Successful training for diplomats from MENA

This September, Clingendael Academy welcomed fourteen mid-career level diplomats from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to participate in a diplomatic training programme. Over the course of two weeks, the participants had the opportunity to dive into key cross-cutting policy themes that face their region and the world today.

Based on the unique Clingendael Method, the diplomats actively engaged in expert lectures and skills workshops, and conducted working visits to familiarise themselves with the working processes of relevant international institutions under the umbrella of three overarching modules: Modern Diplomacy, International Law, Peace, and Security, and Climate Change and Sustainability. Highlights of the programme were a panel discussion on water diplomacy with three experts, a simulation on international negotiations, and a crisis meeting simulation. In addition, the programme provided a platform for enhanced inter- and intra-regional cooperation between the participants, forging a strong network during the working visits and social activities, including a visit to The Hague’s Panorama Mesdag museum.

We look back on an extremely successful and comprehensive training programme, with participants noting that the course was enjoyable and “highly engaging and informative”. Participants expressed their appreciation of the organisation and execution of this programme, including with regards to the action plan assignment that allowed the participants to immediately translate the knowledge and skills they gained into policy plans they can start to realise upon their return.