The Leadership Workshop at the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences on 3 March was opened by Vice-Dean for International Affairs, Ing. Petra Chaloupková, Ph.D., dr. h. c., who welcomed the honourable keynote speakers and participants. She recognized the Student Ambassadors and thanked the main organizer of the event, Mataa Ndau Awuah, together with her team, for their dedication and efforts in preparing the workshop and for their continued commitment to the faculty.
The workshop attracted strong interest, bringing together more than 40 participants.
The workshop featured two keynote speakers. H.E. Theresa Adjei-Mensah, Ambassador of Ghana, spoke on “The Diplomat as Cultural Bridge-Builder,” emphasizing that leadership begins with profound respect for the dignity of every individual. In this context, she also highlighted the importance of multicultural leadership and diplomacy, stressing cultural intelligence as one of the key pillars of effective multicultural leadership. Drawing on her diplomatic career, she shared inspiring insights into global leadership and reflected on her journey as a woman in high-level diplomacy.
Another keynote speaker, Dr. Jiban Kumar, Director of the Czech Agrifood Research Center, spoke about the importance of mindset, discipline, and vision in leadership. Reflecting on his journey from academic studies to leading a research institute, he encouraged students not to wait for the perfect moment to begin. As he emphasized, “Do not wait until you feel ready. Leadership begins exactly where you are today.” He also highlighted that, as students of agriculture, their future work may have a significant impact on global food security.
Students were highly engaged, asking many thoughtful questions, and the discussion continued even after the official program ended as the speakers stayed for further conversations and networking.
We look forward to more inspiring events organized by the Student Ambassadors in the future.
