Diplomacy a ‘humane bridge that offers hope in hardship’

The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), the UAE’s leading diplomatic training centre, has welcomed its latest cohort of students for the 2025–2026 academic year. This includes the 11th cohort of students enrolled in the Post-Graduate Diploma in UAE Diplomacy and International Relations (PGD), the 9th cohort in the Master of Arts in Global Affairs and Diplomatic Leadership (MAGAD), the 5th cohort in the Master of Arts in Humanitarian Action & Development (MAHAD), and the 2nd cohort in the Master in International Law, Human Rights, and Diplomacy (MILAD) programmes.

The “Future Diplomats” welcoming event was held at AGDA’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, attended by prominent leaders including Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President, member of AGDA’s Board of Trustees, and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University; Dr Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; Nickolay Mladenov, Director-General of AGDA; and Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director-General of AGDA.

In his opening remarks, Zaki Nusseibeh highlighted the evolving nature of Emirati diplomacy, describing it as a strategic instrument to advance development and foster global peace. He said: “Diplomacy is no longer confined to political negotiation alone. It has become a strategic tool for building economic partnerships that drive national development, a humanitarian bridge that delivers hope and support to peoples in times of hardship, and a means of strengthening the country’s foreign relations while expanding its presence and influence regionally and globally.”

In turn, Dr Sultan Al Neyadi emphasised the importance of the role of youth in shaping the present and future of the United Arab Emirates and in strengthening its global presence, saying: “The UAE has always been keen to uphold the message of peace, tolerance, and openness to the world as part of its national approach within the framework of comprehensive development. These principles have never been mere slogans, but rather a reality we live, a policy we practise, and a deeply rooted doctrine in its international relations. Since its founding, the UAE has recognised that the true investment in the future of this message lies in empowering its youth to be ambassadors who carry the values of the country in international forums.”

Real-world challenges

Nickolay Mladenov welcomed the new cohort, underscoring the Academy’s commitment to blending theory with practical experience: “Your journey at the Academy will not be confined to studying theory alone, but will also encompass practical experience. Every discussion, simulation, and policy dialogue is designed to reflect real-world global challenges, equipping you to make sound decisions, maintain a balanced perspective, and act responsibly and with integrity at all times.”

Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri shared his confidence in the students’ potential, recognising the challenges ahead: “Your educational journey will not be easy, but it will be filled with challenges that create opportunities for learning and self-development. Each experience you embrace will bring you closer to realising your ambitions. I am confident in your abilities, which will enable you to become a new generation of diplomats who carry the UAE’s values of tolerance, openness, and peace wherever you go.”

During the event, the Academy provided an overview of its departments, faculty, and the key features of its nine-month programmes, which blend rigorous academic study with practical training to build students’ analytical, research, and diplomatic skills. They will also engage with leading experts through lectures, seminars, and research projects on key issues such as regional security, climate change, economic diplomacy, and the role of women in diplomacy.

About the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academwy (AGDA)

The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) is a globally recognised diplomatic centre of excellence in Abu Dhabi. It delivers accredited academic programmes and high-impact executive training to develop future diplomats, as well as the government and business leaders of tomorrow. AGDA brings together an intellectual community from the world of diplomacy, academia and research. As a respected and evolving regional think tank, AGDA produces research that advances knowledge and capabilities relevant to the UAE’s foreign policy objectives. The Academy is a producer of leading resources, including indices and publications. Learn more at: http://agda.ac.ae/