Hundreds of people are expected to gather in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday and Thursday to attend a major event dedicated to international diplomacy.
The inaugural Abu Dhabi Diplomacy Conference, known as Diplocon, will feature talks, workshops and a "future diplomats peacegame" — a crisis simulation designed to test the readiness of diplomats in the field.
More than 300 people are expected to attend including academics, former foreign ministers and serving diplomats to reflect on the trends and challenges in global diplomacy.
It is organised by the Emirates Diplomatic Academy and will feature speakers such as Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation and Zaki Nusseibeh, Minister of State.
Bernardino Leon, director general of the Emirates Diplomatic Academy, said the conference will examine how technology can be harnessed to maximise the impact of diplomacy, look at ways to boost cultural diplomacy while also encouraging female diplomats to advance.
"We must also discover a way to empower female diplomats in their careers to help them reach the highest rung on the ladder," said Mr Leon, who is also a former UN envoy. "This is why we need events such as the Abu Dhabi Diplomacy Conference, that serve as a platform where all our participants can share their own experiences in the field of diplomatic practice — both successful and otherwise — in a relaxed setting."
The conference runs at the St Regis Saadiyat Island until Thursday.
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