The Ministry of Economy and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) have designated the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) as the official Education partner for hosting the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Abu Dhabi in February 2024.
The collaboration agreement, witnessed by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and MC13 Chair-designate, and Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, was formally signed by Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, Badr Al-Olama, Acting Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), representing ADDED, and Nickolay Mladenov, Director-General of AGDA.
AGDA, known as the UAE’s premier diplomatic training center, will actively participate in the Global Future Trade Leaders program, an initiative by the Ministry of Economy in collaboration with ADDED. Leveraging its extensive knowledge and geopolitical expertise, AGDA will conduct masterclasses and provide educational materials on global trade to prepare young UAE government officials for meaningful participation in MC13.
In its role as the Education Partner, AGDA will also contribute to the success of MC13 by generating thought leadership insights and reports. Furthermore, it will engage in strategic conferences and roundtable discussions in the lead-up to MC13.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi expressed confidence in AGDA’s ability to represent the UAE positively and contribute constructively to MC13. He emphasized AGDA’s role in training the nation’s diplomats and foreign policy leaders.
Al Zaabi highlighted the importance of equipping UAE representatives with the necessary knowledge and skills, stating that the partnership with AGDA will empower them to address global trade challenges effectively during the WTO Ministerial Conference.
Mladenov described the collaboration as a significant milestone for AGDA, showcasing its commitment to training UAE diplomats and supporting the nation’s foreign policy on the global stage. He emphasized AGDA’s dedication to ensuring the success of MC13 and its mission to enhance global diplomatic relations and policy outcomes.
Trade ministers from 164 countries and trading blocs will convene in Abu Dhabi in February 2024 to discuss reforms to the global trading system. The UAE, playing a pivotal role as a global logistics hub, advocates for a more inclusive global trading system and increased engagement of the Global South in international trade. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), launched by the UAE in 2021, aims to establish open, sustainable, and mutually beneficial trading relations by removing trade barriers and streamlining supply chains.
