SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) has welcomed its new cohort of students for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The intake includes the 11th class of the Post-Graduate Diploma in UAE Diplomacy and International Relations and the 9th class of the Master of Arts in Global Affairs and Diplomatic Leadership.
It also includes the 5th class of the Master of Arts in Humanitarian Action & Development and the 2nd class of the Master in International Law, Human Rights, and Diplomacy.
The students were officially welcomed during the “Future Diplomats” event at AGDA’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi.
The event was attended by senior offcials including: Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President, member of AGDA’s Board of Trustees, and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University; Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; Nickolay Mladenov, Director-General of AGDA; as well as Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director-General of AGDA.
In his opening remarks, Nusseibeh described Emirati diplomacy as a strategic tool for development and global peace.
“Diplomacy is no longer confined to political negotiation alone. It has become a strategic tool for building economic partnerships that drive national development, a humanitarian bridge that delivers hope and support to peoples in times of hardship, and a means of strengthening the country’s foreign relations while expanding its presence and influence regionally and globally,” Nusseibeh said.
Dr. Al Neyadi stressed the vital role of youth in shaping the UAE’s present and future, and in strengthening its global presence.
“The UAE has always been keen to uphold the message of peace, tolerance, and openness to the world as part of its national approach within the framework of comprehensive development. These principles have never been mere slogans, but rather a reality we live, a policy we practise, and a deeply rooted doctrine in its international relations. Since its founding, the UAE has recognised that the true investment in the future of this message lies in empowering its youth to be ambassadors who carry the values of the country in international forums.”
Mladenov welcomed the new cohort, highlighting the Academy’s commitment to combining theory with practical experience.
“Your journey at the Academy will not be confined to studying theory alone, but will also encompass practical experience. Every discussion, simulation, and policy dialogue is designed to reflect real-world global challenges, equipping you to make sound decisions, maintain a balanced perspective, and act responsibly and with integrity at all times,” he said.
Dr. Al Dhaheri expressed confidence in the students’ potential while acknowledging the challenges ahead.
“Your educational journey will not be easy, but it will be filled with challenges that create opportunities for learning and self-development. Each experience you embrace will bring you closer to realising your ambitions. I am confident in your abilities, which will enable you to become a new generation of diplomats who carry the UAE’s values of tolerance, openness, and peace wherever you go.”
Speaking to Aletihad, Mladenov said AGDA’s unique approach, combining academic programmes, training and research, makes it a standout institution globally.
“Every year we have around 1,000 candidates applying for just 20 to 30 positions in the Post-Graduate Diploma in UAE Diplomacy and International Relations. This year marks the 11th year of this programme, and every year we strive to improve and adapt it.”
“We have significantly increased the participation of outside experts who deliver workshops and presentations. Alongside our stable and professional staff of academics and lecturers, this allows us to combine rigorous academic preparation with practical insights. Students hear real stories of how diplomacy works in practice, not just in theory,” Mladenov added.
He also noted that the Academy focuses on economic diplomacy, food, climate, technology, artificial intelligence, and even sport, and has a dedicated centre for climate diplomacy – reflecting the growing importance of these fields.
He emphasised that AGDA equips future diplomats with the skills needed to address the real challenges of today’s complex world.
“For a country like the United Arab Emirates, diplomacy is a key tool to diversify the economy, strengthen resilience, and open up trading opportunities.”
Also speaking to Aletihad, Pr. Eric Canal Forgues Alter, Dean of Graduate Programs, detailed the evolution of the Academy’s curriculum.
“Over 11 years, we have been adjusting almost every year, responding to the changing needs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the demands of diplomacy. We try to strike a balance between theoretical courses and skills-based training, which are equally important.”
The Academy trains students in public speaking, protocol and etiquette, report writing, and in briefing ministers or senior officials on key issues, he said.
Furthermore, it has integrated specific courses on emerging technologies, specifically AI, as these are crucial for digital and cyber diplomacy, he added.