Rikard Jalkebro

Emirates Diplomatic Academy

In today's rapidly evolving global environment, where national security and prosperity increasingly depend on informed and well-connected government leaders and policy makers, promoting the UAE's interests worldwide is more important than ever before. To support the mission of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Emirates Diplomatic Academy (EDA) was launched in 2014 and has become the driving force in the ministry's efforts to educate, inform and qualify the UAE's current and future diplomats and government leaders to represent the UAE on the global stage. The UAE has achieved substantial success in the global foreign policy arena, winning bids to host high-profile events such as Expo 2020 and the Special Olympic 2019 as well as being selected as the location for the International Renewable Energy Agency's (IRENA) headquarters. Due to the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Internatinal Cooperation (MoFAIC), the UAE passport is now ranked as the most powerful in the GCC region. These achievements can be attributed to the passion and leadership of the UAE's government leadership and policy makers of today. As the Academy continues to grow, we aim to attract top Emirati talent that will help reinforce our country's global standing and build on its success. As a centre of excellence, the Academy provides a unique learning experience that comprises a blend of region-specific programmes, thought leadership and access to the finest diplomatic minds. We bring international knowledge, expertise and experience to the UAE to offer first-rate education that prepares our students to deal with the myriad challenges they will encounter in the ever-changing world of foreign policy. The Academy aspires to become the leading foreign policy, executive training and research centre in the Middle East. Today, our graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to represent the UAE abroad at the highest level.