The theme of the 36th annual MUNISH conference "Navigating Diplomacy in an Age of Divergence" invites us to confront an increasingly evident reality. The institutions upon which diplomacy has been built are facing growing tensions caused by division and a lack of dialogue. It challenges delegates to balance globalization and nationalism while confronting growing fragmentation in law, international norms, multilateral trust, and political accountability. In an era marked by deepening divergence in values, and political ideals, this theme challenges us to strive for consensus and demonstrate that unity remains possible despite increasing division.