Held under the theme “Diplomacy Under the Microscope: Are Yesterday’s Tools Still Capable of Managing Today’s World?”, the programme explores how traditional diplomatic tools can adapt to rapid changes in international relations, driven by technological advances, new actors and increasingly complex global challenges.

The programme is organised in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, and with knowledge partners including the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, TRENDS Research & Advisory and the European Union Delegation to the UAE.

Running until 10 September, the programme combines two online training phases with an in-person stage in Abu Dhabi, focusing on negotiation, simulation and crisis management.

The programme covers eight key areas, including changes in the international system, emerging sources of power, the evolution of diplomacy, artificial intelligence and digital diplomacy, the future of international institutions, negotiation under pressure, and multilateral crisis management.

Fatima Al Hallami, Executive Director of the Arab Youth Centre, said that investing in young Arab diplomatic leaders was an investment in the region’s ability to understand, engage with, and influence the world.

She said the latest edition goes beyond conventional training by combining academic knowledge, analysis, negotiation, simulations and practical exercises.

The programme will conclude with an in-person phase from 7 to 10 September, providing participants with an opportunity to apply their knowledge through negotiation scenarios and crisis-management exercises.

More than 220 young people from 14 Arab countries have graduated from the programme across its four previous editions, which have involved more than 18 partners and provided more than 35 training hours per edition.