ABU DHABI // The first group of students specialising in international relations and diplomacy are preparing to graduate from the Emirates Diplomatic Academy.
Many of the academy’s 54 postgraduate students worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation or international corporations before joining the academy.
The academy has emerged as a leading centre for developing national talent in diplomacy and providing diplomats with the skills to serve the UAE regionally and internationally, said Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
“Since its launch more than a year ago, the academy has built strategic partnerships with major international institutions of diplomacy and international relations,” said Sheikh Abdullah, also the chairman of the academy’s board of trustees.
Students will complete the nine-month postgraduate programme on October 9, and probably take up positions in the ministry or at UAE embassies.
“As the Emirates Diplomatic Academy prepares for the graduation of its first batch of future diplomats, it has become more confident in moving to the next phase of its development, taking the UAE’s diplomatic aspirations to the international level,” Sheikh Abdullah said.
Preparations are under way to receive a second batch of students this year for the diploma programme.
The academy was established in 2014. The postgraduate diploma programme involves coursework on national security policy, history, politics, climate change, economics, protocol, country analysis, international law and diplomatic report writing.
nalwasmi@thenational.ae
