Visit to MEDAC by Hon. Carmelo Abela, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion ...... 1 State Visit of H.E. , President of the Republic of Tunisia / MEDAC visits H.E Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of ...... 2 A Contribution to Maritime Safety: Coast Guard Training ...... 3 Ambassadorial Visits ...... 4 1st Young Med Voices Regional Seminar ...... 6 MEDAC Post-graduate Seminar on ‛Transatlantic Relations and the Mediterranean’...... 8 Calendar ...... 10 MEDAC Alumni News ...... 12 Contents Honorary Consul Award 2018 ...... 14 Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung KAS-MEDAC Scholarship Program for Young Diplomats established ...... 15 Official Presidential Visit to Switzerland / MEDAC Board ...... 16

Visit to MEDAC by the Hon. Carmelo Abela, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion – 4 December, 2018

n 4 December 2018, Hon. Carmelo foreign policy. The session included a Abela, Minister for Foreign Affairs dynamic Q&A exchange between the Hon. Main Photo: Left to right: Prof. Stephen and Trade Promotion, delivered Minister and the students of the Academy. Calleya, Director MEDAC, Hon. Carmelo O Abela, Minister for Foreign Affairs and a keynote address to the post-graduate This prestigious occasion was also Trade Promotion, Prof. Godfrey Pirotta, students of the Mediterranean Academy attended by the Chairman of MEDAC, Chairman MEDAC & Mr. Anthony Vella of Diplomatic Studies which was Prof. Godfrey Pirotta and Mr. Anthony Gregory, MEDAC Board Member. moderated by Professor Stephen Calleya, Vella Gregory, MEDAC board member. The Director of MEDAC. lecture was also attended by Dr. Derek Below: Hon. Carmelo Abela, delivering the keynote address to the MEDAC Class. Lutterbeck, Holder of the Swiss Chair, The Minister’s lecture focused on the and Dr. Monika Wohlfeld, Holder of the Bottom: Group Photo current strategic priorities of Malta’s German Chair.

Spring 2019 / No. 28 MEDAC Newsletter 1 MEDAC hosts conference entitled “Empowering Gender Equality”

he Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies hosted the Tconference entitled “Empowering Gender Equality” on 6 February 2019.

The conference was an official event organized under the auspices of the Office of the on the occasion of the State Visit of H.E. Beji Caid Essebsi, President of the Republic of Tunisia. H.E. President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca and H.E. President Essebsi delivered the keynote opening remarks.

Numerous distinguished speakers from Malta and Tunisia addressed this conference including Pro-Rectors of the University of Malta, Prof. Godfrey Baldacchino and Prof. Carmen Sammut personalities including the students Above: H.E. President Marie Louise Coleiro as well as Dr. JosAnn Cutajar, Head of MEDAC. Professor Stephen Calleya, Preca and H.E. President Beji Caid Essebsi of Department Gender Studies at Director, and Dr. Monika Wohlfeld, Holder delivering their keynote addresses. the Faculty for Social Wellbeing. The of the German Chair, moderated the conference was attended by numerous conference proceedings.

MEDAC Students and Faculty were privileged to visit H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca at San Anton ,

n 6 December 2018, MEDAC students about the importance of Below right: H.E Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, students and Faculty were diplomacy in contemporary international President of the Republic of Malta delivering Oprivileged to visit H. E. Marie- relations and encouraged everyone to an address to MEDAC postgraduate students. Louise Coleiro Preca, the President of the pursue a more peaceful future in their Republic of Malta. During the meeting at respective careers. Below: MEDAC students and Faculty together , Attard, Her with H.E. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta. delivered an address to the postgraduate

2 MEDAC Newsletter No. 28 / Spring 2019 A contribution to Maritime Safety: Coast Guard Training in Cooperation with the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration and the

ne of the most important challenges of Coast Guard officials of key search affecting the Mediterranean in and rescue as well as maritime law and Orecent years has been the one migration issues. Moreover, as regional of irregular maritime migration. In courses which bring together participants recent years, hundreds of thousands of from different countries, the aim has migrants and refugees have sought to also been to strengthen cooperation cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe. between riparian states in conducting These journeys are often undertaken in maritime search and rescue operations. unseaworthy and overloaded vessels, with In recent years, Coast Guard officials thousands of migrants losing their lives from countries such as Algeria, Egypt, every year. Indeed, the Mediterranean Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia have taken — and the Central Mediterranean in part in these courses. particular — is currently considered to be the ‘deadliest’ border in the world. The Coast Guard training courses have A further challenge in this context has been part of the SEM’s strategy to been the fact that the Mediterranean enhance cooperation with, and improve is bordered by a rather large number of migration management in, source and countries, and that cooperation between transit countries of migration. For these countries in carrying out search and example, in recent years, Switzerland rescue operations at sea has not always has concluded migration partnership been smooth. agreements with countries such as Nigeria and Tunisia, and it has also strengthened Against this background, MEDAC and the its participation in multilateral migration Swiss State Secretariat for Migration dialogues in the Mediterranean region (SEM), in cooperation withthe Armed and beyond. Moreover, Switzerland Forces of Malta (AFM) have carried has increased its participation in the out training courses for Coast Guard UNHCR’s refugee resettlement programs officers from southern and eastern and taken part in EU-wide relocation Mediterranean countries. These courses initiatives under which in recent years it have been held in Malta on a yearly has accepted several thousands of asylum basis since 2012. Their main objective seekers from countries such as Greece or has been to enhance the understanding Italy.

Top: Course participant receiving his certificate from Dr. Derek Lutterbeck, MEDAC. Centre: Course participant receiving his certificate from Colonel Christopher Attard, AFM. Bottom: Group photo of course participants.

Spring 2019 / No. 28 MEDAC Newsletter 3 Ambassadorial Visits

H.E. Ambassador Consuelo Femenia, Above left: Left to Right: Prof. Stephen Ambassador of Spain visits MEDAC Calleya, Director MEDAC, H.E. Ambassador Consuelo Femenia, Ambassador of Spain, Prof. Godfrey Pirotta, Chairman MEDAC and Mr. Francisco Javier Cantero Talavera, .E. Ambassador Consuelo Femenia, Ambassador of Spain together with Mr. Deputy Head of Mission. Francisco Javier Cantero Talavera, Deputy Head of Mission, visited MEDAC on 21 HNovember 2018 and met with the Chairman of MEDAC, Prof. Godfrey Pirotta and Above right: H.E. Ambassador Consuelo the Director, Prof. Stephen Calleya. The visit provided an opportunity to review current Femenia signing MEDAC visitor's book. developments in the Mediterranean.

Visit by H.E. Ambassador Andreas Stadler, H. E. Ms. Brigitte Curmi, Ambassador of Austria Ambassador of France to Malta visits MEDAC n 4 December 2018, H.E. Ambassador Andreas Stadler, Ambassador of Austria to Malta visited the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies. During the Ocourtesy call visit, Amb. Stadler and Prof. Stephen Calleya, together with Dr. . E. Ms. Brigitte Curmi, the Monika Wohlfeld discussed numerous ideas pertaining to current trends in diplomacy. Ambassador of France to Malta, The occasion also served as an opportunity to map out possible opportunities of co- Hvisited MEDAC on 6 November operation between MEDAC and Austria. 2018. During the visit to the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies, Ambassador Curmi and Prof. Stephen Calleya exchanged views about contemporary developments in the Euro-Med area.

Prof. Stephen Calleya, Director MEDAC Left to right: Prof. Stephen Calleya, Director MEDAC, H.E. Amb. Andreas Stadler, Amb. of Austria to and H.E. Ms. Brigitte Curmi, Malta and Dr. Monika Wohlfeld, Holder of the German Chair in Peace Studies and Conflict Prevention. the Ambassador of France to Malta.

4 MEDAC Newsletter No. 28 / Spring 2019 Ambassadorial Visits

The former Foreign Minister of Portugal, Ambassador Antonio Martins da Cruz visits MEDAC

he former Foreign Minister of Portugal, Ambassador Antonio Martins da Cruz, visited MEDAC on 12 November 2018 and addressed the students and academics Ton ‛Diplomacy in Transition: Portugal’s experience with the transfer of sovereignty of Macau’. During a lively Q & A session, Amb. da Cruz provided insights into his experience of Portugal’s foreign policy, the country's policies towards its former colonies and negotiating processes and negotiating styles.

Above: Left to right: Prof. Stephen Calleya, Director MEDAC, H.E. Amb. Antonio Martins da Cruz, former Foreign Minister of Portugal, Prof. Godfrey Pirotta, Chairman MEDAC & Dr. Derek Lutterbeck, MEDAC.

Left, top and bottom: H.E. Ambassador Antonio Martins da Cruz signing MEDAC visitor’s book and addressing MEDAC students.

H.E. Ambassador Thomas Antoine, Secretary General of the Benelux, visited MEDAC and addressed MEDAC students and faculty members

.E. Ambassador Thomas Antoine, Secretary General of Benelux, visited MEDAC and Haddressed MEDAC students and faculty members on 9 November, 2018. In his speech on ‛The Role of the Benelux in the Foundation of the EU’ Ambassador Antoine emphasized the role of Benelux in the context of European integration, and drew lessons for other regions from this experience of co- operative relations and economic integration.

Top right: Left to right: Mr. Jean De Brabander, Belgian Honorary Consul of the Republic of Malta, Prof. Stephen Calleya, Director MEDAC, H.E. Amb. Thomas Antoine, Secretary General of Benelux and Dr. Monika Wohlfeld, MEDAC.

Bottom left: Prof. Stephen Calleya welcoming H.E. Amb. Thomas Antoine at the Academy.

Bottom right: H.E. Amb. Thomas Antoine delivering a lecture to MEDAC students on the theme ‛The Role of the Benelux in the Foundation of the EU’.

Spring 2019 / No. 28 MEDAC Newsletter 5 MEDAC’s first Young Mediterranean Voices Regional Leadership Seminar 14 – 18 January, 2019

positive experience all round for the participants, contributors and A organizers of the first YMV Regional Leadership Seminar held in Malta in January 2019. The Seminar was co- organized by MEDAC and the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF) in collaboration with the World Leadership Alliance – Club de Madrid (CdM).

MEDAC organized the Malta Leadership Seminars, which was funded by the European Commission through the ALF. This was the first of three seminars that will take place in Malta over the 1 2 next 18 months. The participants were 20 outstanding emerging young leaders from the Euro-Med region, most of whom have founded NGOs and debating clubs in their own countries. The 5-day Seminar has the ambitious aim of preparing a new generation of dialogue leaders in the Mediterranean. Participants were selected from over 500 eligible applicants.

The programme for the Seminar, prepared by MEDAC with ALF and CdM, included interactive exercises on cultural intelligence, leadership skills training, training on how to communicate with the 5 6 media and techniques of story-telling, as well as training on how to advocate effectively. The participants themselves selected themes to focus on throughout the week – Education, Sustainable Development, Youth Participation and Migration and Mobility – and translated them into specific proposals they presented on the last day to a panel of senior leaders/policy makers. Special guest for the seminar, brought to Malta through CdM, was Former , George Papandreou. The line-up of trainers and speakers included outstanding international journalists from Europe and the Arab world, former politicians, academics, young policy- makers and NGO activists.

The programme also included visits and exchanges with the highest authorities in Malta with visits to San Anton Palace and the House of Representatives where participants exchanged views with Acting President Dolores Cristina and Speaker of the House Anglu Farrugia respectively. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion Carmelo Abela also visited the Seminar, urging the policy community to “build economies, not walls”. An exchange also took place with EU HRVP Federica Mogherini and Foreign Ministers taking part in the 5 + 5 Dialogue 9 Ministerial Forum which was held in Malta.

6 MEDAC Newsletter No. 28 / Spring 2019 MEDAC’s first Young Mediterranean Voices Regional Leadership Seminar 14 – 18 January, 2019

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1. Breakfast with young policy-makers: Byron Camilleri, Maltese Member of Parliament discussing with youth leaders.

2. Registration of participants.

3/4. Participants during the workshops.

5. Ms. Lourdes Pullicino (MEDAC) introducing the first Young Mediterranean Voices leadership seminar.

6. Participants with Hon. Carmelo Abela, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion.

7. Naomi Goldsmith, former BBC journalist with participants during a workshop on Effective Messaging and Story-Telling Techniques. 10 8. A participant making a point during one of the sessions.

9. YMV seminar participants with organisers.

10. Final panel: Practising advocacy with former Greek Prime Minister, George Papandreou, Malta’s former Foreign Minister, Dr. , MEDAC Director, Prof. Stephen Calleya, Dr. Elena Grech, Head of EC Representation in Malta & Dr. Gege Gatt, CEO of Ebo.ai.

11. Left to right: George Papandreou, former Greek Prime Minister, Tamara El Khoury, World Leadership Alliance Club de Madrid & Prof. Godfrey Pirotta, MEDAC Chairman. 11

Spring 2019 / No. 28 MEDAC Newsletter 7 MEDAC post-graduate seminar on ‛Transatlantic Relations and the Mediterranean’

post-graduate MEDAC seminar on ‛Transatlantic ARelations and the Mediterranean’ took place on Friday 30 November, 2018. This international seminar brought together experts from Europe, the United States and the Arab world who took stock of the current situation and examined future prospects. The seminar, organized by the German Chair for Peace Studies and Conflict Prevention at MEDAC and financed through funds of the German Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs, was opened by Amb. Walter Haßmann, German Ambassador to Malta together with the Director of the Academy, Prof. Stephen Calleya. Speakers included Mr. Josef Janning, Head of the European Council on Foreign Relations Berlin Office, Berlin; Dr. Antonio Missiroli, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges, Brussels, Dr. Julie Shedd, Associate Dean, the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (SCAR), George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia and Amb. Nassif Hitti, former representative of the League of Arab States and former Ambassador to Italy. Working Group sessions allowed MEDAC’s 1 MA students to explore numerous issues in a profound manner. The papers presented at the seminar will be published in MEDAC's Med Agenda publication series.

1. MEDAC Seminar Group Photo.

2. H.E. Ambassador Walter Haßmann, Ambassador of Germany to Malta welcomed by Prof. Stephen Calleya, MEDAC Director.

3. Dr. Julie Shedd, Associate Dean, The School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (SCAR), George Mason University, Virginia.

4. Left to right: Dr. Monika Wohlfeld, MEDAC, Dr. Antonio Missiroli, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges, Brussels & Mr. Thomas Mc Grath, former member of the European External Action Service, EEAS, Brussels.

5. Prof. Stephen Calleya & H.E. Amb. Nassif Hitti coordinating a working group session.

6. Dr. Monika Wohlfeld & Mr. Josef Janning with participants during a working group session. 2 3

8 MEDAC Newsletter No. 28 / Spring 2019 30 November 2018

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Recent Publications

yberattacks and cyber conflict: where is conflict resolution? by Dr. Monika Wohlfeld and Jack Jasper, Cin Omar Grech (ed), Contemporary Issues in Conflict Resolution. Malta, Centre for the Study and Practice of Conflict resolution, University of Malta, December 2018.

This paper focuses on cyber conflict. It argues that the field of conflict resolution needs to become more engaged in the discussion surrounding cyberattacks and cyber conflict. Two fronts should be addressed. First is the adjustment of current conflict resolution models and the development of new models to adequately respond to the realities of cyber conflict. Second, the field needs to engage with technical experts and innovators, as well as policy formulators, to improve understanding of cyber conflict and instil conflict resolution values wherever possible. The model of researcher-entrepreneur-policy maker triad could provide a good starting point.

Spring 2019 / No. 28 MEDAC Newsletter 9 CALENDAR

November 2018 November 2018 November 2018 MEDAC Board member, Dr. Andri Bisaz Prof. Annette Jünemann, Professor Mr. Stefan Biedermann, Head of delivered a module on Development for Political Science and International Training for International Diplomats, and Diplomacy. Relations from Helmut-Schmidt- Ministry of Foreign Affairs Germany University of the Federal Armed Forces delivered a module on Diplomacy on in Hamburg delivered a module on the theme ‘Germany in Europe’. International Relations at MEDAC.

November 2018 November 2018 A series of lectures on ‘Mediterranean MEDAC students and faculty visited the Embassy of Palestine. States in the EU’ were delivered by Mr. Patrick Tabone.

November 2018 H.E. Ambassador Thomas Antoine, Secretary General of Benelux, visited MEDAC and gave a speech on ‘The Role of the Benelux in the Foundation of the EU’.

November 2018 The former Foreign Minister of Portugal, Ambassador Antonio Martins da Cruz addressed the students and staff on 'Diplomacy in Transition: Portugal's experience with the transfer November 2018 of sovereignty of Macau'. A module on Diplomacy was delivered by Dr. Costas Apostolides.

November 2018 November 2018 Graduation Ceremony for Class 2017/2018. A Module on Diplomacy was delivered by Mr. Thomas McGrath, former member of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Brussels.

10 MEDAC Newsletter No. 28 / Spring 2019 CALENDAR

November 2018 December 2018 A series of lectures on ‘Euro- Mediterranean Relations’ were delivered by Prof. Bichara MEDAC students and staff visited Khader, Director of the Arab Study Research Centre (C.E.R.M.A.C) and Professor of H. E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, Politics, Economics & Social Sciences at Louvain University (UCL), Belgium. the President of the Republic of Malta.

January 2019 Prof. Ludger Kuhnhardt, Director of ZEI, University of Bonn, delivered a module on Regional Integration.

November 2018 Mr. Josef Janning, Head of the European Council on Foreign Relations Berlin Office, Berlin held a short seminar with MEDAC students on ‘EU Coalition Building’.

February 2019 Amb. Klaus-Peter Brandes, former Ambassador to Malta and Programme Director, Department in charge of Training for International Diplomats at the German Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs delivered a module on commercial diplomacy.

November 2018 November 2018 MEDAC students and staff visited Consolidated MEDAC organized and Biscuit Co. Ltd., Malta, as part of the International hosted a postgraduate Economics Module. seminar on ‘Transatlantic Relations and the March 2019 Mediterranean’, funded Prof. Dominic Fenech, Dean of the by the German Federal Faculty of Arts and Head of the History Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Department at the University of Malta, delivered a module on ‘Decolonization and the Mediterranean’. December 2018 A Diplomacy Module was delivered by Dr. Carm Mifsud Bonniċi.

December 2018 Hon. Carmelo Abela, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion visited MEDAC.

Spring 2019 / No. 28 MEDAC Newsletter 11 ALUMNI NEWS

not only on the academic, research studying here is a long term peace- and professional levels, but also, and making process, as spending that Mohammad more importantly: at a personal level. much time with students and fellow Kawzaa Living for 9 months in the lovely island diplomats from around the region of of Malta and exposure to the MEDAC the Mediterranean (Mare Nostrum: our MEDAC Alumnus experience with all of its components: sea), gives us a chance to learn more from Egypt academia, professors' mentorship, about each other and to understand 2016 – 2017 companionship, cultural activities and one another which subsequently even recreation, makes the outcome induces mutual understanding and of this period much more than a forgiveness. That's why I would like to piece of paper. I am really proud of conclude by quoting Madame de Staël: I think the academic year I spent this, which certifies that I earned a “Understanding everything makes one at MEDAC has been one of the Masters degree in diplomacy. I used very indulgent”. Thank you MEDAC most rewarding periods in my life, to tell my colleagues at MEDAC that and thank You Malta!

previous remit, all led the way to a new in liaison with the OSCE and various adventure. Embassies and with the Ministry of Margaret Foreign Affairs. I have also formed Barahmandpour Thanks to the support and part of the Third Country Nationals encouragement of both MEDAC Unit-Malta as National Contact Point MEDAC Alumnus Director Professor Stephen Calleya of the European Migration Network. from Malta and Director of IMLI Professor David These experiences have allowed 2007 – 2008 Attard, I started my next endeavour, me to apply the skills of diplomacy that of obtaining an M.Litt. in Terrorism I learnt while I was a student at Studies from University of St. Andrews MEDAC. I also contribute to articles, (Scotland). This clearly would not on the EMN MT Quarterly Journal, 2007 seems a long way off, but my have been possible without MEDAC which highlights the fact that dream was about to come true. At experience in the fields of International MEDAC is continually pivotal in my the time, I was studying Political Relations, International Economics and professional life. Dealing with MEDAC Studies at University of Malta as a International Law. In the meantime I Alumni working in Embassies was mature student. However, what I was working at places where, what I always an honour, especially when I really wanted was to study Diplomatic learnt at MEDAC, came in very handy end up working with them on a day to Studies. What encouraged my decision especially, since at the time, I was day basis. to quit Political Studies and follow my working at the Office of the Refugee dreams, was the reading of the book,’ Commission. At the same time I was Presently I am working at the Ministry The Politics of Persuasion’ authored writing a paper on migration as part of for Home Affairs and National Security by Professor Dr. Guido DeMarco. I did my Diplomatic Studies Course. The art – a Ministry where I feel I belong, not know how MEDAC would open of research helped me immerse myself and where I am presently an EU Fund paths otherwise unknown. in Migration work, where I had been Officer proudly working with the working for a good number of years. Malta Police Force as a civilian, on EU What I have learnt at MEDAC, that is, Funded Projects. the delivering of presentations, the Furthermore, during a one-year capability to discuss my way around stint at the Directorate for Defence I don’t know what the future holds, regional and global issues, the art Matters, I was honoured to represent however I am sure of one thing – that of research at MEDAC Library, the this Directorate during a public wherever I may be and whatever I will high expectations from myself and lecture delivered by the Chairman be doing I will always uphold the good from others, the appreciation of of the EU Military Committe Patrick name of MEDAC, as once MEDAC…. topics which did not form part of my De Rousiers at MEDAC. I also worked always MEDAC!

FOLLOW MEDAC ON THE FOLLOWING LINKS: www.um.edu.mt/medac www.facebook.com/um.medac/ www.linkedin.com/groups/13606011/ https://twitter.com/MEDAC_Malta?lang=en

12 MEDAC Newsletter No. 28 / Spring 2019 MEDAC Annual International Cultural Night

he MEDAC Alumni Association together with the class of 2018 - 19 organised the MEDAC Annual International Cultural night on 22 November 2018. The event, GRADUATING CLASS Twhich has become one of the highlights of the MEDAC alumni calendar was 2017 – 2018 very well attended with alumni from various years from all of the MEDAC graduate programmes together with MEDAC staff. At the beginning of the event, Ms Sue Garcia Master of Diplomacy Imbernon, President of the MEDAC Alumni Association, welcomed all the attendees and highlighted the role of the MEDAC Alumni Association in maintaining the MEDAC Algeria Mr Dehibi Ishak family's links. The MEDAC class of 2018 - 19 provided a wide array of dishes from their China Mr Wang Bin Bin respective countries which were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone present. Mr Abdelmoaty Ahmed Egypt Anwar Mr Gad Abram Wagdy Egypt Latif Georgia Ms Vardosanidze Mari Jordan Mr Al-Mashini Osama Macedonia Mr Barton Marjan Malta Mr Micallef Robert John Palestine Mr Younis Mohammad Palestine Mr Farhat Rami Ms Mwakawago Tagie Tanzania Daisy The Gambia Ms Jeng Binta

Master of Arts in Diplomatic Studies France Ms Chamignon Raphaelle Libya Ms Khayal Rawia Malta Mr Agius Omar Malta Mr Borg Nicholas Malta Mr Caruana Matthew Malta Mr Cilia Norbert Malta Mr Farrugia Dorian Malta Mr Grech Ryan Malta Mr Olaolu Joseph Mathew Malta Ms Buhagiar Rose-Ann Malta Ms Cachia Rachel Malta Ms Camilleri Chantelle Malta Ms Gabriele Dorina Elen Malta Ms Lia Michelle Malta Ms Mifsud Emily Malta Ms Sultana Christine Ms Eekelschot Lana Netherlands Felicia U.k. Ms Harrison Lauren

Post Graduate Diploma in Diplomatic Studies Libya Mr El Hadi Mawada H.M.

Diploma in Diplomatic Studies Top: Ms Sue Garcia Imbernon, President of the MEDAC Alumni Association delivering a welcoming Malta Mr Desira Charles James address. Malta Mr Gatt Joseph Centre left: MEDAC Alumni with Prof. Stephen Calleya. Malta Mr Chircop Stephanie Centre right & Below: MEDAC students and Alumni Tunisia Ms Sfar Molka

Spring 2019 / No. 28 MEDAC Newsletter 13 Honorary Consular Corps Prize 2018

he Honorary Consular Corps (HCC) held their Annual reception at TVilla Arrigo, Naxxar at the end of October.

The President of Malta, H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and the Hon Dr. Michael Farrugia, Minister for Home Affairs and National Security were among the many guests present at the reception. Also present were members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors in Malta.

During the reception, on behalf of the Council and Honorary Consular Corps, H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca presented the Honorary Consular Corps Prize to Mr. Norbert Cilia, a student of the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) for obtaining the highest grade in the thesis component of the MA in Diplomatic Studies Programme. The Honorary Consular Corps Prize is awarded annually to the top student at the Academy and is viewed as the contribution of the HCC towards the development of professional diplomats.

The Honorary Consular Corps was established in 1995, and is composed Above: Mr. Norbert Cilia receiving the Honorary Consular Corps prize from H.E. Marie-Louise of 60 Members - Honorary Consuls Coleiro Preca, President of Malta. From left to right (in the background): Prof. Godfrey Pirotta, General, Honorary Consuls and Honorary Prof. Stephen Calleya and Mr. Godwin E. Bencini, Honorary Consul General of the Slovak Republic. Vice-Consuls accredited to Malta and Below, left to right: Prof. Godfrey Pirotta, Mr. Norbert Cilia, Prof. Stephen Calleya, Hon. Dr. Michael representing their respective countries. Farrugia, H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta and Mr. Godwin E. Bencini.

14 MEDAC Newsletter No. 28 / Spring 2019 Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation Political Dialogue South Mediterranean Regional Programme MEDAC scholarship Programme for Young Diplomats established

s from last October 2018, the first three students from countries of Athe Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region started benefitting from a new annual scholarship programme for students from this region to pursue a Master’s in Diplomacy degree at MEDAC.

This programme was launched following the signing of a memorandum of understanding on 27 November 2019 by Frank Priess, deputy department head European and International Cooperation of the Konrad-Adenauer- Stiftung (KAS) and MEDAC Director Stephen Calleya.

Both KAS and MEDAC consider education as an important component of dialogue and exchange between countries and societies. The collaboration will enable both institutions to take their mandate in this area further and provide higher education opportunities to deserving young professionals.

The KAS Political Dialogue South Mediterranean Regional Programme is based in Tunis and implements cross- national projects in the Mediterranean region. Its objective is to strengthen the political dialogue and societal and economic integration in the region and to sustainably promote cooperation and partnership with the EU.

An important instrument for implementing these goals is cross-country and cross- regional dialogue programmes such as workshops, conferences or information and study visits together with international, European and local experts. The activities are designed to enhance the exchange of information and experiences.

Furthermore, policy papers and research publications illustrate concepts for partnership-based cooperation and raise awareness among decision-makers for integrated, cross-regional solutions.

Top: The delegation of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation; Mr. Frank Priess, Deputy Head, Department of European and International Cooperation, Mr. Thomas Birringer, Head of Middle East and North Africa Department and Dr. Canan Atilgan, Director Regional Programme Political Dialogue South Mediterranean, the MEDAC faculty; Prof. Stephen Calleya, Director, MEDAC, Prof. Godfrey Pirotta, Chairman, MEDAC and Dr. Monika Wohlfeld, German Chair for Peace Studies and Conflict Prevention with the three students benefitting from the scholarship programme during the 2018-19 academic year; Dania Dasouqi, Reda el Ouddane and Roba Al Jamal.

Bottom, left to right: Prof. Stephen Calleya, Director MEDAC and Mr. Frank Priess, Deputy Head, Department of European and International Cooperation of KAS signing the agreement in the presence of officials from both institutions.

Spring 2019 / No. 28 MEDAC Newsletter 15 Official Presidential Visit to Switzerland

rof. Stephen Calleya, Director of MEDAC, was part of the delegation Pof H. E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca's official visit to the Swiss Confederation to meet with H. E. Alain Berset, the Swiss President on October 29-30, 2018. During the visit, the President of Malta highlighted that “Malta and Switzerland can be bridges for peace, for dialogue, to bring our peoples and our regions together. Together we can make huge statements and create an effective model for others to follow. Our excellent diplomatic and political relations can become more sustainable if we increase the people-to-people contact, by engaging our civil societies”.

Top right: H.E. Mr. Alain Berset, President and Head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs of the Swiss Confederation welcoming the Maltese Delegation.

MEDAC Board Meeting

n Wednesday, 23 January 2019, the MEDAC Board of Administrators met Oto review the current academic programme of activities. The meeting was also an opportunity to discuss plans in anticipation of MEDAC’s 30th anniversary in the 2019-2020 academic year.

MEDAC BOARD (left to right): Mr. Anthony Vella Gregory, MFTP, Dr. Chris Soler, UOM, Prof. Stephen Calleya, Director, Prof. Tanya Sammut-Bonnici, Pro-Rector, Prof. Godfrey Pirotta, Chairman, H.E. Walter Haßmann, Ambassador of Germany to Malta and Dr. Andri Bisaz, Switzerland.

16 MEDAC Newsletter No. 28 / Spring 2019