On March 16, the first online meeting of the heads of the Diplomatic Academies of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) took place. The main topic is "Training diplomats in the 21st century: challenges and opportunities in a post-pandemic world."
The focus was on the training and professional development of diplomats, global security issues and the consolidation of efforts to improve the coherence and effectiveness of actions in the fight against COVID-19.
As the representative of India, the country holding the BRICS chairmanship, Ambassador J.S. Mukul called for close coordination of the Organisation’s diplomatic academies in improving the training of diplomats. He specifically emphasised mastering new forms of diplomatic work and, in particular, digital diplomacy and online negotiations, which have become firmly established in modern diplomatic practice. Colleagues from other countries unanimously supported this initiative. J.S. Mukul invited young diplomats of the participating countries to India for a conference for experience exchange, which is planned for the last week of October this year. This invitation was accepted with gratitude.
The heads of the diplomatic academies talked about the specifics of training international affairs professionals in the diplomatic institutes.
A.V. Yakovenko provided insight into various aspects of the activities and development of the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Foreign Ministry. He emphasised the methods of organising the educational process, programmes and courses for professional re-training and advanced training of diplomats, scientific, analytical and publishing activities of the Academy in his speech.
The Diplomat 2050 report, which is being prepared at the Diplomatic Academy, aroused particular interest. The colleagues expressed their readiness to contribute to the formation of the document, on the basis of the regional characteristics and their vision of the future diplomats.
Alexander Yakovenko invited the heads of the academies of the BRICS countries to visit Moscow this autumn to participate in the "Ministerial Readings", which will be organised by the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Foreign Ministry and will be held under the auspices of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The invitation was accepted with gratitude.
In conclusion, all participants expressed deep appreciation for the meeting and hope for the continuation of such events on a regular basis, taking into account the demonstrated practical feasibility.
