Diplomacy & Law of the Sea: Clingendael trains ASEAN diplomats
In June and July 2025, Clingendael Academy hosted two impactful training programmes at its institute in The Hague, welcoming diplomats and officials from ASEAN member states and the ASEAN Secretariat. It was a great privilege, and a first for Clingendael Academy, to host two delegations from the ASEAN region within six weeks.
The first programme marked the ninth edition of the ASEAN Diplomatic Training on the Law of the Sea, organised in collaboration with the Netherlands Institute for the Law of the Sea (NILOS). Participants from the ASEAN region deepened their understanding of maritime zones, dispute settlement, and maritime security. Expert meetings and a visit to the Permanent Court of Arbitration provided practical insights into international legal processes. Complementing the legal focus, participants also engaged in skills training on intercultural communication, stakeholder management, negotiation, and crisis response. A working meeting with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the strategic ASEAN–Netherlands partnership, while a closing symposium explored the role of diplomacy and law in resolving the South China Sea conflict.
During the second two-week training Clingendael welcomed mid-career diplomats from the ASEAN region, who dived into economic and sustainable cooperation, as well as technology, law, and international security. In addition to expert sessions on key themes, the course included practical skills sessions on multistakeholder analysis and management and advanced negotiations in multilateral settings. Participants also had the opportunity to visit the EU institutions and NATO in Brussels, as well as the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the Peace Palace, and the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Together, these programmes reflect Clingendael Academy’s dedication to supporting regional cooperation and professional growth through practical, high-impact training. We thank all participants for their active engagement and wish them continued success in their careers.
