On Thursday, King Felipe VI presented diploma dispatches to the members of the 77th promotion of Spain's Diplomatic Career, a ceremony he has led annually since becoming King, except for in 2016. During his speech, the King highlighted the importance of dialogue and adherence to norms in international relations, emphasizing that they are not in conflict with the reality of power dynamics among sovereign states. He underscored the need for diplomacy to steer these relations toward common goals of peace, stability, and economic and social progress.

This year's promotion marks a notable gender balance, with 13 men and 16 women among the 29 new diplomats—making this the fourth promotion with more women than men. The average age of the newly appointed secretaries of embassy is 29, with two female diplomats at the age of 24 and another two at the age of 39. This demographic diversity reflects Spain's commitment to inclusivity within its foreign service, where three of the new diplomats were born outside of Spain, showcasing an openness to international perspectives.

In his address, King Felipe VI underscored the critical importance of ensuring that actions and words are aligned, reinforcing the moral and ethical responsibilities of diplomats to uphold integrity in their roles. His comments resonate with broader themes of trust and accountability in both national and international governance, and they serve as a reminder of the crucial role diplomatic service plays in fostering global connections and addressing the challenges of the modern world.