Insights into the UAE's foreign policy and its transformation over the past decade and a half were discussed at a diplomacy institute in the capital this week.
The Emirates Diplomatic Academy hosted the lecture which was presented by Dr Ebtisam Al Ketbi, president of the Emirates Policy Centre, a local think tank.
Dr Al Ketbi spoke of the evolution of the UAE's foreign policy since 1971, which she said is characterised by wisdom, moderation and fairness. "It is based on the global principles of dialogue and understanding, as well as respect for international conventions and the sovereignty of other countries," she told an audience of students, as she shared insights from her own career in senior roles in the GCC, among others.
She discussed different regional and global issues related to the Emirates' foreign policy as well as the country's role and leadership in shaping international policies that reinforce security and stability while supporting sustainable development.
She also highlighted the relevance of diplomatic efforts in reducing tension and conflict in the Middle East in general and the GCC in particular, and spoke of the most noteworthy trends that have shaped the UAE's foreign policy over the past 15 years.
"The academy has emerged as a distinguished institution that works relentlessly to refine the skills of the UAE's diplomatic corps in accordance with best practices," Dr Al Ketbi said.
The talk is the latest in the academy's series of lectures which invite high-profile diplomatic leaders and practitioners from all over the world to share insights from their careers with the academy's students. Its aim is to prepare the UAE's future diplomats to face a wide range of regional and global challenges.
