Graduate Program Elevates Qatari Diplomacy

Qatari diplomats enrolled in Georgetown University’s Executive Master’s in Diplomacy and International Affairs (EMDIA) program deepened their understanding of global politics and diplomacy and fostered connections with key players on the front lines of international affairs through the program’s final capstone visit to Washington, DC. Throughout the four-day residency, the EMDIA participants engaged in detailed policy discussions, job-critical networking opportunities, and hands-on experiences in diplomacy. The immersive experience allowed them to gain deeper insights into political, social, security, and economic issues shaping the global agenda.

A Unique Program for Qatar

Custom designed through a collaboration between Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service Institute for the Study of Diplomacy (ISD) and the Diplomatic Institute at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the State of Qatar (MOFA), the program’s courses are taught on the campus of QF partner Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q). GU-Q’s Office of Executive and Professional Education (EPE) also plays a critical role, contributing to the design, development, and delivery of the program, which seeks to provide practitioners of diplomacy in Qatar and the region with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to tackle current and emerging regional and global challenges.

Jim Seevers, Director of Studies at ISD, underscored the program’s emphasis on global affairs and  diplomacy, saying: “The capstone residency focuses on  experiential education, leveraging the university’s  strong connections with the  foreign affairs community in DC. With a deepened understanding of global issues, institutions and policy-making  these EMDIA students are poised to make a lasting impact in their roles in the field of diplomacy.”

Associate Dean for Executive Education at GU-Q, Rodolph Boughaba, noted: “GU-Q Executive and Professional Education is proud of EMDIA, an innovative initiative that empowers Qatari diplomats and international affairs professionals with unparalleled learning opportunities and analytical resources. EMDIA’s mission is to foster leadership in diplomacy and international affairs, equipping participants with knowledge and analytical tools to excel on the global stage.”

Visits with American Policymakers and Diplomats

The residency included visits to influential institutions in Washington, DC, enabling participants to gain unique perspectives on global challenges. Notable visits included the Eisenhower Executive Office Building at the White House, where students engaged with Mr. Roland McKay, Director for Gulf Affairs at the National Security Council. These meetings provided the participants with firsthand insights into the decision-making processes at the highest levels of government.

The group also had the opportunity to learn about the State Department’s role in the Middle East through a meeting with the Honorable Daniel Benaim, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Arabian Peninsula Affairs at the Bureau of Near East Asian Affairs, and learned about the world of think tanks and their influence on foreign policy through a visit to the Middle East Institute and a meeting with Ambassador (ret.) Gerald Feierstein, Distinguished Fellow for Diplomatic Engagement, who shared his extensive experience and insights on the region.

Engagement with International Institutions Addressing Global Challenges

The World Bank played a prominent role, with with Mr. Mohamad Al-Arief, Head of External and Corporate Relations making a visit to campus to engage with the students. Al-Arief’s expertise in global development and his prior experience as a Special Advisor to Indonesia’s Minister of Finance offered a nuanced understanding of the intersection of finance, policy, and international development.

Comprehensive discussions about the United Nations’ work took place with representatives from various UN agencies, including Alistair Somerville, Moderator at the United Nations Office for Project Services; Brenden Varma, Deputy Director at the UN Information Center; Marija Bateman, Senior Partnerships Advisor at the UN Office for Project Services; and David John, Global Program Coordinator at the International Organization for Migration. These engagements shed light on the UN’s vital role in addressing global challenges and provided participants with an understanding of its operations in Washington, DC, and beyond.

The residency also included engagement with leading scholars at Georgetown including the dean of the Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS), Dr. Joel Hellman, and Ambassador (ret.) Barbara Bodine, the Director of ISD. At the conclusion of the experience, a memorable closing dinner was held on the campus of Georgetown University, where Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Horr, Director of the Diplomatic Institute, MOFA, and distinguished guests from the Qatari embassy, joined the celebration of the participants’ achievements. The third cohort of the program will begin their studies at GU-Q this fall, with the enrollment for the next academic year set to open later in the semester.