Emirates Diplomatic Academy joins hands with Delma Institute to organise simulation exercise

The Emirates Diplomatic Academy (EDA) in cooperation with The Delma Institute, has organised a two-day simulation of a major international political negotiation. The simulation at the EDA premises was led by Mishaal Al Gergawi, Managing Director of The Delma Institute. In the preparatory sessions for the simulations, EDA students enhanced their understanding of strategic and tactical planning for negotiations, including shaping expectations, creating a conducive media environment and planning for the unplannable. The preparation sessions also included a thorough analysis of several historical political agreements, including the 1978 Camp David Accord, the 1989 Taif Agreement in Lebanon, and the 1990 Unification Agreement in Yemen and Libyan Agreement. Through experiential learning methods such as simulations, the Academy aims to equip the UAE’s young diplomats with a good understanding of negotiation processes and encourage critical and creative thinking on incentivising positive outcomes in such negotiations. Commenting on the simulation, Bernardino Leon, Director General of the EDA, said, "Enhancing a diplomat’s understanding of the psychology of negotiations is an important task. Many diplomats underestimate how difficult negotiations can be, especially in crisis and conflict situations. At EDA, the students get to experience both theoretical and practical learning and such simulation sessions enable them to effectively develop their negotiation skills and deal diplomatically with any situation". Mishaal Al Gergawi urged the EDA students to work towards understanding the interests of all involved in political negotiations. He said, "Know your friends, foes, and potential spoilers, be principled and be creative in finding the middle ground." This was the first simulation exercise that was held at the Academy. The Academy plans to organise several such exercises by collaborating with local and international partners. These real life simulations are meant to help prepare Emirati diplomats for their future positions and as such further strengthen the UAE’s foreign policy. As the leading diplomatic training institute in the region, EDA combines academic programmes and training, research and analysis on relevant issues related to Middle East, nuclear and energy. The Academy also conducts in-depth studies on the region and the UAE to build a knowledge base in the field of international relations and diplomacy, and support the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and decision-makers in the UAE. - Emirates News Agency, WAM -http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395296688402.html