Chairman's Message
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs
In the United Arab Emirates, the principles of harmony, hope, innovation, and determination define us as a country and as people.
These are the very principles that brought about the unification of the Emirates and they have guided our journey of national development over the last 50 years. These principles have shaped the foundations of our society, and they have also come to symbolise our diplomatic relations with the nations of the world.
The UAE’s model of coexistence, tolerance and innovation is one that resonates globally. In a comparatively short period of time, we have emerged as a positive force in the international arena, due to our efforts to spread peace and advance humanitarian causes.
Our favourable standing on the world stage and our strong bilateral relations, reflects who we are as a nation. Our pursuit of human progress is why we are purposefully chosen as the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and why we were designated to host the World Expo 2020.
In addition to this, our handling of the Covid-19 pandemic has received plaudits internationally and serves as a template for other countries to emulate. Furthermore, the signing of the Abraham Accords is a historic achievement that brings about meaningful social, economic and security benefits, not only for the UAE, but for the entire region. The agreement breathes new life into cooperation in the Middle East.
Today, we have more than 100 diplomatic missions abroad. This is a network of economic, political and cultural linkages that connect the UAE to the wider world.
Our diplomats have a momentous role to play, as they are responsible for carrying the UAE’s success story with them around the world wherever they go. They also protect our interests at home and abroad. We ask a lot from them, but they get a lot back in return. A career spent serving the UAE on the international stage is one of great honour and personal fulfilment.
The increased complexities and rapid pace of change that our world is witnessing necessitates a strong and agile diplomatic corps. Many of our present and future challenges will no doubt be overcome by the exercise of diplomacy.
Therefore, we need to build and strengthen our diplomatic capability. In doing so, we will require talented, well-rounded diplomats that possess multidisciplinary skills. We require UAE nationals who can support our increasingly active role on the international stage.
The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) was founded to address this need, by bringing together the best of academia, research and practice. AGDA advances the objectives of the UAE’s foreign policy, by delivering high-impact training, as well as disseminating research that furthers our understanding of diplomacy and international relations.
AGDA empowers and prepares Emiratis to serve our nation, as part of a highly capable UAE diplomatic corps. In addition, the Academy also provides vital policy direction with insights on contemporary regional and global issues that impact the UAE, allowing the country to better respond to the challenges and opportunities that may lay in store.
As we embark upon a new era of possibilities at home and abroad, our diplomats will be with us every step of the way. At AGDA, we are ensuring that we produce courageous, knowledgeable and disciplined diplomats, who are equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the next 50 years.
