Today's Edition
Abu Dhabi (Aletihad) - Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Arab Youth Centre is continuing the activities of the second edition of "The Young Arab Diplomatic Leaders Programme 2023," in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and Harvard University.
The programme aims to prepare a generation that is proficient in diplomatic relations, enhancing the Arab diplomatic presence, and achieving effective Arab participation in important global dialogues and forums. The programme, in its second week, included a series of workshops, discussion sessions, training sessions, and meetings with prominent figures and experts in diplomacy to explore the future of the field.
The sessions addressed several topics, including climate change diplomacy, the basics of integrative and distributive negotiation, advanced concepts in climate negotiations and multilateral negotiations, and a review of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Historic Opportunity Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Community Development and Vice Chair of the Arab Youth Centre, affirmed that the Programme is an initiative of great significance, as it contributes to the creation of young communities of outstanding and prominent diplomats nominated by their institutions and countries. Her Excellency said: "In less than 45 days, the UAE will host world leaders, rulers, and the most important experts and activists in environmental governance at the COP28 conference.
"This will be a historic opportunity for all of us, and specifically for you, the Arab youth, to have your say and contribute to steering the compass towards a more effective direction in climate action. Your mission today as youth and representatives of our countries and societies is to be ready and qualified to convey your message to the world in a way that supports our Arab goals and aspirations, fosters understanding, and creates more opportunities for all countries around the world to collaborate and work together to address and mitigate the impacts of climate change."
She added: "We at the Arab Youth Centre are fortunate to have all the requirements for the success of this programme, which is launched with the support of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose name is synonymous with innovation and creative thinking, and the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Chairman of the Arab Youth Centre, who has absolute faith in the youth and their ability to change reality for the future. Our partnership with Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, foreign ministries, Arab and international diplomatic institutes, gives us confidence that we have gathered expertise in one place to serve the empowerment of youth."
Dealing with Changes
Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director-General at Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, said: "Qualifying young Arab diplomatic leaders is one of the most effective and successful ways to form a complete and clear image of Arab culture, values, and beliefs globally. In light of the current circumstances and developments in our region, which is experiencing crises, we need Arab youth diplomats, equipped with skills and experiences, to be able to deal with these changes, convey Arab issues, and reflect a positive image of our societies. This can be achieved by managing Arab diplomatic relations, shaping impressions, and building partnerships with counterparts around the world to improve the region and the whole world."
Al Dhaheri confirmed that Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy is always striving to develop skills, and build its knowledge base and distinctive capabilities in the field of climate diplomacy.
The Diplomatic Option
Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Al Tarifi, Chief of Arab and African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain, held a special session with participants under the title "What does it mean to be Arab?".
During the session, Al Tarifi welcomed the participants, expressing his pleasure to meet with a group of promising Arab youth, ambassadors, consuls, and future decision-makers. "Values are what unite the Arab identity, and the most important component and link in the Arab identity is the language that brings together the Arab nation. Language encompasses other cultural values, ethics in discourse, literature, and terminology, which reflect the way of thinking of its speakers and serve as a gateway to other cultures," Al Tarifi said.
"We are a nation with ambition and vision, not on the margins of civilisation. This is where human civilisations began. We have nourished the world with thought, culture, and science. Civilisations do not progress at a single pace, and today, as an Arab civilisation, we are ascending. All indicators show that we are rising, and current events confirm that the Arab nation is a significant player in the international community, evident through active states and the positive changes in how the Arab League deals with current Arab issues," he affirmed.
Al Tarifi expressed his deep gratitude for the role and efforts of the Arab Youth Centre in launching the programme, which he said will create a new generation of youth diplomacy.
"Diplomatic work aims to create peace without conflict and war, building bridges of communication between nations, and ensuring human interaction without resorting to violence. Every diplomatic effort, no matter how simple, can preserve homes and provide safe passages that no one can occupy," he said, emphasising the role of Arab youth and the importance in understanding that the diplomatic is the best solution to conflict.
Programme Features
This edition of the programme, which continues until October 31, focuses on intercultural communication, climate change and governance, the art of negotiation and influence, financing, and advanced climate diplomacy. Participants will learn about basic principles and modern approaches to climate diplomacy, transforming their potential and ambition into achievements in climate diplomacy for Arab countries. Participants will also have the opportunity to interact with decision-makers.
The second edition of the programme aims to train talented Arab youth ages 25 to 35 with rising capabilities in climate diplomacy. Participants must have a bachelor's degree or diploma, proficiency in both Arabic and English, and between one and three years of experience in diplomacy.
They must also be prepared to participate in the COP28 climate change conference, along with a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the relevant authorities in their home country.
