The 7th workshop on Modern Diplomacy for Small States will take place in Malta, on 30 September – 9 October 2015. It is being organised by DiploFoundation, and sponsored by the Government of Malta and the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation (CFTC).

You may find more information about the workshop below. A provisional schedule, information about scholarships, and faculty biographies are located on our other pages. The workshop brochure can be downloaded here.

To apply, visit the Applications and Sponsorships page. We encourage you to read the information on our website.

The application deadline is 5 August 2015.

About the workshop

The 7th workshop on Modern Diplomacy for Small States focuses on the current diplomatic challenges and organisational needs of small states, engaging as speakers experienced diplomats who have first-hand knowledge of the challenges facing small states and how these challenges have been dealt with in Malta.

The workshop is designed to encourage interaction between participants and speakers. More specific objectives are covered in the topic description of each module. In summary, participants will:

• recognise the importance of branding to their nation state and discover ways in which they can increase their nation’s competitiveness through branding.
• explore the strengths and weaknesses involved in using Honorary Consuls and learn of the sensitive issues and experiences involved in Consular Affairs.
• consider the scope and thrust of Commonwealth diplomacy
• fully appreciate the importance of protocol in diplomatic relations
• appreciate and understand the bargaining powers of the negotiator.
• a hands-on experience from a member of the CHOGM taskforce relating to the upcoming CHOGM hosted in Malta, 2015.

• Target participants

The workshop is intended primarily for professionals holding senior/middle management positions within a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other departments dealing with the foreign affairs of small states. Given the institution-building focus of the programme, participants should be in the position to implement in their respective ministries and government departments the skills and knowledge acquired during the workshop.

Language

The course will be conducted in English, and all participants are expected to have a good working knowledge of the language.

Resources and methodology

Training will consist of a combination of speakers, participant presentations, and role play/simulations. The programme includes a strong skills-improvement component consisting of hands-on, practical simulation exercises. Content is drawn from current best practices in the area of negotiations, diplomatic protocol, multilateral diplomacy, and consular services, among others.

By sharing their experiences, participants will benefit from the comparison of their national experience with that of other small states.

Participants’ presentations

As part of the programme, participants are asked to prepare a short presentation about their country (5 minutes) which may include challenges faced by their country, or experiences that helped overcome a challenge. (PPP maybe used, but only picture images)

Certificates

Participants who complete the entire workshop will be presented with a certificate jointly issued by the DiploFoundation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Malta, and the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation.