Abdullah Bin Zayed presides over graduation of AGDA’s Cohort 'Shapers of Tomorrow 2024'

The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and members of AGDA's Board of Trustees; Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees at AGDA; Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President, Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, Dr. Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Khalifa Bin Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State; Omar Saif Ghobash, Adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and UAE Non-Resident Ambassador to the Holy See, and Nickolay Mladenov, Director-General of AGDA, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director General of AGDA, in addition to the faculty and administrative members and the families of graduates.
The event celebrated the achievements of 63 students across AGDA’s flagship programmes: the ninth cohort of the Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD) in UAE Diplomacy and International Relations, the sixth cohort of the Master of Arts in Global Affairs and Diplomatic Leadership (MAGAD), and the third cohort of the Master of Arts in Humanitarian Action and Development (MAHAD).
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated the graduates and wished them success in their professional careers. He emphasised their role in advancing the country’s global standing, both regionally and globally, while supporting national efforts to build bridges of positive cooperation and foster fruitful, constructive partnerships with all nations to achieve development and prosperity for all communities.
Nickolay E. Mladenov highlighted the critical role of the graduates in shaping the future of Emirati diplomacy. Addressing them, he said, "Today’s graduates embody the UAE’s unique approach to diplomacy—one that blends vision, pragmatism, and cultural sensitivity. You are not just representatives of your nation; you are the quiet architects of understanding, tasked with navigating complex challenges and building bridges of trust in an ever-changing world. With the knowledge and skills gained at AGDA, you are prepared to lead with empathy, integrity, and purpose, advancing the UAE’s values of tolerance, cooperation, and peace on the global stage."
He continued, "Your achievements are not just about personal success; they are about the legacy you will create. In every dialogue you pursue and every challenge you tackle, remember this guiding principle: ‘Know who you are and whom you represent.’ Carry the UAE’s heritage of bridge-building forward, and work to create a world where understanding and collaboration triumph over division."
Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri said, “We rely on our ambitious youth, the ‘Shapers of Tomorrow’, to carry the UAE’s noble message of spreading the values of tolerance and coexistence worldwide and laying the foundations for international peace and stability. We trust them to uphold the crucial mission of strengthening international cooperation to ensure a more secure and stable future for the region and the world.”
The ceremony also celebrated the graduation of 24 participants from the “Future Leaders in Foreign Policy Programme.” This programme, offered by AGDA, aims to deepen participants’ understanding of international relations and enhance their diplomatic skills. It is tailored for UAE nationals, including Ministry of Foreign Affairs employees, government officials, corporate leaders, and media professionals. The programme addresses contemporary foreign policy challenges across political, diplomatic, economic, social, legal, and cultural dimensions.
At the end of the ceremony, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah addressed the graduates, saying, "One must always cherish every beautiful moment in life, and this is one such moment you are living today. We extend our gratitude to your families and express our appreciation to the college members for their dedication and belief in you."
He added, "It is a source of pride to work for one's country, and it is an even greater honour to serve a nation like the UAE."
Related News

Council of Retired Diplomats Organizes Meeting for Newly Appointed Ambassadors to the UAE
As part of its commitment to strengthening ties of friendship and cooperation with countries worldwide, the Council of Retired Diplomats organized a meeting for the newly appointed ambassadors accredited to the UAE.
View Details
Strategic partnership focused on future: 17th session of the UAE-France Strategic Dialogue
In continuation of the longstanding strategic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the French Republic, and consistent with the guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, the 17th session of the UAE-France Strategic Dialogue was held in Paris on Wednesday.
View Details
UAE Participates in Sagarmatha Sambaad to Advance Climate Action, Water Diplomacy, and Clean Energy Partnerships
His Excellency Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, participated in the first edition of Sagarmatha Sambaad Forum, held in Kathmandu, Nepal, under the theme “Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity.” which was officially inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Nepal, His Excellency KP Sharma Oli.
View Details
United Arab Emirates Renews Commitment to Development and Prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region at Annual IORA Meeting
The United Arab Emirates participated in the 24th Council of Ministers Meeting and the 27th Committee of Senior Officials meeting for the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), which were both held virtually from 20th to 21st May.
View Details