AGDA Graduation Highlights: Shapers Of Tomorrow Cohort Earn Diplomatic Degrees In Abu Dhabi
The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy marked a milestone as 71 graduates completed programmes for the 2024–2025 academic year, coinciding with ten years since its first cohorts finished their studies. The ceremony, held at the Academy’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, highlighted the UAE’s focus on preparing skilled diplomats to represent the country in regional and international arenas.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman of AGDA’s Board of Trustees, attended the event and congratulated the graduates. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed confidence that the new diplomats would strengthen the UAE’s global reputation and help build cooperation and partnership with brotherly and friendly nations, in support of shared development and prosperity.
The graduating class included students from several academic tracks that support the UAE’s diplomatic corps. They comprised the first cohort of the Master of Arts in International Law, Human Rights and Diplomatic Relations, the fourth cohort of the Master of Arts in Humanitarian and Development Affairs, the seventh cohort of the Master of Arts in International Affairs and Diplomatic Leadership, and the tenth cohort of the Postgraduate Diploma in Emirati Diplomacy and International Relations.
The ceremony also recognised 21 participants from the fifth cohort of the Future Leaders in Foreign Policy programme. The initiative is designed to prepare national leaders who understand the political, economic and social challenges shaping contemporary foreign policy. It also aims to sharpen analytical, negotiation and decision-making skills among professionals in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, government institutions, the private sector and media organisations.
AGDA Director-General Nickolay Mladenov addressed the graduates, noting that the Academy has, over the past decade, upgraded its academic offering and widened its partnerships. Mladenov said the institution has prepared a generation of diplomats who can understand global transformations and support the UAE’s international standing through informed, responsible and professional engagement across different regions and issues.
Nickolay Mladenov praised the graduating students’ development, explaining that their experience went beyond classroom learning. According to Mladenov, the group gained the capacity to analyse change, interpret complex global dynamics and participate in constructive professional dialogue. These abilities, he noted, are essential for creating genuine understanding in a world that is changing rapidly and presenting new diplomatic challenges.
Deputy Director-General Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri told the audience that graduation represents the beginning of a demanding new phase for participants. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri stressed that modern diplomacy requires constant learning and close engagement with a fast-changing international environment. Al Dhaheri added that Emirati diplomacy draws strength from wisdom, balance, partnership-building and the ability to adjust through lifelong learning.
The event brought together senior officials, experts and families of the graduates, underlining institutional support for diplomatic training. Attendees included Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Zaki Nusseibeh; Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi; Lana Zaki Nusseibeh; Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri; Nadhim Zahawi; Nasser Judeh; Badr Jafar; Rima Al Mokarrab; Yasser Hareb; youth representative Majid Bin Zawbaa; as well as academic and administrative staff from the Academy.
With inputs from WAM
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