Addressing challenges with diplomats from West Africa and the Sahel

This December, Clingendael Academy welcomed 18 mid-career diplomats from West Africa and the Sahel for an intensive three-week training programme conducted in French. The initiative aimed to enhance the participants’ capacity to address regional and global challenges through practical skills, innovative strategies, and strengthened networks, promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the region.

The course unfolded across three interconnected modules: regional and international cooperation, 21st-century diplomacy, and peace, security, and prosperity. Each module blended theoretical insights with practical applications, encouraging diplomats to critically engage with emerging trends and adopt innovative approaches in their work.

Participants attended sessions on topics such as Africa-EU relations, climate diplomacy, and transitional justice, complemented by hands-on workshops on stakeholder mapping, intercultural communication, and negotiation skills. Visits to institutions such as the International Criminal Court, key EU bodies in Brussels, and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons provided participants with an immersive learning environment, exposing them to international institutions addressing critical global issues.

Beyond the formal curriculum, highlights included networking opportunities and cultural exchanges, such as an evening exploring Amsterdam by boat. These moments fostered peer-to-peer learning and strengthened the cohort’s connections, creating a platform for experience sharing and collaboration.

The programme concluded with reflections on translating knowledge into action, fostering both individual growth and collective vision. The training left the diplomats equipped with enhanced skills and networks, empowering them to navigate complex challenges and drive cooperation within their region and beyond.