns about diversity and underrepresentation in the world of international affairs and to help students break into the field.

The conference began with an academic panel on Thursday afternoon during which four panelists spoke about their experience in the field of international affairs.

One panelist, Ambassador Richard E. Hoagland, an openly gay man who recently retired from the U.S. Department of State, also gave a keynote lecture titled “U.S. Policy? Gay Rights are Human Rights,” in which he spoke about his knowledge about gay rights in U.S. foreign policy.

Hoagland, who spent most of his career in south and central Asian, European and Russian foreign affairs, concentrated on the current climate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals in international affairs. He emphasized that although incredible progress has been made throughout the years, it was still far from enough.

“In too many places, LGBT persons are still punished for simply exercising their fundamental rights and freedoms. With about 80 countries worldwide criminalizing homosexuality, LGBT persons around the world remain vulnerable to harassment, discrimination and violence,” Hoagland said. “We should maintain enough humility to remember that we are terribly new at promoting LGBT human rights as U.S. foreign policy.”

Hoagland also shared some of his personal experiences as a gay man working in international affairs, mentioning times when he was treated unequally because of his sexual orientation. He said, however, that he always stood up against discriminations and fought for his rights.

Referencing Hoagland’s speech, senior Annie Magovern said that she really enjoyed hearing about the evolution of the LGBT community.

“I thought it’s really interesting that he said that there have always been other LGBT groups, but it’s been more institutionalized,” Magovern said.

Six panelists spoke about their involvement in foreign affairs during Friday’s Careers in Foreign Affairs panel.

Speaking of the difficulties they encountered during work, panelists touched on issues of gender, race, occupation and nationality. Throughout the event, panelists continuously referenced the importance of understanding different cultural norms and fostering self-respect.

After attending the panel, sophomore Mattie Gottbrath said that the panelists’ honesty and encouraging remarks broadened her horizons.

“I’ve always been interested in foreign affairs. That [panel] was very insightful, having the different perspectives,” Gottbrath said.

After the panel, students had a chance to talk with panelists directly and asked questions related to their specific careers during an informal lunch hour.

The mini-conference ended with an International Relations Round Table with Ambassador Hoagland, in which he again shared his personal and work experience in the field of foreign affairs, this time focusing more on his work in central Asian affairs and the emergence of the new Silk Road.