On Thursday, 22 October 2026, Dr. h. c. Prof. Slávka Tomaščíková., the Vice-Rector for International Relations, received Klára Novotná, Ambassador Emerita of the Slovak Republic, in the Šafárik Chamber at the UPJŠ Rectorate. The distinguished Slovak diplomat, whose senior diplomatic appointments included serving as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden (1994–1998), visited the university for a discussion entitled Global Challenges – Local Responses.
Organised by the Department of Political Science at the Faculty of Arts, UPJŠ under the auspices of the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Renáta Panocová, the event took place in the Historic Auditorium of the UPJŠ Rectorate at 10 a.m. primarily for university students.
Vice-Rector Slávka Tomaščíková and Ambassador Emerita Klára Novotná discussed current trends in international relations and the challenges facing contemporary societies. “We are deeply honoured to have welcomed a diplomat of Ambassador Novotná’s standing to our university. Her extensive experience in diplomacy offers invaluable insights for our students. Bringing together theoretical knowledge and practical experience in international politics and diplomacy helps students better understand complex global processes and develop their critical thinking skills,” said Vice-Rector Professor Tomaščíková.
The discussion explored how major changes in the international environment affect countries, societies and local communities. Drawing on her diplomatic experience, Ambassador Novotná offered students insights into the importance of multilateral cooperation and current challenges in security, sustainable development and responses to global crises.
The original Slovak version of the article is available on the university website:
https://www.upjs.sk/aktuality/upjs-privitala-emeritnu-velvyslankynu-klaru-novotnu/
Translation: Natália Rubeljová
