News

Clingendael Training Method for Arab diplomats
18 Oct 2016 - 17:58
Bron: Clingendael Academy

Clingendael recently delivered a four-week training programme for Diplomats from the MENA-Region. This programme was designed using the Clingendael Method, which interweaves competences, work processes and content to match specific training needs for diplomats from different countries, or in this case a whole region.

Diplomatic Training: one size does not fit all

There is no such thing as “one size fits all” diplomatic training; diplomats from different countries need different knowledge, competences and work processes to effectively represent their countries abroad and address the challenges faced at home.

This is especially true for diplomats from the MENA-region, which is currently beset by a variety of interlinked local and regional challenges. These range from youth unemployment and resource scarcity to environmental degradation, and even full-blown armed conflicts.

Course for diplomats from the Arab Region

In the latest edition of the Course for Diplomats from the Arab Region (CDAR), Clingendael trainers therefore opted for a programme with thematic modules linked to these current challenges faced by the region as a whole. These include:

  • regional cooperation and integration;
  • economic- and sustainable development;
  • security and stability.

Building a foundation

These thematic modules were in turn build from the ground up with a solid theoretical foundation on the changing nature of modern diplomatic practice. Participants then applied their acquired theoretical knowledge in practical skills sessions, which in turn were imbued with specific content relevant to their region and individual countries.

Clingendael Training Method: content, working processes, competences

This ensured that the changing diplomatic environment as well as the participants’ own contexts were fully taken into account. In the case of the theme of sustainable development for the MENA-region this included:

  • theoretical sessions on Sustainable Development Diplomacy and Planetary Security with a focus on the MENA-region(content);
  • working visit to the Dutch MFA to exchange key insights with experts regarding these same issues (working processes);
  • a simulation exercise on the Sustainable Development Goals (competences).

The resulting synergy between these three elements is a key aspect of the Clingendael method in practice. Not only does it provide the participants with a solid theoretical foundation, but it makes the theme relevant and directly applicable for the context of each of the participants countries, and the region as whole.

Would you like to know more?

Do you want to know more about Clingendael’s tailor made diplomatic programmes for the MENA-region? Please do not hestitate to contact the course coordinators.