Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, the leading international relations, diplomacy and research institution in the UAE, is fostering a diplomatic corps that embodies the nation's values, heritage, and strategic vision, said its Director General Nickolay Mladenov.
In an interview with Aletihad, Mladenov said that AGDA aims to equip the UAE's next generation of diplomats with the skills, knowledge, and strategic mindset needed to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.
"In an era of rapid geopolitical shifts, AGDA provides aspiring diplomats and government leaders with a rigorous academic foundation, hands-on training, and the agility to effectively represent the UAE's interests on the world stage," he stated.
Apart from training graduates in international relations, negotiation, conflict resolution, and law, the Academy "cultivates a mindset of innovation, adaptability, and proactive engagement with global challenges", Mladenov added.
Diplomacy Through a Multi-dimensional Lens
Elaborating on the academy's training approach, Mladenov drew attention to the adaptability of AGDA's academic and training programmes to changing foreign policy priorities in the UAE.
"Diplomacy is a constantly evolving craft, shaped by the rapid transformations in global politics. The UAE approaches diplomacy through a multi-dimensional lens, engaging in international organisations and multi-party dialogues. To reflect this, AGDA's curriculum includes rigorous training in international negotiation and cooperation, preparing diplomats to engage effectively in global forums and multilateral settings," he explained.
AGDA promotes economic diplomacy and cultural exchanges through soft power by training diplomats as problem-solvers, bridge-builders, and peace advocates in line with the vision of the UAE.
Critical Skills and Competencies
When it comes to core competencies of aspiring diplomats, Mladenov noted that there's no one-size-fits-all answer as diplomacy is never a static affair.
"Our mandate is clear: To prepare the next generation of diplomats to represent the UAE with confidence, strengthen bilateral relations, and drive the country's foreign policy objectives. AGDA is where this journey begins. We do not just train diplomats; we cultivate leaders - strategic thinkers who can anticipate challenges, seize opportunities, and champion initiatives that align with the UAE's long-term vision on the global stage."
Emerging technology also plays a major role in training diplomats to navigate the digital landscape.
"We are actively embracing technologies to enhance both our diplomatic training and research efforts. As the UAE is a global leader in AI and data analytics, these elements are directly integrated into our curriculum to help equip future diplomats with the tools they need."
Milestones
Since its establishment in 2014 with a vision of enhancing the UAE's diplomatic capacity and reputation on the global stage, the academy has witnessed significant advancements in its journey of professional diplomacy training.
"We introduced a Master of Arts Degree in Global Affairs and Diplomatic Leadership, (MAGAD), becoming the first institution in the UAE to offer such a programme which integrates practical training with academic accuracy," he said.
In 2021, AGDA launched the Master of Arts in Humanitarian Action and Development Programmes (MAHAD), as an accredited full-time programme.
Additionally, the academy introduced the Master's in International Law, Human Rights, and Diplomacy (MILAD), a one-year programme designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills in the areas of international law, human rights, and diplomacy.
A Hub for Thought Leadership
Beyond an educational institution, AGDA is a hub for thought leadership, hosting global conferences and policy discussions on key issues.
"Our commitment to advancing diplomatic discourse extends to research and policy development. AGDA has published numerous research papers and policy briefs on key international relations topics, contributing valuable insights to regional and global conversations.
"Notably, our 'Women in Diplomacy' Index and the annual 'UAE Economic Diplomacy Report' have become essential resources for policymakers and scholars, reinforcing the UAE's role as a thought leader in global diplomacy," Mladenov stated.
Cultural Diplomacy
Speaking of AGDA's involvement with cultural diplomacy and soft power, Mladenov noted that both aspects have worked their way into the curriculum of the academy.
"We understand that cultural diplomacy and soft power are key tools for global engagement in today's interconnected world. Our curriculum actively incorporates these concepts, training diplomats to leverage soft power by promoting the UAE's values, enhancing its influence, and advocating for its priorities worldwide."
He noted that the academy offers specialised programmes and workshops that teach students how culture, arts, and heritage can be powerful diplomatic tools for international engagement.
Looking ahead, he noted that the academy aims to position itself as the leading institution for diplomatic education in the region, expanding its programmes and shaping the future of UAE diplomacy.
"We have deliberately adopted an adaptive curriculum which is continually being updated to reflect emerging global challenges, technological advancements and shifts in international relations, combining insights from fields such as economics, environmental science and cultural studies to provide a holistic understanding of diplomacy and ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared for the dynamic diplomatic landscape of the future."
