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Diplomacy is the Solution: The Vision of the Med-Or Virtual Academy
The article by Bernardino Leon has been published on the Huffington Post on November 23
Alaa Al Aswany, the renowned Egyptian writer, often concluded his articles with a powerful assertion: “Democracy is the solution.” But as we look around the Mediterranean, the Sahel, and beyond, facing a landscape of geopolitical complexities, threatened states, and rising tensions, we might adapt his words to the current moment: “Diplomacy is the solution.” This belief is the cornerstone of a new and innovative initiative, the Med-Or Virtual Academy, which aims to harness education and dialogue to foster diplomacy, understanding, and cooperation across regions marked by diverse challenges.
The Med-Or Virtual Academy represents a pioneering effort by the Med-Or Foundation, an institution under the visionary leadership of Marco Minniti -who has projected his commitment to dialogue among cultures and respect and education as foundations for peace and security- with the support of a distinguished International Board whose members treasure enormous diplomatic and geopolitical experience. Rooted in that belief that education and dialogue are critical tools for conflict prevention, the Academy was conceived as a dynamic platform for knowledge-sharing, training, and cultural exchange. Through cutting-edge technology and a curriculum that bridges the theoretical and practical dimensions of diplomacy, it provides a unique space where individuals from different backgrounds can come together to learn and collaborate.
When the Med-Or Foundation launched the Academy, it chose to focus on a vast and dynamic geographical area: Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. These regions are interconnected by history, culture, trade, and -unfortunately today more than in any recent times- shared challenges, including political instability, security threats, and environmental crises. By concentrating on this tri-continental nexus, the Med-Or Virtual Academy acknowledges the interconnected nature of global issues and aims to foster dialogue across these critical fault lines.
The Academy’s target audience is as broad as its ambitions. It welcomes diplomats, policymakers, academics, and young professionals from a variety of sectors, offering tailored programs designed to meet the needs of these diverse groups. Whether it’s foundational courses on international relations, specialized workshops on mediation techniques, or seminars on cross-cultural communication, the Academy’s offerings aim to equip participants with the tools they need to navigate today’s complexities. Recently in Abu Dhabi, at Diplomatici's "Change the World" initiative, I witnessed the ambition of hundreds of young people from all backgrounds and cultures to pursue diplomacy. They are our hope in such an uncertain time.
The Academy’s curriculum is as innovative as its mission. It integrates traditional learning methods with interactive digital platforms, making knowledge accessible regardless of participants' location. Its products range from webinars and masterclasses led by global experts to virtual simulation exercises designed to mimic real-world diplomatic scenarios. Participants are encouraged to engage actively with their instructors and peers, fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual learning. Currently, a group of leading Somali officers who will soon have key responsibilities in Somalia’s UN Security Council team, are training at the Academy and experiencing these tools.
Moreover, the Academy’s virtual format allows it to reach regions that have traditionally been underrepresented in global diplomacy discussions. By leveraging technology, the Med-Or Virtual Academy ensures that even those in remote or conflict-affected areas can participate, share their perspectives, and contribute to solutions.
As we look ahead, the Med-Or Virtual Academy promises to be a game-changer in the field of diplomacy and international education. In the coming weeks and months, it is expected to expand its range of programs and deepen its engagement with participants across its target regions. New thematic areas, such as climate diplomacy and cyber security, are likely to be added to its curriculum, reflecting the evolving priorities of international relations.
The Academy also aims to strengthen its partnerships with universities, think tanks, and governmental organizations, further enhancing the quality and impact of its offerings. By fostering these collaborations, the Med-Or Virtual Academy seeks to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical diplomacy, ensuring that its participants are equipped to address real-world challenges effectively.
In a world rife with divisions and uncertainties, the Med-Or Virtual Academy offers a beacon of hope. By bringing people together to learn, share, and collaborate, it reinforces the idea that diplomacy—grounded in education and dialogue—is the ultimate solution to the challenges we face. Much like Alaa Al Aswany’s faith in democracy, the Med-Or Academy embodies a belief in the power of human connection and shared understanding to create a better, more peaceful world. It is a bold initiative for our times, and its journey has only just begun.
