First edition of diplomacy training for African Union Commission

This October, Clingendael Academy was honoured to receive a delegation from the African Union Commission for a two-week diplomatic training programme. 

Clingendael Academy and the African Union have a longstanding relationship, showcased in many trainings to AU member states and the annual training for FemWise-Africa members. This training marked the first edition of a programme exclusively designed for staff from the African Union Commission itself. 

The mid-career African Union staff who joined the training followed a comprehensive programme to hone their skills and knowledge in the field of diplomacy. Through a curriculum tailored to align with the AU2063 agenda, participants expanded their expertise in pressing global issues such as climate change, cyber governance, and international security, and refined essential diplomatic skills through practical workshops. Alongside these sessions, there was ample space for meaningful knowledge exchanges among participants and opportunities to engage with visiting experts and organisations. By fostering a deeper understanding of European Union relations and exposing participants to key international institutions such as the International Criminal Court, the programme aimed to equip African Union staff with the tools needed to address complex global challenges collaboratively.

This first training dedicated solely to participants from the African Union Commission highlights Clingendael Academy's dedication to fostering African diplomatic expertise across the continent.