MIRD Graduation – Class of 2025: ‘More than a degree’
A day full of celebration, gratitude and even a few tears: that was the 2025 graduation of the two-year Advanced MSc International Relations and Diplomacy (MIRD) programme.
On Monday 7 July, 65 graduates of the MIRD programme gathered at Wijnhaven in The Hague to receive their diplomas. Earlier that day, they visited the historic ‘Sweat Room’ in Leiden, where it is tradition for graduates to sign their names on the wall. By doing so, they became part of a longstanding tradition shared by generations of Leiden University alumni, including many distinguished figures, such as Sir Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela.
With guests traveling to The Hague from all over the world as well as following along via the online livestream, the atmosphere in the ceremony room was filled with anticipation, pride, and joy.
Professor Madeleine Hosli welcomes a room full of family and loved ones of the graduates. Signing the name in the Sweat Room is the moment when it truly sinks in for students that they have earned a prestigious Masters of Science degree. Professor Hosli emphasises that students studied for this degree in a time of large power rivalries, conflicts and wars. Many of the issues studied and analysed in this programme were linked to such challenges. Prof. Hosli encourages the graduates to continue using the knowledge and skills they have acquired to make their own (small) contributions to a more peaceful and stable world.
Professor Hosli continues on to highlight the value for students of having studied in The Hague, the International City of Peace and Justice. In addition, she congratulates students and thanks the MIRD team for the support in the organisation of this event:
‘What a festive moment it was once again today! It was a pleasure to see so many of our talented and engaged MIRD students graduate. A big thank you as well to the valued members of the programme team, who helped make today’s event a success!’
MIRD as Social Capital
Dr. Jaroslaw Kantorowicz, Deputy Director of the programme, continued with a brief congratulatory speech. Dr. Kantorowicz reflected on how Robert Putnam’s theory of social capital, the idea that relationships and networks profoundly shape our lives, made him think of the MIRD students.
Over the past two years, you’ve done more than complete your studies,’ he said. ‘You’ve built a network, formed friendships, shared challenges and late study evenings. All these connections between people from very different backgrounds are the true essence of social capital. Keep nurturing them, and you will continue to grow. I think Robert Putnam would be impressed!’
Dr. Kantorowicz also shared how conversations with colleagues confirmed the academic quality and ambition of this year’s graduates. ‘Dear students, without any further ado, let me congratulate you. We are extremely proud as a programme, and we look forward to seeing where life will take you.’
Gratitude
After the speeches, each graduate was invited to the stage to receive their diploma and reflect with a short pitch. Many of them used the opportunity to express their gratitude, some people even with tears in their eyes. The structure of the programme, the team behind it, family and friends, and the opportunities for exciting internships were all thanked.
In a touching moment, the board members of IRSA, the study association for MIRD, thanked the program and their fellow students for their collaboration, passion, friendship, and acceptance. Diego Salomão Takahashi, president of IRSA, expressed gratitude to the faculty members and programme staff for their dedication to the students. He also acknowledged an underlying theme: hope for a better world and the students’ integral role in making it a reality.
Additionally, in a surprise moment of appreciation, Diego, on behalf of the MIRD Class of 2025, presented Dr. Arash Pourebrahimi and Ms. Ragnhild Drange, Study Coordinator, with personal letters and flowers. Remarking on their dedication to the students through both academic and emotional support, Diego highlighted their commitment to the MIRD programme and their invaluable encouragement over the past two years.
Halfway through the ceremony, words of congratulations from the faculty were delivered. Part of the students’ learning experience is the program’s close cooperation with the Netherlands Institute of International Relations, Clingendael. Dr. Maaike Okano-Heijmans, Senior Research Fellow and Partner Programme Liaison at Clingendael, congratulated the students on reaching this challenging milestone. She emphasised the hope that students would take the practical skills they learned throughout the programme and apply them to their future work, and how she is positive that the students will leave the world a better place than they found it.
Professor Jan Melissen, Chair of the Board of Examiners, also congratulated the students, thanked the families for their unwavering support, and discussed the students’ academic and personal development over the past two years. Remarking on the students’ original ideas and insights throughout the programme, Professor Melissen noted how this originality and creativity in their roughest and purest forms are not only the foundation for solving current challenges but are also integral to propelling the field of international relations and diplomacy into the future.
Hat ceremony
After closing remarks by Professor Hosli, the graduation ceremony concluded with a traditional hat ceremony, symbolizing the students' completion of their academic degree. Students moved the tassel on the graduation caps from their right side to their left side, signifying that their academic journey was now behind them. The students then tossed their graduation caps into the air, marking a new beginning.
In a final moment of camaraderie and family, graduated students, guests, faculty, and staff spent the last hours of the afternoon mingling and reminiscing about their time in MIRD at a reception held at the Spanish Court. Hugs of friendship and gratitude were exchanged, well-wishes shared, and goodbyes said. The day ended on the same note that it started: hopeful for a bright future and a better world.
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Hat ceremony -
President of the International Relations Study Association, Mr. Diego Salomão Takahashi, delivering the speech to the Class of 2025 and special thank you to the MIRD Programme Team and MIRD Faculty -
International Relations Study Association Board Members, Student Programme Ambassadors with Dr. Arash Pourebrahimi and Ms. Ragnhild Drange -
Students in anticipation of the graduation ceremony -
International Relations Study Association Board Members and Student Programme Ambassadors -
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Festive celebration at the Spanish Court
MSc International Relations and Diplomacy
The two-year Advanced MSc International Relations and Diplomacy (MIRD) programme offers students a unique blend of academic education in international relations and political science with practical graduate education and training in international negotiation and diplomacy. Students attend a wide range of courses, develop their analytical and research skills, take on an internship, write their master’s thesis, and build network with experts in relevant fields. Upon graduation students are prepared to take on positions in international organisations, politics, and diplomacy; or for PhD research.