Abu Dhabi, UAE, 7 April, 2024: The future Emirati diplomats currently training at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, have recently completed a two-week educational trip across Italy, Switzerland, United States, India and Ethiopia. This journey was an integral part of their practical training, designed to provide them with a unique and comprehensive learning experience.
The AGDA Annual Trip offers students the chance to acquire a hands-on understanding of diplomacy by exposing them to a diverse array of perspectives and concepts associated with international development, as well as the complexities of bilateral and multilateral diplomacy and foreign policy.
Discussing the value of international visits, H.E. Nickolay Mladenov, Director-General of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, stated, “These trips are in line with our mission to equip a new generation of diplomats to address global challenges. By engaging our students in visits to major diplomatic centers such as Rome, Geneva, Washington, New Delhi, and Addis Ababa, we’ve given them a thorough understanding of the realities of governance and foreign policy. Additionally, these experiences foster a sense of camaraderie and provide opportunities for diplomatic networking, which are instrumental in forging stronger connections among peers and in preparing them for their future academic pursuits.”
Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, AGDA’s Deputy Director-General, added, “Our student trips are specifically organised to provide a wide and instructional opportunity for each cohort to witness different perspectives in diplomacy. For some, this may be their first experience of the world’s amazing diversity of culture, so our AGDA students learn first-hand about the complexities of modern diplomatic functions through the unique real-life experiences they get in these cities.”
Throughout the trip, AGDA students participated in a variety of functions including meetings, social events, and guided tours, which greatly enhanced their knowledge and understanding of representing the UAE and engaging in foreign policy activities. Their schedule included attending ceremonies for official agreements and Memoranda of Understanding, showcasing diplomacy in practice.
In New Delhi, students had the privilege of being hosted at the Indian Institute of Technology’s Research Innovation Centre and participated in discussions at the Ministry of External Affairs’ Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan. In Addis Ababa, they visited the African Union Headquarters and enjoyed a dinner hosted by the UAE Ambassador, which provided opportunities to establish valuable diplomatic connections. Additionally, the students engaged in discussions at the Institute for Foreign Affairs, where they delved into the priorities of Ethiopian foreign policy and significant regional developments.
In Rome, the students engaged in a course on AI and Diplomacy at Luiss University and met with the World Food Programme (WFP). In Washington D.C., they met with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Benaim and engaged in dialogue with the UAE-US Business Council. All these interactions allowed the future UAE diplomats to enhance their understanding of diplomacy and engage with practitioners from whom they can learn.
Mariam Al Mansoori, an AGDA student, shared her reflections on the trip, stating, “The trip was truly centered on immersing ourselves in the essence of each nation, grasping the subtleties of their diplomatic practices, and witnessing their challenges and achievements. All of this broadened my global outlook.”
Hamdan Al Naqbi, another student, expressed, “It’s remarkable how just a few weeks of hands-on diplomatic experience can broaden one’s perspective. This trip has taught me the importance of embracing diversity and has provided me with a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world.”
The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy equips students with the knowledge and problem-solving skills needed to fulfill their duties as future diplomats and representatives of the UAE. As a premier institution for diplomatic education, the Academy offers a distinctive learning experience that combines region-specific programs, thought leadership, and access to leading experts in diplomacy.
