H.E. Justin McKenzie Smith, British Ambassador to Hungary, paid a visit to the Faculty of Social Sciences at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE TáTK) on March 26, 2026.
The Ambassador—joined by Second Secretary Leslie Hayler—was welcomed by Zoltán Gábor Szűcs-Zágoni, Vice-Dean of the Faculty, Krisztina Mosdóczy, Head of the Dean’s Office, and Andrew Ryder, Director of the Institute of Political and International Studies. The meeting reviewed the Faculty’s academic programs and internationally recognized research activities, while also highlighting its diverse international student community. The parties discussed opportunities for future collaboration, particularly joint research projects and academic conferences supported through Hungarian–British partnerships.
As part of the visit, the delegation viewed a traveling exhibition hosted at the Faculty and linked to the institute founded by British primatologist Jane Goodall. The display follows the life cycle of smart devices—from raw-material extraction to recycling—and highlights mindful, responsible device use as a practical way to reduce environmental impact.
The program continued with an informal discussion with students, moderated by Byanca Szabó Peredo, an International Relations student at ELTE TáTK. Student participants represented several active university organizations, including the IR Society, the Culture Club, and the HEAD ELTE community.
At the beginning of the conversation, Ambassador Justin McKenzie Smith greeted the audience in Hungarian—prompting a question central to diplomatic work: what level of language preparation is needed for a career in diplomacy, and how many languages does a diplomat actually use? The Ambassador responded by drawing on his own experience, noting that he has studied multiple languages over the course of his career, including Russian and Georgian. He added that prior to his assignment in Budapest, he pursued Hungarian language preparation and continues to use the language in everyday interactions.
Ambassador Justin McKenzie Smith emphasized that while diplomatic work is shaped by local context, its core functions remain consistent across postings. Embassies, he noted, support their citizens abroad and represent the interests of their governments in host countries. In the case of Hungary and the United Kingdom, shared NATO membership and strong European ties provide a solid foundation, contributing to the stability of bilateral relations across successive governments.
The Ambassador added that diplomatic engagement spans a wide range of areas, from foreign policy and economic issues to operational cooperation, including efforts to address transnational organized crime. He also highlighted the role of cultural connections, or “soft power,” which often help initiate and sustain formal dialogue.
Addressing students, he underscored the importance of openness to different cultures, identifying flexibility and adaptability as essential skills for diplomats. Student questions touched on Russia’s relations with Central Asia, post‑Brexit UK–EU relations, migration, and the challenges of maintaining cooperation during periods of political tension. In such situations, the Ambassador noted, the priority is to understand the host country’s position and convey it accurately to the home government, while continuing to invest in dialogue.
Ambassador Justin McKenzie Smith’s engagement builds on recent precedent: it came one year after former Ambassador Paul Fox’s visit to ELTE, underscoring the ongoing dialogue and exchange between the Faculty and the British Embassy in Budapest.
Occasions like this let students engage with foreign policy and diplomacy beyond theory, asking their questions directly of a practicing diplomat. Firsthand dialogue, real-world dilemmas, and nuanced answers bring international relations to life and sharpen students’ critical thinking, their ability to see connections, and their grasp of global processes.