Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of State and Member of the Emirates Diplomatic Academy’s (EDA) Board of Trustees, noted that the directives and support of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Chairman of EDA Board of Trustees, have set a clear and strategic course for the Academy.

He explained that EDA is working at a steady pace to consolidate its regional and global status as a leading diplomacy and international relations hub and research centre that equips young national cadres for future roles in UAE diplomacy.

Dr. Al Jaber’s comments came at the seventh meeting of the Board of Trustees of EDA that examined the educational and training plans and initiatives for the academic year 2017-2018, and reviewed the latest developments in academic and administrative affairs.

Dr. Al Jaber, led the session on behalf of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The meeting drew the participation of board members including Omar Saif Ghobash, UAE Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations in New York, and Mohamed Issa Abushahab AlSuwaidi, Ambassador of the UAE to the Kingdom of Belgium.

The Minister of State said: "EDA prepares the UAE’s future diplomats to effectively contribute to the realisation of our leadership’s vision of fostering international cooperation, safeguarding the interests of our country, promoting security, peace and stability at the regional and global level, and laying the foundations for sustainable socio-economic development."

He highlighted the commitment of the Academy to qualifying the UAE’s future diplomats to effectively implement the country's foreign policy, strengthen the prestigious position of the UAE in the international community, and identify strategic solutions to key challenges facing the country.

During the meeting, Bernardino Le?n, Director-General of EDA, said: "I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan for entrusting us with the task of nurturing the next generation of Emirati diplomats. I also thank the members of the Board of Trustees for their continuous support and guidance that have contributed to establishing the Academy as the main driving force in the country's efforts to elevate diplomacy to the next level."

He added: "We are proud of what we have accomplished in 2017. We have established partnerships and synergies with relevant institutions at home and abroad. We have also launched a Master of Arts programme in Diplomacy and International Relations, and graduated the second cohort of talented Emirati diplomats. Furthermore, we have hosted some of the world's leading personalities in the field of diplomacy and international relations, and introduced new programmes and specialised training courses designed to meet the requirements of the modern age.

"Building on its achievements, the Academy will continue to provide UAE national cadres with the required study, research and training programmes to help them address various global challenges so that they can join the ranks of the world’s most competent diplomats."

During the meeting, members of the Board of Trustees reviewed the annual report and highlights of achievements in 2017. They also reviewed the recommendations of the sixth meeting and the most important practical steps taken in this regard. In addition, the Board received a progress update on the construction of the new academic building, as well as the developments concerning the Post-Graduate Diploma in UAE Diplomacy and International Relations and the recently launched Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Relations programme.

The Emirates Diplomatic Academy provides a holistic educational experience that enhances the capabilities of the UAE’s future diplomats through advanced teaching methods, interactive lectures and discussions with prominent diplomats and policy makers. The Academy also develops international case studies on topics such as general and specialised diplomacy of the 21st century, sustainable development, climate change, nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, renewable energy, and peace and security.