EDA joins Geneva Conventions’ 70th anniversary

ABU DHABI: Joining the global community in commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, the Emirates Diplomatic Academy (EDA) hosted a high-level panel discussion on ‘Relevance of the Geneva Conventions in the World of Today’. Held in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) and the International Commitee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the event brought together major stakeholders to exchange views on the importance of the Geneva Conventions in today’s geopolitical landscape.

Panellists included Dr Mohamed Al Kamali, Director General of the Institute of Legal and Judicial Studies in Sharjah and Vice President of the National Commitee of International Humanitarian Law; Massimo Baggi, Ambassador of Switzerland to the UAE and Bahrain; Bernardino León, Director General of EDA; and Dr Omar Mekky, Regional Legal Coordinator for Middle East and North Africa at ICRC. Sophie Barbey, Head of ICRC Mission in the UAE, moderated the event.

Experts stressed the importance of reinforcing the universal commitments to promoting and adhering to the rules of the four Geneva Conventions and, more broadly, the principles of international humanitarian law (IHL). The discussion shed light on the role of IHL as one of the most powerful tools in ensuring the safety and dignity of people in times of war, as well as the need to introduce its principles to a wide ranges of actors, including students of diplomacy.

The Geneva Conventions comprise four treaties and three additional protocols that form the core of international humanitarian law. They regulate the conduct of armed conflict and seek to limit its effects while protecting the people who are not or are no longer participating in the hostilities.

Massimo Baggi said: “Switzerland is not only a party to the Geneva Conventions, but also the depositary state of the Geneva Conventions and the Additional Protocols, and our commitment to humanitarian action is an integral part of our foreign policy.”

For his part, His Excellency Bernardino León said: “The commitment to humanitarian diplomacy is not a choice but a responsibility. The UAE views this responsibility as a high priority, and this approach is evident in its proactive provision of relief and development assistance around the world.”

He added: “EDA aims to nurture future diplomats that lead with compassion and realise the importance of humanitarian work. They are our future guardians of peace and promoters of global prosperity. The in-depth discussion has allowed our students to gain a thorough understanding of the significance of the Geneva Conventions in light of contemporary geopolitical challenges.