H.E. Omar Saif Ghobash joined H.E. Bernardino León, Director General of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, in a lively virtual session, titled “Letters to a Young Diplomat,” on Wednesday 9 June.
H.E. Ghobash, Assistant Minister for Public and Cultural Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, spoke to more than 40 talented Emirati students about public and cultural diplomacy, and what it takes for a diplomat to succeed, particularly in times of rapid global change and uncertainty. “Make a commitment to uncertainty, because there is always uncertainty in diplomacy,” H.E. Ghobash told the audience.
The Assistant Minister also shed light on the vital role that diplomats hold in helping achieve the country’s strategic objectives in international affairs, particularly when it comes to bringing foreign investments into the UAE, as he pointed out that the nation is immensely focusing on diversifying its internal economy, as well as its science and technological development.
“As diplomats, you must go out into all kinds of audiences around the world and pursued people that there is an attractive value proposition in the UAE. We need to make sure that our ambassadors are reaching out to their audiences in a persuasive way,” he noted.
The enlightening talk with the Assistant Minister for Culture and Public Diplomacy was the final virtual session before the future diplomats and ambassadors venture-off on their long-awaited journeys to becoming the representatives of the UAE, who can proudly and firmly stand at the nation’s forefront on the global stage.
“As we are about to conclude the current academic year, we are thrilled to have welcomed H.E. Omar Saif Ghobash, who shared exceptional insight with our talented students. At Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), we are proud to see a new batch of the UAE’s future diplomats ready to start their career journeys, as we have equipped them with the necessary knowledge and skills in the field of diplomacy and international relations,” said H.E. Bernardino León.
The session’s title referenced H.E. Omar Saif Ghobash’s book, Letters to a Young Muslim, in which he shares his advice for navigating the modern world today as a young Muslim man.
“This year’s graduating cohort of young Emirati diplomats from the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy embody the UAE’s foundational values, a commitment to global cooperation through cross-cultural dialogue, and the very best of what our future has in store. I look forward to welcoming the class of 2021 to the team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.” H.E. Omar Saif Ghobash
