(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))
ABU DHABI, 7th October, 2017 (WAM) -- The Emirates Diplomatic Academy, EDA, the UAE's leading diplomacy and international relations education, executive training and research institution, hosted a lecture by Murray McCully, former Foreign Minister of New Zealand.
Speaking to an audience of EDA faculty and students, he shared perspectives from his distinguished diplomatic and political career, spanning over 30 years.
He provided an overview of New Zealand's foreign policy and diplomacy, and emphasised the vital contribution of the country during its two-year term as an elected member of the United Nations Security Council, UNSC, between January 2015 and December 2016. In his talk, he drove home the vital need for smaller nations of the world to play a more active role in global decision-making.
During his stint as the Foreign Minister, New Zealand was among the first non-permanent members of UNSC to re-introduce Resolution 2334 demanding the cessation of all Israeli settlement activities in the occupied West Bank including Eastern Jerusalem.
Murray McCully praised the pivotal role the UAE plays in international relations, and the outstanding success the country has achieved in positioning itself as a leader in diplomacy and global cooperation. He also applauded the mutually beneficial collaboration between the UAE and New Zealand, particularly in investments, economy, education and food security.
Following the lecture, Murray McCully discussed pressing issues in international relations and diplomacy with the audience, and offered students practical career advice. The lively debate highlighted the significance of diplomacy in decision-making and consensus-building on an international level, as well as the importance of respect and commitment in the diplomatic vocation.
Bernardino Leon, Director General of EDA, said, "I thank Murray McCully for his insightful lecture that provided a great example of the expertise we seek to cultivate at the Academy. With his wealth of experience in serving his country and his remarkable achievements at the helm of the New Zealand diplomatic corps, he is the perfect role model for our students. It has been a true honour to host him."
He added, "The lecture demonstrated EDA's commitment to pioneering diplomatic approaches, promoting international best practice, empowering the next generation of UAE diplomats and reinforcing the UAE's leading role in foreign policy."
The lecture is the latest in a series of presentations in which the EDA hosts distinguished speakers.
WAM/Hazem Hussein/MOHD AAMIR
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