A Clingendael custom-made training for mid-level diplomats from Kosovo

Last month, five mid-level diplomats (departmental directors) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo participated in a custom-made, two-week diplomatic training programme at the Clingendael Academy.

In this programme, they examined the mid-level diplomat in its different capacities: (mid-level) manager, policy coordinator, communicator, and negotiator. They exchanged perspectives and enhanced their professional skills in sessions on public diplomacy, EU decision-making and lobbying, policy reporting, intercultural communication, meeting management, international negotiations, consular and diplomatic law, and more.

The group also conducted a series of working visits to engage with international experts from some of the main international legal institutions in the Hague (the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and the ICTY), the International Organisation for Migration, and, on a two-day trip to Brussels, the European Commission, and NATO.

This programme was designed and managed by Mr. Nils de Mooij. Contributions from Clingendael staff included lectures and training by Prof. Dr. Jan Rood (EU integration), senior visiting fellow Jan Marinus Wiersma (EU Neighbourhood Policy and the Western Balkans), former training and research fellow Mr. Foppe Wiersma (effective communication skills), Mr. Tim Masselink (EU decision making and lobbying skills), Ms. Mariska Heijs (project management), Mr. Paul Meerts (international negotiations) and others, as well as a number of valued external lecturers and trainers. Throughout the programme, participants also worked on a strategy paper on Kosovo´s public diplomacy, key audiences, and challenges, put up for review and discussion with Clingendael expert on public diplomacy prof. Dr. Jan Melissen.

This mid-level training programme for diplomats from Kosovo was offered as part of Clingendael´s multi-year engagement to support the emerging Diplomatic Academy of Kosovo.

With over 25 years of experience and alumni from more than 120 countries, the Clingendael Academy offers custom-made training in diplomacy and diplomatic skills to partners worldwide. If you are interested in learning more about our custom-made training programmes, please contact the Academy director, Mr. Ron Ton.

10 October 2014