In March, President Barack Obama will become the first sitting U.S. President to visit Cuba in 88 years in an attempt to normalise relations and pave the way for future cooperation in the region. It is in that spirit of fostering cooperation that we welcome a group of 21 junior diplomats from the Caribbean, Central America, Colombia and Venezuela.

Enabling Closer Cooperation

Over the course of four weeks, the diplomats will be following the “Enabling Closer Cooperation” programme at Clingendael Academy specifically designed for this region. In addition to being trained in essential diplomatic skills, they will explore avenues for strengthened regional cooperation complementing the existing efforts of organisations such as CARICOM, OAS, CELAC, and ACS.

They will learn to identify interrelations between regional issues and broader, global trends. Furthermore, the diplomats will visit relevant institutions in The Hague and Brussels, to deepen their understanding of Dutch and European policy, its challenges and ambitions.

Diversity

This second edition of the programme marks the highest degree of diversity yet, as 16 countries will be represented: including among others Colombia, Cuba, Venezuela, and several Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

More information?

Please contact Ms. Evelien Borgman or Mr. Paul Hendrix, Training and Research Fellows, Clingendael Academy.