“Even the most powerful countries cannot resolve these issues on their own,” Arredondo points out, referring to concerns of hunger, security, peace and pandemics. “We use the UN and diplomacy to reach countries, to try to establish dialogue, to overcome cultural barriers and to reestablish normal relationships.”

He says the UN Day reaffirms dialogue as humanity’s most powerful instrument for peace.

Diplomacy in action

Arredondo, who is also adjunct professor at Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) School for International Studies moderates Consular Conversations – a monthly public forum featuring members of Vancouver’s consular corps. The series – a bridging of theory and practice – facilitates international dialogue and community engagement.

Arredondo encourages younger generations to engage with diplomacy through these cultural and community-driven initiatives, including public talks at local branches of the Canadian International Council.

“We invite consuls or special guests to talk freely about their work, and the public can take part and ask questions,” Arredondo says of Consular Conversations. “The goal is to make diplomacy accessible, human and participatory.”

The series’ next event, “Diplomacy in the 21st Century,” (Nov. 3, SFU Harbour Centre) welcomes Raphaël Dang, Consul General of France in Vancouver. On Nov. 24., the series will host “Thinking Beyond the 51st State,” with B.C. senator Yuen Pau Woo in conversation about Canada’s foreign policy.

The commitment to dialogue inspired the establishment of Vancouver’s Argentine Consulate General, which also serves residents across B.C., Alberta, Yukon and the Northwest Territories.

“I arrived in 2021, and it took nearly two years to open the consulate to the public,” he recalls.

Arredondo did not even have an office or official email.

“I reached the Argentine community through Facebook, answering messages at all hours because they needed help and that’s what we are here for,” he says. “Today, we serve a community of around 5,000 people in Metro Vancouver.”

Reflecting UN principles, Arredondo sees Argentina’s foreign policy as “rooted in cultural identity” and anchored to the pillars of “development, peace and human rights.” This work is even more important in an era of global uncertainty, at a time when multilateral collaboration faces new challenges.

“Our nationals are not objects we serve,” the Consul General adds. “They are actors who develop our culture, our principles, our values.”

For Arredondo, diplomacy extends beyond formal negotiations or state affairs – it lives in the everyday exchanges between citizens abroad.

“What we do is called ‘diaspora diplomacy,’” Arredondo explains. “It’s how a country interacts with its community overseas, as a cultural and humanitarian bridge.”

Engaging with culture

That sense of connection is evident in his work with local organizations, such as the Vancouver Latin American Cultural Centre (VLACC). Arredondo sees VLACC as playing “a very important role” in promoting Latin American culture. He has supported VLACC’s “Community Milonga” – a social dance gathering that features the Argentine Tango.

“[It’s] a celebration of tango as part of our identity while engaging with the local community,” he adds. “Culture is essential to showcase a country, and cultural exchange is at the heart of international understanding.”

He adds that “cinema, art and literature” can also showcase the Argentine identity. In partnership with SFU’s School of International Studies, the Consulate General is also hosting an Argentine movie series this fall.

The series has previously featured the first part of Gastón Duprat and Mariano Cohn’s Nada, a 2023 television show starring Luis Brandoni and Robert De Niro. The second part of the show (episodes 4 to 5) will be screened on Nov. 5 at SFU Harbour Centre. Arredondo sees the work as an example of cultural diplomacy that resonates internationally.

“It helps us reflect who we are with the good things and the bad things,” he adds.

The movie series will also screen Juan José Campanella’s El secreto de sus ojos (The Secret of Their Eyes) on Dec. 3 at SFU Harbour Centre. All screenings are accompanied by English subtitles.

“Celebrating diplomacy is a very good thing because it reminds us of how much we can still do together,” Arredondo says.

For more information about the United Nations Day, see www.un.org/en/observances/un-day

For more information on Ricardo Arredondo, see www.ricardoarredondo.wixsite.com/home

For more information on the upcoming SFU events, see www.events.sfu.ca