During the first Board of Trustees meeting

Abdullah bin Zayed

·        Emirates Diplomatic Academy represents UAE leadership's vision to invest in national human resources to strengthen nation's favourable position both regionally and internationally

·        Our diplomatic achievements lead us to new responsibilities requiring innovative approaches in line with the leadership's aspirations

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 24 June 2015

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of Emirates Diplomatic Academy's Board of Trustees, has stated that UAE diplomacy has entered a new era with notable achievements that have contributed to strengthening the country's favourable position in the global foreign policy arena over the course of the last four decades.

Speaking on the sidelines of the first meeting of the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, June 23, His Highness underlined the key role of Emirates Diplomatic Academy (EDA) in realising the country's aspirations in foreign policy stating that EDA will prepare a cadre of highly qualified diplomats capable of effectively supporting the UAE's foreign policy platform and achieving its national interests.

The meeting, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah, witnessed the participation of the Board members: HE Dr. Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; HE Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Member of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director; HE Ali Mohammad Hammad Al Shamsi, Deputy Secretary General at the Supreme National Security Council; HE Omar Saif Ghobash, Ambassador of the UAE to the Russian Federation; HE Lana Nusseibeh, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations; HE Mohamed Issa Abushahab, Director of Policy Planning Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

EDA's Board of Trustees provides the Academy with a wide range of experience and expertise, setting up and overseeing the strategic direction of the Academy. Their key roles and responsibilities include reviewing and approving the policies of the Academy and overseeing their implementation. Other roles include establishing and reviewing new academic programmes and courses of study and degrees, approving the Academy's annual budget, approving and endorsing the incentives and rewards system and determining the organisational structure of the Academy.

During the first meeting of EDA's Board of Trustees, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah stated that the Emirates Diplomatic Academy reflects the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE's Armed Forces that aims to  empower UAE nationals by providing them with the appropriate training and development opportunities aligned to the UAE leadership's vision which emphasises investment in national human resources to strengthen the nation's favourable position and fulfill its vision to be at the forefront of nations.

Underlining the fundamental achievements of the UAE's diplomacy, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah stated that the country has successfully managed to communicate its messages on the global level. His Highness said: "We have attained sustained achievements through the support of the country's leadership in the past years. The recent diplomatic victory which led to the exemption of UAE citizens from the Schengen visa requirement is only the start of a new era of successes that we aim to achieve through highly qualified and trained Emiratis."

His Highness added: "In our continued pursuit of excellence, we encounter new responsibilities. The country's diplomats should therefore constantly search for innovative ways to meet the national objectives of the UAE, in line with the leadership's aspirations, to achieve a foreign policy that wins the respect and admiration of the international community at all times."

Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Member of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director said: "EDA is considered a key pillar within UAE diplomacy, as it is envisaged to assume a dynamic future role in training and developing UAE nationals in order to effectively prepare the next generation of diplomats, who will be able to further solidify our country's position internationally and protect our national interests. This will be achieved in the coming period by providing trainees with a platform to acquire comprehensive skills, experience and knowledge to excel in their careers and empower them to play a central role in supporting the UAE's foreign policy objectives."

His Excellency added: "We express our thanks and appreciation to the UAE's leadership for their extensive interest in education and in enhancing the capabilities of Emirati human resources and reinforcing their role across all areas, and I would like to thank His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his close interest and unconditional support to UAE diplomacy, in addition to his prominent role in achieving the Emirates Diplomatic Academy's vision, mission and objectives during its founding period as well as in the years to come."

The Board of Trustees meeting commenced with an overview of EDA's objectives and a detailed briefing on its various strategic and operational activities, in addition to a comprehensive presentation. The meeting also included a tour of the Academy's premises and an introduction to EDA faculty and staff members from all departments.

The Board of Trustees also discussed EDA's future plans and the process of implementing its objectives, vision and mission aimed at making the Academy a recognised centre of excellence in diplomatic capacity development to support the objectives of the UAE's foreign policy by delivering high impact training and disseminating research and thought leadership. The Board also underscored EDA's role in empowering government employees engaged in different forms of diplomacy and international relations.

-Ends- 

About Emirates Diplomatic Academy:
The Emirates Diplomatic Academy (EDA) was established by Cabinet Decree No. 29 of the year 2014, as a pioneering integrated academic and research centre dedicated to strengthening the UAE national's foreign policy knowledge.

EDA's Board of Trustees includes distinguished leaders from government, academia and industry. The Board of Trustees ensures that the Academy adheres to the purposes for which it was created and that the Academy's integrity and financial resources are preserved for its current and future objectives.

EDA aims to build a broad knowledge base in the field of international and diplomatic relations, while providing technical and advisory support to UAE government entities, and while strengthening cooperation with major training centres and universities to exchange experiences and best practices.

EDA's core areas are interlinked, with activities in one area contributing to the others to create balance and synergies.

1. Academics and Research

• Students study a customised course that incorporates UAE and regional context alongside EDA research

• EDA faculty participate in research projects supported by visiting Middle East scholars and institutional partnerships

2. Academics and Executive Education

• Students benefit from executive courses delivered by EDA

• Students of diplomacy collaborate and build professional networks (e.g. capstone)

3. Research and Executive Education

• Researchers design and improve training courses with relevant UAE-related content

• Researchers have access to students for study purposes (focus groups, surveys, etc.)

The Emirates Diplomatic Academy seeks to attract students who are interested in joining is a prestigious learning community that brings together the best of academia, research and practice through region-specific programs and access to the UAE's finest diplomatic minds. It also seeks to attract candidates who are interested in joining the UAE's diplomatic corps or organisations that are engaged in various international activities.

To apply for EDA's post-graduate diploma programme, students must have:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited university or college that
    is recognised by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

  • GPA above 3.0 on a 4-point scale

  • TOEFL above 550 or equivalent (computer-based TOEFL score of 213,
    Internet-based TOEFL score of 79-80), or IELTS (Academic) above 6.0

To apply for an EDA executive education course, students must: 

  • Currently be employed in a UAE Government organisation

  • Have the support and relevant authorisation from your employer

For more information about Emirates Diplomatic Academy, please visit www.eda.ac.ae

For media inquiries, contact:
Abeer Al Mutawa
Marketing & Communications Director
Emirates Diplomatic Academy
abeer.almutawa@eda.ac.ae

Omar Badran
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Omar.Badran@bm.com
044507626

Medhat Juma
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Medhat.juma@bm.com
044507626

© Press Release 2015