Following a reception on June 23 celebrating the UN International Day for Women in Diplomacy, Dr. Christine Warnke shared her thoughts with Diplomatic Watch. As a Board Member and DC State Representative of Sister Cities International, Dr. Warnke played a key role in hosting the event.
“Today we honored two women diplomats,” Dr. Warnke began. “This day resonates deeply with me because I’ve lived as a diplomat for most of my life.” She elaborated on her diverse background, mentioning her European mother and her childhood in Latin America before settling in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Warnke’s multicultural experiences have shaped her worldview. “Growing up around different cultures and people from various places has enriched my life immensely,” she explained. “It’s given me a unique ability to adapt and feel at home in countries across the globe.” She cited her travels to Senegal as an example, where she felt an immediate connection despite cultural differences.
This global perspective drives Dr. Warnke’s current mission. She’s committed to introducing young people to diverse cultures and building international understanding. “I want to bring young women and men into a space where they can learn about each other’s cultures,” she said.
Dr. Warnke sees Sister Cities International as a powerful tool for achieving this goal. The organization facilitates cultural exchanges and builds relationships between cities worldwide. “When you connect with someone from another country, visit their home, and share your aspirations, you create a lasting bond,” she explained. “These personal connections are the foundation of global unity.”
She described how these exchanges work in practice. Participants often stay with host families, attend local schools, or engage in community projects. This immersion allows them to experience daily life in another culture firsthand.
Dr. Warnke also touched on the challenges of cultural exchange in the digital age. While technology has made global communication easier, she believes in-person experiences remain crucial. “There’s no substitute for actually walking the streets of a foreign city or sharing a meal with a local family,” she said.
Looking to the future, Dr. Warnke expressed optimism about the role of diplomacy in addressing global challenges. “We face issues that transcend borders – climate change, economic inequality, public health crises,” she noted. “Solving these problems requires a united world, and that unity starts with people-to-people connections.”
As the interview concluded, Dr. Warnke reiterated her belief in the power of cultural exchange. “Every time we build a bridge between cultures, we move closer to a more peaceful and understanding world,” she said. “That’s the true essence of diplomacy.”
Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA), led by Alexandria J. Maloney, hailed the Sister Cities International reception in honor of the UN International Day for Women in Diplomacy. @BPIAtweets @CaroleFeld @RobieKakonge_ @MFA_Ukraine @OMarkarova @JanDuPlain… pic.twitter.com/E7CJvBW2Zs
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) June 29, 2024
Every time we build a bridge between cultures, we move closer to a more peaceful and understanding world. That's the true essence of diplomacy, says Dr. Christine Warnke during a brief chat with Diplomatic Watch at the Sister Cities International Reception in Washington D.C.… pic.twitter.com/ObwbXWxTXw
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) June 29, 2024
