Business Diplomat: Tomorrow’s Leaders

Public spending is usually judged by quick, visible results. Evelin Hornyák, Interim Head of Office and Advisor to a Member of the European Parliament, closes her answer on international experience by asking for a different time frame. In this part of its interview series, Business Diplomat presents her case for the long-term benefit.

Long-term benefits and lasting networks

First observation: the long-term benefit
The assessment begins:
“There’s also a long-term benefit. People who get this experience now can become the diplomats, policymakers, business leaders, journalists, and civil society leaders of the future.”
The list is broad. It includes not only diplomats and policymakers but also business leaders, journalists and civil society leaders. The investment does not produce one profession; it shapes the people who will hold influence across society. The words “get this experience now” make the point about timing: the benefit is in the future, but the decision must be made today.

Second observation: networks that last
Hornyák continues:
“They keep their networks and knowledge throughout their careers, and those connections can help the whole country.”
Two things last: networks and knowledge. And the benefit is attributed to the whole country, not only to the individual. A contact made at twenty-five may open a door when the person is fifty. The country gains from the accumulation.

An investment, not a privilege

Third observation: an investment, not a privilege
The conclusion of the assessment is direct:
“The best approach is to treat international experience as an investment, not just a benefit for a select few.”
The contrast is between investment and benefit. A benefit goes to a person; an investment is expected to produce a return for the one who pays. And the words “for a select few” return to the access question: if only a few receive the experience, the country’s return is limited.

Honesty about measurement

Fourth observation: honesty about measurement
“The results might not show up right away or be easy to measure. Still, a country with a generation of people who can work confidently across borders is better prepared to represent its interests and build strong international partnerships.”
The first sentence concedes a real weakness of the argument: the results are hard to measure. The second sentence offers the answer. The objective is a generation that can work confidently across borders, and such a generation is better prepared to represent its country’s interests and build partnerships.

The logic of the assessment
The case proceeds in four steps: the beneficiaries become leaders in every sector; their networks and knowledge last for a career; the policy should be seen as investment, not privilege; and measurement is difficult, but the aim is clear.

The role of Business Diplomat

The role of Business Diplomat
The platform’s mission is to give young people experience, bring a diplomatic order to the business world, and benefit states by revitalising the economy. Hornyák’s list of future diplomats, business leaders, journalists and civil society leaders matches the range of young people the platform brings together. Business Diplomat can help them keep the networks that she says will last a career.

Conclusion
International experience is an investment in future leaders across every sector. Their networks and knowledge last, and their country benefits. The results are hard to measure, but a generation able to work confidently across borders is better prepared to represent its interests. Business Diplomat aims to help build such a generation.