Successful edition of training for diplomats from Central Asia and Mongolia

In the final weeks of February, eighteen young diplomats from Central Asia and Mongolia gathered in The Hague for an intensive three‑week diplomatic training programme at the Clingendael Academy. As the city shifted from winter chill to early spring, participants immersed themselves in a warm learning environment, both indoors, in interactive sessions, and outdoors, as rising temperatures accompanied a boat tour through the historic canals of Leiden.

The training offered a balanced mix of skills development and thematic expertise. Participants expanded their diplomatic toolkit through presentations, pitches and structured discussions on subjects ranging from interregional water cooperation to international law and economic diplomacy. Practical exercises, including negotiation simulations, intercultural communication sessions and expert briefings, added hands‑on depth to the curriculum. Working visits to key Dutch and international institutions provided firsthand insight into how diplomatic decisions are made and implemented in practice.

Over the three weeks, the combination of diverse sessions, social moments and networking opportunities fostered a strong spirit of regional exchange. Participants learned not only from Clingendael trainers and external experts, but from each other, building mutual understanding and strengthening the foundations for future cooperation across Central Asia and Mongolia.