On April 8, 2025, the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) hosted a special lecture featuring H.E. Jacques Flies, Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to the Republic of Korea. Titled “From Luxembourg to Seoul: A Diplomatic Journey & Luxembourg-Korea Relations,” the event offered students, staff, and faculty an in-depth look at the evolving landscape of international diplomacy through the lens of Ambassador Flies’ extensive career.

 

Ambassador Flies currently serves as Luxembourg’s top envoy to Korea and has held several high-ranking positions in diplomacy and government, including Secretary General of the Government of Luxembourg, Deputy Director for Defense, Counselor and Political Coordinator at the Permanent Mission of Luxembourg to the United Nations, and Head of the Development Cooperation Office at the Embassy of Luxembourg in Senegal.

 

During the lecture, Ambassador Flies explored Luxembourg’s role in the international community, its strategic diplomatic posture as a small state within the European Union, and its growing bilateral cooperation with South Korea. Drawing on his field experience, he emphasized the importance of multilateral diplomacy, trust-building, and continued dialogue in today’s complex global environment.

 

“Diplomacy goes beyond state-to-state relations — it’s about connecting people, cultures, and building trust,” said Ambassador Flies. “It’s a pleasure to share Luxembourg’s experience, especially as our relationship with Korea continues to grow stronger.”

 

Gregory Hill, Chief Administrative Officer of the University of Utah Asia Campus, commented, “It’s a rare and valuable opportunity for our students to hear directly from a diplomat working at the forefront of global affairs. The Utah Asia Campus remains committed to expanding students’ international perspectives through firsthand engagement with global leaders.”

 

Minseok Lee, a student in the Information Systems program, shared his impression: “Even though I wasn’t very familiar with diplomacy, the lecture was incredibly eye-opening. Hearing how countries build trust and cooperation through dialogue helped me view international relations from a completely new perspective.”