Over 1,000 Emiratis apply for programme in UAE diplomacy
Out of 1,106 applications, 34 per cent were by Emirati males (378 applications), while 66 per cent were by females (728 applications)
The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), the UAE’S leading entity that trains current and future diplomats, announced that more than 1,000 Emiratis and aspiring diplomats have applied to join its Post-graduate Diploma programme in UAE Diplomacy and International Relations for 2022/2023, which concluded on Friday.
Themed ‘Diplomats of the Future,’ AGDA’S recruitment campaign was launched mid-february and called upon aspiring diplomats to apply for the programme before 28 April 2022.
Thisyear,agdareceivedarecord-breaking1,106 number of applicants – with an increase of 58 per cent compared to last year. The increase indicates a growing interest in young Emiratis wishing to pursue a career in diplomacy and foreign affairs and represent their country around the world.
Out of 1,106 applications, 34 per cent were by Emirati males (378 applications), while 66 per cent were by females (728 applications). The rising number of female applicants reflects the commitment of the UAE and AGDA to provide women with the opportunities to grow and excel in serving their country’s foreign policy objectives, skilfully and knowledgably.
Since its inception in 2014, the Academy has been preparing and training future diplomats, by providing them with the required knowledge and insights to enable them to explore some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
AGDA has thus become the driving force of worldwide strategic initiatives that aim to enhance the UAE’S diplomatic presence and strengthen its international standing.
Recently,theanwargargashdiplomaticacademy (AGDA) announced the launch of its admissions campaign and called on all aspiring diplomats to apply prior to the deadline on 13 March 2022.
Renowned for its diplomatic capacity development, research and thought leadership initiatives, the Academy has launched the 2022/2023 Postgraduate Diploma Programme admissions process for Emiratis who wish to embark on careers in diplomacy that will allow them to represent the UAE on the world stage.
AGDA, which kicked off its campaign to recruit potential diplomats under the theme ‘Diplomats of the Future,’ expected to receive an all-time-high number of applications this year, following last year’s record-breaking recruitment campaign, as more young Emiratis are now choosing to pursue careers in diplomacy and foreign affairs.
Abdulnasser Alshaali, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC), said: “Over the years, we have seen a growing number of Emiratis showing interest in pursuing diplomatic careers. This is a clear indication of the UAE’S pivotal role globally and its effectiveness in achieving its foreign policy objectives.”
He added: “It is important for us at the Ministry to expand the Emirati diplomatic corps by providing those with a keen interest in foreign affairs with unsurpassed knowledge and skills that will enable them to further consolidate and enhance our nation’s international standing.
“I thus urge aspiring diplomats to join AGDA, as it not only prepares them to serve and represent their nation, but also provides them with the opportunity to explore some of our world’s most pressing challenges in a stimulating learning environment,” he concluded.
Nickolay Mladenov, the newly appointed Acting Director General of AGDA, said: “The UAE today is a country that has taken the lead on a series of global issues – combating climate change and environmental disasters, to providing relief and humanitarian aid to those in need. It is hosting Expo 2020, and will host the Cop28, both during its two-year membership of the UN Security Council.
“Such achievements require elite diplomats with immaculate knowledge and top-notch skills who can represent their nation with honour, strength and integrity – particularly during testing times and moments of unprecedented global turbulence.”
He added: “That is why our Academy provides vital policy direction, with insights on contemporary regional and global issues that impact the UAE and the region. AGDA firmly supports the objectives of the UAE’S foreign policy, by equipping future diplomats with fundamental knowledge and skills, to effectively serve their nation on the international arena.”