The UAE Ministry of Economy and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), have announced
Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), a globally recognised diplomatic
centre of excellence in Abu Dhabi, as their official Education partner in hosting the
World Trade Organisation’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13), the principle
decision-making body overseeing global trade, when it convenes in Abu Dhabi in February 2024.
The cooperation agreement was signed in the presence of His Excellency Dr Thani
bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade and MC13 Chair-
designate, and His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi
Department of Economic Development. It was signed by His Excellency Abdullah
Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, HE Badr Al-Olama,
Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), representing
ADDED, and His Excellency Nickolay Mladenov, Director General of the Anwar
Gargash Diplomatic Academy.
AGDA is the UAE’s leading diplomatic training center with a successful track record
in developing the nation’s future diplomats, government, and business leaders. As
Education Partner for MC13, AGDA is playing an active role in the Global Future
Trade Leaders program, an initiative of the Ministry of Economy in partnership with
the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), leveraging its
diverse knowledge base, geopolitical expertise and decades of experience in cross
cultural communications to deliver masterclasses and educational materials on
global trade that will prepare young UAE government officials to actively and
constructively participate in MC13.
Additionally, AGDA will contribute to the success of MC13 through the production of
thought leadership insights and reports and through participation in strategic
conferences and roundtable discussions leading up to MC13.
Commenting on the agreement, HE Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for
Foreign Trade and MC13 Chair-designate, said: “AGDA has been key in training and
nurturing the UAE’s current and future diplomatic representatives and foreign policy
leaders, and will greatly assist us as hosts in representing the UAE positively and
productively throughout the duration of MC13. AGDA’s collective experience and
expertise in a wide range of geopolitical issues, global trade and climate diplomacy
will help to foster and advance constructive discussions on the most pressing issues
that global trade ministers will be meeting in Abu Dhabi to resolve.”
His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, said: “As we are
forging ahead with efforts to cement our country’s status as a leading global hub for
trade, business, and investments, we believe equipping our talents with necessary
knowledge and skills is a prerequisite to achieve our objectives. The partnership with
Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) will enable UAE representatives to
reach innovative solutions to global trade challenges at the upcoming WTO
Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi”.
“AGDA has been playing a major role in qualifying the UAE’s diplomats and
government leaders to represent our country on the global stage as well as leading
international conversations on key topics to reach agreements that address the
needs of various stakeholders as evidenced by many global events and
conferences. We are looking forward to reaping the fruits of this partnership at the
WTO Ministerial Conference, being held at a critical time and aiming to enhance the
role of trade in driving sustainable development”.
His Excellency Nickolay Mladenov, Director General of the Anwar Gargash
Diplomatic Academy said: “The partnership with MC13 is an important milestone for
AGDA, underscoring its commitment to training UAE diplomats and supporting the
nation’s foreign policy. This collaboration highlights AGDA’s expertise and
contribution to international diplomacy and foreign policy on a global stage. By
offering its knowledge and necessary provisions, AGDA is dedicated to ensuring the
success of MC13, furthering its mission to enhance global diplomatic relations and
policy outcomes.”
“At AGDA, we believe in the critical role of trade ministers in the collaborative efforts
between countries to implement international cooperation frameworks for global
trade, especially considering current situations and challenges. With strong
partnerships and policies in international trade, we can rise above the challenges
and maintain balance if we work together to uphold trade policies that benefit us all.”
Trade ministers representing 164 countries and trading blocs will gather in Abu
Dhabi in February next year to engage in discussions regarding reforms to the global
trading system that will seek to enlarge its membership, improve dispute resolution
processes and facilitate increased investment in trade technologies to enable more
sustainable and resilient supply chains.
The UAE’s increasingly important role as a global logistics hub and advocate for a
more inclusive global trading system has seen it positioned as a champion for
increasing engagement of the Global South in international trade. In 2021, the UAE
launched its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) program that aims to establish more open, sustainable and mutually beneficial trading relations by removing barriers to trade in goods and services, simplifying customs procedures and streamlining supply chains.
