Balbala Makulbek Conducted an Open Seminar on “Diplomatic Protocol and Etiquette”

On October 16, 2026, Balbala Makulbek, a second-year master’s student at the Faculty of International Relations of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, conducted an open seminar on “Flag Protocol” within the course “Diplomatic Protocol and Etiquette.” The seminar was attended by students of Group B140-3102-24-05 enrolled in the educational programme “6B03102 – International Relations.” The academic supervisor is Gulsum Kenzhalina, PhD, Acting Associate Professor and Head of the Department of International Relations at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University.

The objective of the seminar was to develop students’ comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of flag protocol, the order of national flag display, and the legal and political dimensions of applying protocol rules in international diplomatic practice. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening students’ abilities to analyse international legal instruments, apply protocol regulations to practical situations, understand the principle of sovereign equality, and make professionally justified decisions when addressing diplomatic disagreements.

During the seminar, students examined the role of flag protocol in international relations, the diplomatic significance of national symbols, and the principles governing flag arrangements at official events and within international organisations. Special attention was devoted to Article 20 of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the United Nations Flag Code (ST/SGB/2020/4), the principle of sovereign equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, and United Nations General Assembly Resolution 69/320 (2015). These instruments provided a foundation for discussing the legal, political, and symbolic dimensions of flag protocol.

The seminar incorporated case-based analysis, teamwork, interactive discussions, question-and-answer activities, diplomatic simulation, and knowledge assessment. Students explored the relationship between flag protocol, international law, political status, and diplomatic recognition. In particular, United Nations General Assembly Resolution 69/320 served as a case study for distinguishing the display of flags of non-member observer States at the United Nations from recognition by individual states. The final stage of the seminar included an interactive ten-question quiz designed to consolidate and assess students’ knowledge.

As a result of the seminar, students strengthened their understanding of flag protocol, the international use of national symbols, the legal foundations of diplomatic ceremonies, and professional approaches to resolving protocol-related disputes. The interactive and practice-oriented format contributed to the development of critical thinking, international legal analysis, teamwork, professional communication, and diplomatic decision-making skills. The open seminar provided an opportunity to connect theoretical knowledge with practical challenges encountered in contemporary diplomatic practice.