Addressing regional and global challenges with diplomats from West Africa and the Sahel

Last year, as winter settled over The Hague, the Clingendael Academy opened its doors to welcome a group of diplomats from West Africa and the Sahel. Over the course of three weeks in November 2025, 18 mid-career diplomats immersed themselves in an intensive training programme designed to deepen their skills and broaden their perspectives on diplomacy in a rapidly changing world.

The course combined the essentials of 21st-century diplomacy with strategic priorities for their region. Participants honed practical skills in negotiation, influencing, intercultural communication, and conflict sensitivity; tools that are vital for navigating complex international landscapes. Alongside these workshops, they explored pressing global and regional issues such as international security, cyber diplomacy, EU–AU relations, and multilateral cooperation.

Learning extended beyond the classroom. Visits to institutions such as the International Criminal Court and key EU bodies in Brussels offered participants a firsthand view of international governance in practice. These experiences provided not only valuable insights but also inspiration for how diplomacy can contribute to peace, security, and prosperity.

Equally important were the moments of connection, networking with peers, exchanging ideas, and discovering Dutch culture. The programme concluded with reflections on how to translate insights into action, creating a shared perspective on fostering prosperity across West Africa and the Sahel.