Recently, the Clingendael Institute once again welcomed a group of 12 diplomats for a training programme on stability and prosperity in the region of Central Asia and Mongolia. The participants came from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan

Interactive training on regional cooperation

Throughout the three-week programme, the diplomats took part in interactive lectures, skills trainings, workshops, simulations and working visits revolving around three central themes. They strengthened the skills and knowledge required of the 21st century diplomat, such as negotiation skills, public speaking and debating skills and nation branding.  Furthermore, they shared experiences on security issues such as hybrid warfare and cybersecurity, counterterrorism initiatives and conflict analysis tools. Finally, they learned about initiatives on economic development & regional integration, by discussing the working of the European Union, EU-Asia connectivity and economic diplomacy.

Opportunities for cooperation

At the end of the course, the diplomats presented their vision on further regional cooperation on the topics such as the rule of law, peace & stability and economic development & regional integration. Based on a SWOT analysis of their region, they reflected on the existing international agreements between their countries, shared membership of international or regional organisations, and the obstacles and opportunities for further regional cooperation.

The closing ceremony of the course exemplified the longstanding cooperation between Clingendael and the respective countries of Central Asia and Mongolia. Their Excellency’s the Ambassadors of Mongolia and Kazakhstan, who were present for the ceremony,  are both alumni of Clingendael training programmes dating back as early as 1994! We look forward to welcoming many more diplomats from the region (back) at the Institute in the next years.