Abu Dhabi: Twenty young Emiratis aspiring to become future diplomats for the UAE were given a rigorous interactive training course by the Emirates Diplomatic Academy (EDA) as part of their Youth Ambassadors Programme.

The programme was launched in 2012 by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, with the aim of developing the next generation of Emirati diplomats to serve in key posts.

“Emirates Diplomatic Academy works relentlessly to impart the latest theoretical and practical expertise in the field of diplomacy and international relations to future UAE diplomats with the aim of equipping them with the tools to become worthy representatives of their country on the world stage,” said Bernardino Leon, president of EDA.

“EDA is committed to empowering young Emiratis to become the driving force of the UAE’s international strategic initiatives. The course for the participants of the UAE Youth Ambassadors Programme is a prime example of how the academy meets this mandate,” he added.

Mariam Al Mahmoud, director of the Executive Training and Student Affairs Department at EDA, said the courses gave the prospective diplomats an in depth look at the UAE’s foreign polices and international relations.

“The academy offers programmes and training courses tailored to the requirements of the modern age and designed in accordance with international best practices.

“As the strategic partners of the UAE Youth Ambassadors Programme, we have developed our latest course to build the participants’ diplomatic capabilities, and enhance their understanding of the UAE’s foreign policy and international relations. We are confident that the course will go a long way towards helping the youth ambassadors make the right strategic decisions while representing their country abroad,” she added.

Majida Al Maktoum, one of the participants in the programme, said that thanks to the training course, she learnt new insights into the UAE’s relationship with China.

“I thank the academy for organising the course that provided deep insight into the nature of the UAE’s relationship with China and the common values the two countries share, enabling us to gain a greater understanding of our country’s foreign policy objectives.”

“Participants also learnt about the Belt and Road initiative that seeks a symbolic revival of ancient trade routes through boosting foreign infrastructure investments and developing trade relations between China and other countries. We were proud to discover the significant role the UAE plays in this endeavour and other important strategic initiatives,” she added.

Hassan Abdullah Al Ali, another participant in the programme, explained how the course delved into understanding Chinese customs and protocols.

“The course helped us understand the educational, cultural and economic connections between the UAE and China. We also studied the basics of Chinese protocol and etiquette, and the most important customs and traditions that distinguish Chinese people from other nations and reflect their history and civilisation.”