Niagara College Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film (BRTF) student Peter Almounauar represented NC on the global stage this summer as a participant in the 2026 Young Diplomats Forum (YDF) in Beijing, China.
Almounauar, who serves as Director of Media on the 2026-27 Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC) Board of Directors and as the 2026-27 Student Governor on NC’s Board of Governors, was the only Canadian college student in Canada selected to participate in the forum.
Held from August 24 to 28, the Young Diplomats Forum brought together more than 40 university students, recent graduates and young leaders from around the world for an immersive program focused on diplomacy, international relations, policy, technology and global collaboration.
“Being the only college student among a group of 40-plus people, which was largely made up of university students and recent graduates or professionals, made the experience meaningful,” said Almounauar. “I was proud to represent Niagara College and bring a Canadian perspective, as well as a college student perspective, to the discussions and conversations.”
Learning through a global lens
As a BRTF student, Almounauar entered the forum with a different academic background than many of his fellow participants, whose studies and careers were more directly connected to international affairs, government, law, economics and diplomacy.
For Almounauar, that difference became an opportunity to step outside his comfort zone, contribute a unique perspective and discover connections between his own studies and international affairs.
Throughout the week, participants met with diplomats, government officials, academics, industry professionals and other young leaders. Almounauar said speaking directly with professionals working in diplomacy gave him a new understanding of international relations and the different perspectives countries bring to complex global issues.
Among the program highlights was a visit to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where participants learned about the country’s approach to foreign policy and international relations.
“I learned that diplomacy is not only about governments and officials,” said Almounauar. “It is also about people, relationships, friendship, development, communication and understanding different perspectives and opinions.”
Exploring technology and global policy
Technology and artificial intelligence were also key areas of discussion during the forum. A session at ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, explored the influence technology can have on communication, society and international affairs.
With his background in broadcasting, Almounauar found the discussions relevant to his studies and future career.
“Technology and communication are already a major part of my field and study,” he said. “Seeing this information from an international perspective helped me understand how technology is not only a tool for media, but can also influence international relationships, economics and policy.”
Almounauar also worked with an international team to research, develop and present a policy proposal titled A Unified Framework for Cross-Border Data Protection. The project explored the challenges created by the lack of a consistent global approach to data protection and cross-border data flows and proposed a principles-based international framework.
Working alongside participants from different countries challenged the group to bring together different experiences and approaches to problem-solving.
“That was also what made the project valuable,” said Almounauar. “We were able to bring our different perspectives together and create something that we were proud to present and share.”
Building confidence and global connections
Beyond the formal sessions, Almounauar said some of the most meaningful aspects of the experience came from the relationships he formed with fellow participants.
A visit to the Great Wall of China offered an opportunity for participants to experience the country’s culture together and strengthen connections developed throughout the week. Almounauar said many of the friendships have continued beyond the forum, with participants staying in touch, sharing advice and making plans to reconnect.
“Experiences like this helped turn a group of people from different countries into a community strangers into family,” he said.
The experience also strengthened Almounauar’s confidence in public speaking, presenting, asking questions and communicating with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
He credits his experiences at NC with helping prepare him for the opportunity. His previous studies in the Customs and Border Services program provided knowledge relevant to international affairs, while his Broadcasting studies have strengthened his communication, storytelling and creative skills. His involvement in student leadership with NCSAC has also helped build the confidence to represent NC beyond the College.
Almounauar expressed his gratitude to Niagara College, Be World Ready and NCSAC for supporting his participation in the forum and helping create opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom.
“The Young Diplomats Forum, Be World Ready, NCSAC and NC showed me the value of taking a chance on an opportunity outside of my field that can help me grow,” he said. “I hope I can bring what I learned from Beijing back to NC and encourage other students to take advantage of opportunities both inside and outside Canada.”
His advice to fellow students is to put yourself forward, even when an opportunity may seem outside your comfort zone.
“The worst they can say is no, but at least you tried,” he said. “You never know where one opportunity can lead you. I have lived it and experienced it.”
Looking back, Almounauar describes the Young Diplomats Forum as an experience that challenged him, expanded his understanding of the world and diplomacy, strengthened his confidence and connected him with people he hopes will remain part of his life.
