Hello Reader

Too early for a year wrap but conflict resolution and third-party mediated settlements have been on an interesting trajectory this year. You could call these as giving a semblance of peace but diplomatic breakthroughs? Not quite so.

Take Thailand-Cambodia and Pakistan-Afghanistan for example. Confrontation erupts, a third country rushes to urge restraint, word "ceasefire" floats around, and well, some peace and some ease. But fighting erupts again.

Now take bigger conflicts and wars. The year could not bring any breakthrough for ending the Ukraine war. A stakeholder in Sudan quickly dismissed US-proposed plan. And Gaza?...

In between, there is the crucial work - saving what you can and who you can. It takes years and decades for fighting to end but people who are not pulling the triggers must be saved.

Here’s your weekly roundup of the week’s most important stories, news, and articles from The Diplomatic Insight.

DiploTV x Explore Yunnan, Discover South Asia Within the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, witness the extraordinary spectacle of the Jinsha, Lancang, and Nujiang rivers—flowing side by side, yet never merging. Follow our Overseas Experience Officers as they explore Yunnan’s World Heritage Sites—where nature and culture intertwine, and where the beauty of Yunnan converges with the spirit of South Asia. Come, let’s Explore Yunnan, Discover South Asia! ​

​Why Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes Keep Resurfacing?​ Andrew Elnathan, a contributor from Indonesia, unpacks the discord that seemingly is about a temple both sides claim. Andrew sketches how each country's internal politics and regime security/insecurity keeps the dispute alive.

​The Urgent Need for South Asian Countries to Work Together as Climate Migration Surges​ "There is something no one says out loud. Most South Asian governments don’t actually know how many people have been displaced by climate impacts inside their own borders," writes Maryam Latif as she argues how governments in this part of Asia are turning eyes away in the face of a rising challenge.

​The Multiplying Atrocities in Sudan and Remembering the Victims of Genocide​ For December 9 - The International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime, Tayyaba Arif takes us to Sudan, where atrocities pile up, massacres happen right as you sip your cup of coffee.

​How Cultural Diplomacy Can Reduce Mistrust in a Multipolar World​ "In contrast to traditional diplomacy, which negotiates interests, cultural diplomacy fosters understanding, which is strategically essential in a world divided by mistrust," writes Hafsa Nawaz.

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6th International Young Diplomat School comes to a close Organized by Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies, the 6th IYDS program officially concluded. With 16 young and engaged participants, the cohort visited 13 embassies, high commissions, and offices of International organizations, meeting with diplomats and learning diplomacy in practice.

Pakistan-Focus

• ​Riyadh Rolls Over $3bn Deposit, Boosting Pakistan’s Reserves​

Pakistan-Saudi cooperation has been a story of unending little steps that make the bilateral relations qualify as a "special relationship".

• ​Emirati Culture Celebrated at Karachi’s World Culture Festival​

The Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi hosted the World Culture Festival, a vibrant celebration coinciding with the UAE’s 54th National Day Eid Al Etihad.

• ​Stronger Thailand Pakistan Cooperation Emphasized at National Day Reception​

Bilateral relations between Thailand and Pakistan have significantly strengthened in the past year. Here's a DiploTV explainer about the relationship.

• ​US Chargé d’Affaires Inaugurates New USEFP Building​

Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker joined Pakistan's Education Minister, Wajiha Qamar, in inaugurating a new purpose-built building of the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan

• ​Pakistan, Indonesia Sign Seven MoUs to Deepen Cooperation​

Indonesian President Prabowo's two-day visit to Pakistan helped meet several KPIs for bilateral ties.

• ​Swedish Embassy Hosts Lucia Day Reception​

Rooted in over 400 years of history, the Lucia tradition holds a special place in Swedish hearts and culture as it celebrates the arrival of light in the darkest time of the year.

• ​Women Reporters in Pakistan Drop to 4% in 2025, Study Finds​

The environment for journalism in Pakistan has become specially harder for women this year, and the stats show

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