Successful edition of training for diplomats from Southeastern Europe and Türkiye

In the months of May and June, a group of fourteen young diplomats from Albania, North-Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Türkiye were at Clingendael for a four-week diplomatic training programme.

The course was composed out of four modules focusing on diplomacy in the 21st century, the European Union, multilateralism and international law and economic and climate diplomacy. During the course, the participants were asked to set their own personal learning goals for practising their skills such as presenting, debating and negotiating. Content-wise, they learned about the functioning and structure of the European Union, about international law and the Hague as city of peace and justice, and economic diplomacy and sustainable development issues.

An important component of the course programme were the working visits to relevant institutions and organisations. The participants gained valuable insights from experts from the European Commission, the European External Action Service, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the World Horti Centre and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Lastly, the course provided the diplomats from the participating countries with a unique opportunity to network, exchange thoughts and to learn from each other.

To quote one participant of the course: ‘An excellent opportunity to work on personal skills and being able to increase my knowledge in numerous areas related to diplomacy’.

Clingendael Academy looks back on a fruitful four weeks. It was our pleasure to work with this group of professional, open and engaged diplomats. Furthermore, we hope that this experience will serve as an inspiration throughout the rest of their careers.