The Emirates Diplomatic Academy (EDA) will be a game changer in providing the next generation of Emirati diplomats with the skills to promote the United Arab Emirates interests on the world stage, His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of State and Member of the Board of Trustees of EDA, has said.

Established last year on the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, 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 UAEs Armed Forces, the EDA will develop our foreign policy based on world-class standards that enhance the prestige of the nation, said HE Al Jaber.

The EDA, which has already recruited academics, researchers as well as local and international diplomats, is now offering its executive education courses and is fully prepared to welcome students in September. The Academy will also look to build partnerships with leading international institutions.

Our leadership places the highest importance in a credible and positive foreign policy, which has contributed to building the goodwill and national thought leadership of the UAE globally, said HE Al Jaber.

Led by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the EDA Board of Trustees, the UAE has accomplished several milestones in its foreign relations. These include winning the bid to host the International Renewable Energy Agencys (IRENA) headquarters in Abu Dhabi and the bid to host the World Expo 2020 in Dubai. Another diplomatic triumph was the decision of the European Union to exempt UAE citizens from Schengen visa requirements.

HE Al Jaber explained that establishing the EDA in record time would not have been possible without the support of HH Sheikh Abdullah, who is committed to enabling the countrys national workforce to take the UAEs international successes forward. The Academys goal is to develop a competent national workforce that is specialised in diplomatic studies. The executive training programmes at EDA are based on advanced scientific and research methodologies that enable Emirati professionals to be part of UAEs diplomatic corps and foster positive relations with the international community.

HE Al Jaber said that the UAEs successful foreign policy is underpinned by the long-term vision of the country's leadership, established by the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Our international diplomacy is built on the principles of mutual respect as well as productive and friendly relations with various countries around the world. This enables us to play a key role in resolving several international issues. The EDA aims to build on these diplomatic achievements, in accordance with the countrys foreign policy fundamentals.

EDA adopts a comprehensive approach in its training by covering a broad range of subjects that provide participants with the skills to achieve effective outcomes. EDA also seeks to set new standards in foreign policy initiatives based on a thorough and accurate evaluation of current situations and identifying future projections to drive the UAEs diplomatic efforts internationally, said HE Al Jaber.
The EDA adopts international best practices to train our diplomatic corps as well as employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and students from various other ministries and government entities, said HE Al Jaber.