University helps develop diplomatic skills

Abu Dhabi : Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and President of Zayed University, conferred masters degrees in Diplomacy and International Relations to three new graduates.

Shaikh Mohammad Bin Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Abdullah Khalfan Mattar Al Rumaithy and Sulaiman Hamid Al Mazroui were among the fourth group of graduates since the programme. It was conceived in 2009 and to receive this degree, students participated in various lectures that discussed the crafting of UAE foreign relations. Additionally, they met with seasoned diplomats and ambassadors who shared their personal experiences of a life dedicated to the service of their countries.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with Zayed University is keen to offer a training session to improve the diplomats' skills at all levels starting from attaches to ambassadors," Dr Mohammad Ahmad Al Bashi, Chancellor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Gulf News at the graduation ceremony.

Next generation

The curriculum includes International Relations, World Politics, as well as analysing new theories and approaches in diplomacy. In addition, participants receive courses on International Law, Diplomatic History and Politics, International Political Economy, Communication across cultures and Geopolitics in the Gulf and Middle East.

"The training programme aims to prepare a generation of highly skilled qualified diplomats, to take on leadership positions in the diplomatic corps," Dr Sulaiman Al Jasem, Vice-President of Zayed University, said.

Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Diplomacy and International Affairs is open to men and women of all nationalities. Applicants must have earned a four-year baccalaureate degree with a GPA of 2.5 or higher from an accredited university and demonstrate sufficient English proficiency.