Clingendael Academy welcomes 20 Mid-Career Diplomats from South America

From 2 until 13 March, The Clingendael Academy had the honour of welcoming 20 Mid-Career Diplomats from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname and Uruguay. During these weeks at our Institute, they committed their time to learning, exchanging and building networks with our experts, various stakeholders in the Netherlands, and with each other.

The programme was structured around two thematic modules that reflected the evolving demands of current diplomatic practice. In the first week during the module Modern Diplomacy in a Rapidly Changing Geopolitical Arena, participants explored how global shifts are reshaping foreign policy priorities and diplomatic engagement. The second week, themed International Law & Security, focused on relevant security issues and the challenges the global legal order is currently facing, offering participants both conceptual grounding and practical insights.

Throughout the two weeks, the diplomats engaged in a dynamic mix of knowledge sessions, diplomatic skills-building exercises, and working visits. Expert-led lectures were complemented by interactive workshops, on for example international negotiations and scenario planning, where participants sharpened their practical skills. During a work visit to the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participants had the opportunity to get to know and exchange with Dutch counterparts.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the group for their time and active participation. Their sharp questions and warm, open interaction greatly enriched the programme and contributed to a truly stimulating and collaborative learning environment.