Abu Dhabi Diplomacy Conference to take place on November 14

ABU DHABI, (Pakistan Point News - 08th Nov, 2018) The Abu Dhabi Diplomacy Conference is set to take place from 14 to 15 November at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi with the aim of discussing the latest innovations, trends and challenges in the field of diplomatic practice.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the event will draw the participation of over 300 delegates.

The Emirates Diplomatic academy, EDA, yesterday announced at a press conference that it will host the inaugural edition of the Conference that is set to feature interactive panel discussions and practical workshops designed to identify effective solutions that can be implemented by ministries of foreign affairs across the globe.

Among the speakers confirmed to attend the event are; Reem Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Zaki Nusseibeh, Minister of State; Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence; Susana Malcorra, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Argentina Republic; Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia; and Nabil Fahmy, Founding Dean of the school of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the American University in Cairo and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Bernardino Leon, Director-General of EDA, said, "The conference is set to present an ideal platform to explore new concepts to strengthen the effectiveness of diplomacy and enhance synergies between diplomats in the UAE and their international counterparts. It is our vision that the Abu Dhabi Diplomacy Conference will contribute to the conversation that shapes the future of diplomacy."

Speaking on the purpose of the event, Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Renewable Energy Agency and Deputy Director General of EDA, said, "This conference was created to connect diplomats from around the world.

Through this forum, we seek to promote the exchange of ideas and international diplomatic best practices, which in turn can contribute to finding constructive solutions to the most pressing global issues."

She added, "Amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution, diplomacy in the 21st century has unprecedented technology and communication methods at their disposal that also present various challenges. Not only are there new ways to communicate but there are new, non-traditional players who are taking on increasingly prominent roles on the world stage. While artificial intelligence, advanced robotics and social media are tools that can increase efficiency, erase borders and bring people together, they also contribute to intensifying the social divide and bring with them entirely new rules and regulations. Today’s diplomacy can no longer work without transparency, engagement and closer collaboration. The Abu Dhabi Diplomacy Conference aims to leverage this opportunity to address the industry’s most crucial challenges."

Running on the sidelines of the event will be the Future Diplomats PeaceGame, which engages outstanding trainee diplomats and students of international affairs from over 20 countries in resolving simulated international conflicts. Hosted by EDA, the Future Diplomats PeaceGame, is being organised in collaboration with the Foreign Policy Group and the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University, with the generous support of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Attendees at the conference will comprise ministers, serving diplomats from a wide range of countries, former senior diplomats, as well as directors of diplomatic academies and leading young diplomats and trainees from around the world.