Montenegro Hosted the 50th International Forum on Diplomatic Training

Montenegro hosted the 50th International Forum on Diplomatic Training (IFDT) from October 8th to 11th, 2024, under the overarching theme “Elevating Diplomatic Success: Unleashing the Power of Competencies.” Eighty representatives from 40 diplomatic academies and institutes of foreign affairs across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia participated in this significant jubilee.

This milestone event underscored the full potential of the global diplomatic community and provided a platform for exploring the latest trends and challenges in diplomatic training within a rapidly evolving context.

Through insightful discussions, participants strengthened networks, fostered collaboration, and inspired innovative ideas. A key focus had been on mastering diplomatic competencies in an ever-changing world, particularly addressing security issues highlighted by representatives from NATO and the Munich Security Conference.

The IFDT fostered relationships, laid the groundwork for future cooperation, and offered attendees the opportunity to experience and learn about Montenegro.

Established in 1972 by a consortium of academic and diplomatic training institutions, the IFDT served as an annual meeting for deans and directors. The Director of the Diplomatic Academy in Vienna and the Director of the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at the Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, acted as permanent co-chairs.

As the meeting concluded, sincere gratitude was expressed to the Co-Chairs for their trusted partnership, the IFDT Secretariat for their guidance, and colleagues at DiploFoundation, Clingendael Academy, UNITAR, and long-standing partner UNDP for their support.