Culture & Education | Saturday 16 May, 2015 9:13 am |

Building the next generation of Emirati diplomats



- As part of the UAE’s efforts to promote its foreign policy and strategic relations, the Emirates Diplomatic Academy (EDA) was established to offer a range of academic programmes, training courses and specialised research. The progammes and courses are aimed at developing the diplomatic abilities of Emirati employees and building the next generation of Emirati diplomats more capable of representing the UAE on the global foreign policy arena, as well as implementing the nation’s foreign policies based on a modern and innovative diplomatic approach.

EDA is an outstanding academic centre for diplomatic capacity development and research to support the objectives of the UAE’s foreign policy. It has been established as a key pillar of future diplomacy based on its important role as an integrated centre for diplomatic training and thought leadership to strengthen international relations by shaping leaders of the highest international calibre in the art of diplomacy.

EDA offers a Post-Graduate Diploma Programme for outstanding and ambitious candidates who seek rewarding and challenging careers in diplomacy. Those enrolled in the programme learn how to manage the UAE’s foreign relations in the global and regional context while mastering the diverse facets of diplomacy, and gaining the skills and confidence needed to effectively represent the UAE internationally.

The Post-Graduate Diploma consists of a variety of tailored courses including: UAE Interest and National Security Policy, UAE History and Culture, International Relations and Diplomacy, Modern History and Contemporary Politics of the Middle East, International Law and International Organisations, International Economics, Energy and Climate Change, UAE Government Excellence, International Conflict and Cooperation, Bilateral and Multilateral Negotiation, Protocol, Etiquette and Communication, Country Analysis and Diplomatic Report Writing.

EDA also offers practical, short-term Executive Training courses that are based on pioneering training methodologies for those already engaged in the field of international affairs and diplomacy. Students learn in an interactive environment that fosters innovation and intellectual curiosity while networking with peers. Courses offered include: Negotiations Skills, The UAE Competitive Advantage, Communication and Intercultural Awareness, Mediation and Consensus Building, Strategic Thinking and Scenario Planning, Research and Analysis, Diplomatic Arabic Writing, Diplomatic English Writing, International Law and International Organisations, Modern History and Contemporary Politics of the Middle East, International Political Economy, Political Analysis and Economic Analysis.

The Academy has launched its official website (www.eda.ac.ae) with detailed information about its programmes, vision, objectives and messages, along with other useful information.