Rome: The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) has successfully concluded the first edition of its AGDA Strategic Dialogues, launched to facilitate international discussions among policymakers, experts, and strategic thinkers on critical regional and global issues.
According to Emirates News Agency, this new initiative aims to foster collaboration in areas such as security, stability, diplomacy, economic development, and strategic communications. Held from June 14th to 19th, 2026, in Rome and Paris, the programme featured a UAE delegation of academics, AGDA specialists, and experts in strategic affairs and public policy.
The inaugural dialogues underline AGDA's mission to enhance its international influence by nurturing diplomatic talent and promoting cooperation with global research centres, think tanks, and diplomatic entities. In Rome, UAE experts took part in the "UAE-Italy Strategic Dialogue on Stabilisation, Strategic Connectivity, and Middle Power Cooperation," organised with the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) and the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network (MWMN).
Discussions in Rome focused on improving UAE-Italy relations in de-escalation, preventive diplomacy, cooperative security, and regional stability. Attendees also delved into the role of middle powers in global competition and explored engagement strategies across the Middle East, Africa, and the Mediterranean.
In Paris, AGDA's programme included engagements with prominent French institutions. The delegation visited the Fondation pour la Recherche Strat©gique (FRS) for strategic exchanges with French researchers and experts. Meetings at the French National Assembly, including a working lunch hosted by the UAE-France Friendship Committee, further enriched the dialogue.
A notable event in Paris was a high-level roundtable at the Fondation Jean-Jaur¨s entitled 'Dialogue Amid Conflict: Emirati Strategic Perspectives on the Middle East.' This gathering brought together experts, opinion leaders, and media to discuss regional developments and international cooperation.
Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director-General of AGDA, remarked that the successful conclusion of the inaugural AGDA Strategic Dialogues bolsters the academy's international presence and its role as a UAE platform for diplomatic dialogue. He emphasized the initiative's importance in uniting policymakers, experts, and research institutions to address pressing security and cooperation issues.
AGDA plans to continue organising future editions of the AGDA Strategic Dialogues, enhancing dialogue, knowledge exchange, and policy engagement to support the UAE's foreign policy objectives.