Navigating the Mediterranean – Book Launch ...... 1 Contents Address by U.S. Ambassador Gina K. Abercrombie-Winstanley ...... 2 EuroMed Seminar in ...... 6 What makes MEDAC Special? Protocol Lunch / by Prof. Jürg Martin Gabriel ...... 3 Student Visit to the U.S. Embassy ...... 8

Visit of MEDAC Delegation to Berlin / Calendar ...... 9 Teaching of German Language at MEDAC / Course on Comparative Regional Alumni News / Integration at MEDAC ...... 4 Graduation Ceremony ...... 10 International Cuisine Night ...... 5 Summer School ...... 12

NAVIGATING THE MEDITERRANEAN Book launch

n 5th December 2012 the new provides an empirical analysis of security the United States, and the European Obook by Professor Stephen Calleya challenges in the Euro-Mediterranean Union and addresses issues including “Security Challenges in the Euro- area that distinguishes between illegal migration, terrorism, religious Mediterranean Area in the 21st Century: short, medium and long-term threats intolerance and the lack of human rights. Mare Nostrum”, was launched under the and highlights the political, military, auspices of the Honorable Dr. George economic, societal and environmental The book launch was very well attended Abela, the . issues that are already serving as a source with colleagues from the UoM, of instability in the region. Including representatives from the Diplomatic In addition to the author, the scholarly analysis of the 2011 Arab Spring, the Corps, and other senior public panel for the book launch included: Dr. author examines the consequences and personalities, and family members Nick Hopkinson, former Director, Wilton looks to the future of security in the present. The new book that has been Park, UK, and Dr. Joe Borg, MEDAC Euro-Mediterranean region. published by Routledge in the U.K. is the Chairman, former EU Commissioner and most recent in a series of books that Prof. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta. Acknowledging the strategic significance Dr. Stephen C. Calleya has published in of this region between Europe and the his academic career. The book examines and assesses the Middle East, the book identifies the main main security factors influencing Euro- stakeholders within today’s debate on the Top left: Dr. Joe Borg, Dr. Nick Hopkinson and Mediterranean relations at the start of future of Euro-Mediterranean relations Prof. Dr. Stephen C. Calleya. the twenty-first century. and focuses on their main security Bottom left: Prof. Dr. Stephen C. Calleya and H. E. President Dr. George Abela. interests in this region. It features a Bottom right: Dr. Nick Hopkinson, Dr. Joe Borg, Developing a theoretical framework policy analysis of the main actors in Prof. Dr. Stephen C. Calleya and H.E. President based on the security complex, this book the Mediterranean, including NATO, Dr. George Abela.

Spring 2013 / No. 16 MEDAC Newsletter 1 Address by H.E Mrs. GINA K. ABERCROMBIE- What makes MEDAC special? 30th October, WINSTANLEY Ambassador of the United States 2012 Prof. Jürg Martin Gabriel – Deputy Chairman, MEDAC Board of America to Malta hen, over twenty years ago, the Junior diplomats, as a result, benefit WMaltese and Swiss governments from an English-language environment n the 30th October 2012, MEDAC Theodore Roosevelt’s success in the 1912 established MEDAC three ideas were characterized by intensive dialogue, Ostudents had the privilege of being Presidential Elections where he obtained central. First, the academy had to serve reading, researching and writing. Like addressed by the Ambassador of the 27% of the vote. Amb. Mrs. Abercrombie- two groups of students, junior diplomats it or not, English is the lingua franca of United States of America to Malta, H.E. Winstanley outlined the importance from Southern Mediterranean countries diplomacy. Politicians may be able to Mrs. Gina K. Abercrombie-Winstanley. of party primaries, caucuses and as well as young Maltese interested operate without it, but modern diplomats Amb. Mrs. Abercrombie-Winstanley spoke conventions. For a candidate to receive in diplomacy. Second, the academic cannot. about the U.S. Constitutional system his party’s nomination as presidential program had to build on a classical laid down by its founding fathers, the candidate he needs a certain number of foundation comprising the four core fields Today’s diplomats also need a solid main U.S. political parties, and the 2012 delegates and this process is done on a of international affairs: Politics, law, grounding in the four disciplines Presidential Election. state-by-state basis. economics and history. Third, the school mentioned. That is not self-evident ought to be small rather than large, because the background of our students Amb. Mrs. Abercrombie-Winstanley Amb. Mrs. Abercrombie-Winstanley also should comprise about 20 students of varies; some are trained in the arts, started off with the separation of powers spoke of the Electoral College, one of each group. Quality, so the idea, had to others in the natural or the technical in the U.S. political system and argued the most important features of the U.S. prevail over quantity. sciences. That is useful when diplomats that the founding fathers emphasized political system. She argued that the deal with issues of ecology, energy or the importance of federalism and intention behind the Electoral College MEDAC has remained faithful to these culture. But it also means that there are separation of powers. They intended to was to achieve a compromise between principles; they make for its special gaps to fill, which is why – during the first create a system of checks and balances. Congress and the popular vote. It was to character. The student body is still, MEDAC semester – there is an emphasis U.S. citizens can appeal to the United be made up of qualified and informed but not exclusively, composed of junior on politics, law, economics and history. States Congress and the Supreme Court men who possessed the right ideals. The diplomats and of Maltese. It rarely That changes in the second semester to repeal legislation. When it comes to people would vote for the electors, who exceeds 40 participants, and the program where more specialized matters are dealt elections, it is the electoral vote at the in turn, elect the President. There are continues to emphasize the four fields with – with a focus on the Mediterranean. Above: Prof. Jurg Martin Gabriel Vice-Chairman Electoral College which counts not the 538 Electoral Votes in the U.S. at the centre of the so-called Rust Belt, – with a focus on the Mediterranean. For many of these topics Malta is an of the MEDAC Board of Directors. popular vote. Amb. Mrs. Abercrombie- which is going through difficult economic These traits provide MEDAC with a strong ideal place, a country with a vivid history Winstanley briefly outlined some The U.S. Ambassador also provided times. Ohio is also generally conservative identity. To occupy a clearly defined influenced by events in Europe and is the MEDAC style. It all sounds a bit historical milestones in the history of an overview of the 2012 Presidential and Republican candidate Mitt Romney niche is important in today’s academic Africa, in the Christian and the Islamic old-fashioned, but in the age of exploding U.S. politics namely the abolishment Election. Amb. Mrs. Abercrombie- had made some inroads. However, world. After all, there are many excellent worlds. information technology it is important to of property as a prerequisite for voting Winstanley made reference to the President Obama’s auto bailout benefited graduate programs in diplomacy, in train students in the use of conventional and the enfranchisement of African- importance of the Hispanic voters, the the state. Europe, in the United States, and It is a luxury, today, to spend an skills. MEDAC professors prefer students Americans. fastest-growing community in the United elsewhere. And competition is fierce. academic year at a small institution with who read books, research, write and States. She also referred to the state of only a handful of permanent faculty, debate – and who – during lectures – close Amb. Mrs. Abercrombie-Winstanley the U.S. economy as the most important Above: H.E. Amb. Ms. Gina K. Abercrombie- The two student groups profit from with professors ready to interact with their laptops and participate! This is not Winstanley. proceeded to talk about the main U.S. issue of the 2012 Elections. The U.S. Below left: Prof. Dr. Stephen C. Calleya & H.E. each other – academically, culturally their students, to teach rather than to to imply that MEDAC is a self-contained political parties, the Republican Party Ambassador also focused on the crucial Amb. Ms. Gina K. Abercrombie-Winstanley. and personally. Junior diplomats from fly from convention to convention. There place of erudition. On the contrary, there and the Democratic Party. She also made swing state of Ohio. Ohio has 18 Electoral Below top: H.E. Amb. Ms. Gina K. Abercrombie- Southern Mediterranean countries are traditional lectures where students are regular contacts with the outside. reference to independents pointing Votes and has consistently voted with the Winstanley being presented a bouquet by a have on-the-job experience – which are meant to listen, but there is also There are visiting scholars from all out that in past elections, there were winner for the last 70 years. While the MEDAC student in the presence of Prof. Dr. the Maltese participants lack. But the plenty of room for discussion, debate parts of the Mediterranean – and from Stephen C. Calleya. independent candidates who attracted economy of this state is improving, with Below bottom: H.E. Amb. Ms. Gina K. latter have done undergraduate work at and disagreement! Diplomats have to beyond. Representatives of international votes, such as Ross Perot in the 1992 unemployment standing at 7.2%, which is Abercrombie-Winstanley addressing MEDAC the University of Malta, an institution learn to deal with conflicts – and to solve organizations are regularly invited, and Presidential Election. She also referred to lower than the national average, Ohio is students. grounded in the Anglo-Saxon tradition. them by dialogue and negotiation. That so are ambassadors accredited to Malta.

2 MEDAC Newsletter No. 16 / Spring 2013 Spring 2013 / No. 16 MEDAC Newsletter 3 Visit of MEDAC Delegation to BERLIN 22nd – 24th October, 2012 International CUISINE NIGHT 2013 27th November, 2012

MEDAC delegation, headed by the in transition, responding to events, The MEDAC delegation was met by high n November 27th 2012, MEDAC held At the 2012 International Cuisine Night, AChairman of the Board of Directors, expressed interest in MEDAC providing level officials at the German Ministry of Oits annual International Cuisine Night. students cooked and shared national Dr. Joe Borg visited Berlin 22-24 October additional scholarships for their diplomats Foreign Affairs as well as at the German This is an event where students as well dishes from Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, China, 2012, to discuss further co-operation and additional educational opportunities. Parliament, who assured MEDAC of as Alumni of MEDAC look forward to a Egypt, Georgia, Germany, Jordan, with the German government. Since German interest in actively supporting night of tasting different national dishes. , Macedonia, Malta, Palestine, 2009 the German Ministry of Foreign Prof. Stephen Calleya, Director MEDAC the transition processes taking place on In today’s increasingly globalized world, Slovakia, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Affairs is funding a German Chair for and Dr. Monika Wohlfeld, the holder of the southern shore of the Mediterranean. people from all cultural, religious and Ukraine and the United Kingdom. Peace Studies and Conflict Prevention the German Chair at MEDAC, as well as The reform of the education sector in national backgrounds converge and live at the Academy. Germany thus became H.E. Ambassador Karl Xuereb, Ambassador North African countries was described together in multicultural societies. MEDAC The sharing of diverse national dishes, a stakeholder in the Mediterranean of Malta to Germany, took part in the as one of the key realms which deserve holds multiculturalism as a core principle provides an excellent opportunity for Academy for Diplomatic Studies, showing visit. The aim of the visit to Berlin was to support by the EU and its member States in its academic programme. Thus, the different cultures to raise awareness foresight where most felt the situation discuss the situation in the Mediterranean and in which Germany is engaging. In this annual Cuisine Night initiative reflects about one another. This makes the in the region was stagnant. The events region as well as future programmes of context, the work undertaken by MEDAC MEDAC’s mission to foster a multicultural International Cuisine Night a very of the so-called ‘Arab Spring’ validated the Chair and explore additional avenues as a regional higher education institution environment among students from many important date in MEDAC’s calendar, and this decision and pointed to further for co-operation. Meetings were arranged working actively with countries from North different countries. Every academic year, an event which is very much treasured by opportunities for co-operation, as with the support of the German Embassy Africa and beyond was singled out as an MEDAC hosts a class with students from a MEDAC students. governments of North African countries to Malta. important contribution to this effort. diverse cultural background. Cuisine Night is one of those occasions when MEDAC is Right: The poster advertising the International able to highlight its multicultural identity. Cuisine Night 2012. Teaching of GERMAN Academic Year 2012/2013 LANGUAGE at MEDAC

ncouraged by the German Academic year 2011/2012. Eight MEDAC students underscores the commitment to practical EExchange Service (DAAD) and the have taken up the option of learning the co-operation between the German German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and German language in the first ever course. Foreign Ministry as well as the German as a new initiative of the German Chair In the academic year 2012/2013, 14 Academic Exchange Service and MEDAC, at MEDAC and the Department of German students are pursuing German language which commenced in 2009. at the University of Malta, a German classes at MEDAC. language course specifically designed for diplomats has been offered for the first The introduction of the German language time to MEDAC students in the academic course to the MEDAC curriculum

Course on COMPARATIVE REGIONAL January 2013 INTEGRATION at MEDAC

rof. Ludgar Kühnhardt, Director Pat the Center for European Integration Studies (ZEI) and Professor at the Institute for Political Science and Sociology at the University of Bonn taught a course on comparative regional integration at MEDAC in January 2013.

Professor Kühnhardt’s main research areas include issues of European Integration, the global comparison of regional integration systems as well as topics of political theory and philosophy.

Right: Prof. Dr. Ludger Kühnhardt.

4 MEDAC Newsletter No. 16 / Spring 2013 Spring 2013 / No. 16 MEDAC Newsletter 5 EURO-MEDITTERANEAN Information and Training SEMINARS in MALTA 9th – 12th November, 2012

he thirty-third Euro-Mediterranean states. The Seminar was organized by the Mediterranean. An evaluation of progress TInformation and Training Seminar took Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic registered to date when it comes to he Euro-Med seminars were, quite simply, unique. Not only did they bring Euro-MED seminars: place in Malta between November 9th Studies of the University of Malta under political reforms as a result of the Arab Ttogether EU officials, academics and civil servants from across the Southern A HARVEST OF EXCELLENCE 12th 2012. The four days of proceedings the auspices of the European Commission Spring also took place. An assessment Mediterranean, they also created an esprit de corps between the participants took place during the ongoing historic who assist in coordinating this official of the main economic challenges in the of these seminars over the years. A large part of the success of the seminars lay transformation that has swept across Euro-Mediterranean confidence building Mediterranean and the Challenge of not only in Stephen Calleya’s infectious enthusiasm and ability to involve senior had the privilege of taking part the southern Mediterranean since the initiative. Energy Security, and the Role of Civil officials and academics who are well steeped in the intricacies of the European I in various MEDAC information start of 2011. The Seminar focused on Society in the transformation of the Neighbourhood Policy, but it also lay in the physical location of the seminars and training Seminars in the last political, economic and cultural Euro- Throughout the four-day seminar Euro-Mediterranean region was also be themselves. It is difficult to imagine participants coming from throughout the years. I have been always impressed Mediterranean issues. Particular attention academic specialists and other conduted. region, occasionally from countries who do not enjoy the easiest of relations, by the excellency of logistics and was dedicated to identifying the progress professionals from Europe and the and to witness them working together and, indeed, socializing, in any location organization, the quality of the registered in implementation of the Mediterranean delivered a series of The Euro-Mediterranean Information and other than Malta. The utility and uniqueness of Malta’s historical role as a bridge speakers, the remarkable selection of Union for the Mediterranean agenda lectures on developments within the Training meeting for diplomats, or Malta between Europe and the Arab world was well proven once again. The transferral of the participants and the consistency and EU policy decisions towards the political and security, economic and Seminar as the distinguished gatherings relevant knowledge and the discussions that go with it were one of the undoubted of the debates. Mediterranean since commencement of financial, and the socio- cultural and have become more commonly known, was short-term successes of the seminars, but the richest legacy may well lie in the the ‘Arab Spring’. human dimensions of contemporary Euro- addressed on Friday, November 9th 2012 longer-term socialisation effects on the considerable numbers of participants in the These Seminars have been often Mediterranean relations. by the Hon. Dr. Tonio Borg, Deputy Prime Euro-Med seminars over the years. Many of them are now assuming senior positions inaugurated by either Malta’s This Euro-Mediterranean Seminar brought Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and will therefore have the chance to implement policies and, hopefully, they will President or its Foreign Minister. Many together diplomats from the majority Specific attention was dedicated to topics of Malta, and now EU Commissioner for do so in a manner that is mindful of their counterparts in neighbouring countries Ambassadors used to take an active of the twenty-seven European Union that included: The Euro-Mediterranean Health and Consumer Affairs. with whom they enjoy the common bond of their time in Malta. This will be the part and enrich the debates with member states and the Mediterranean Partnership and the Cypriot EU proof of the pudding. their input and insight. Partner countries that signed the Presidency, Perspectives and Prospects Further information on the Euro- Barcelona Declaration in November 1995 for Political Change in the Mediterranean, Mediterranean Seminars can be found at Professor Simon Duke The participation of EU official and Union for the Mediterranean partner and developments in the Southern www.euromed-seminars.org.mt European Institute of Public Administration, Maastricht, Netherlands speakers and Mediterranean officials and experts contributed to a frank, instructive and informative debate he Mediterranean region has and allowed for an in-depth analysis Tentered a new phase of its from different perspectives thus multi-thousand year history, and if allowing students and participants this is to be a more cooperative and to grasp the complexities of issues beneficial one than earlier phases and the wide range of opinions the region will need informed and circulating on both shores of the imaginative leadership. The role of Mediterranean. MEDAC and its Euro-Med Seminars in helping to shape the new phase is These Seminars contributed also to crucial; there is no other organization shoring up also the teaching of the that brings together people from the Mediterranean Diplomatic Academy. entire Mediterranean in the way that The students have been always MEDAC does. Through the Seminars fascinated by the quality of the and their other educational initiatives Seminars and their added-value to and programs, the staff and scholars their own training. of the Academy have provided a safe space for young, future To put it in a nutshell, as a professor leaders to share their concerns and who participates in many official 2 perspectives, and to learn from and and academic workshops, seminars 1 about each other. In a region of such and conferences, and for whom diverse social, cultural, economic, the Mediterranean is a passion and political conditions this is a role and a profession, I must recognize that is of crucial importance. As the that MEDAC’s Seminars are the new regional dynamics evolve, we most refreshing, informative and will need what the Seminars provide well-organized. My sincerest wish more than ever before. is therefore that these Seminars continue, as in the past 20 years, Prof. Anthony Jones to bring together students, 4 5 CES, Harvard University and Professor at diplomats and experts for a better North Eastern University, Boston, USA understanding of our common challenges and opportunities. 1. Participants at the Euromed Conference. 2. Class photo of MEDAC Class 2012 – 2013. Prof. Bichara Khader 3. The 33rd Euromed Information and Training Seminar. 4. From left: Prof. Stephen Calleya, Prof. H. Ben Mahfoudh, Director of the Arab Study & Prof. A. Jünemann, Dr. Monika Wohlfeld and Mr. Norman Research Centre (C.E.R.M.A.C.), Benotman. 5. MEDAC students at the Euromed Conference. DVLP and Professor at the Faculty of 6. M.A. Conflict Resolution and Mediterranean students at Political, Economic & Social Sciences, the Euromed Conference. 7. From left: Commissioner H.E. Dr. Tonio Borg, Prof. Stephen Louvain University (UCL), Belgium 3 6 7 Calleya, Dr. Michalis Attalides, Amb. Dr. Walid Mahmoud Abdelnasser and Dr. Monika Wohlfeld.

6 MEDAC Newsletter No. 16 / Spring 2013 Spring 2013 / No. 16 MEDAC Newsletter 7 PROTOCOL LUNCH 14th December, 2012 CALENDAR

n December 14th 2012, MEDAC MEDAC regularly organises simulations of experience at the Ministry of Foreign 1st October 2012 9th to 11th November 2012 5th December 2012 Ostudents took part in a simulation of a Protocol Lunch, which provides Affairs of Malta where he served as of a Protocol Lunch. The simulation was students with a direct experience of Director of Protocol. Welcome Reception for MEDAC students. 33rd EUROMED Training and Information Book launch ‘Security Challenges in held at the Cavalieri Hotel in St. Julian’s, such occasions. During the simulation, Seminars for Diplomats. the Euro-Med Area in the 21st Century’ Malta. students had the opportunity to act in MEDAC would like to express its deep and 5th October 2012 by Professor Stephen Calleya at the several situations including those of lasting appreciation to Mr. Terribile for Presidential Palace, Valletta. Address by Commissioner Štefan Füle. 19th November 2012 Pratical Training is an important proposing toasts, seating arrangements his services. DIPLO Conference: Innovation in Diplomacy. dimension of MEDAC’s academic agenda. and other protocol procedures. Below Left: Mr. Olaph Terribile, MEDAC lecturer 14th December 2012 Protocol Lunches are an important 5th October 2012 on Protocol (standing) at the Protocol Lunch. Protocol Lunch Simulation. component of the diplomatic world The Protocol Lunch simulation was led by Below Right: MEDAC Students at the Protocol Address by Tunisian Minister of Foreign 26th November 2012 and state functions. Consequently, Mr. Olaph Terribile, who has many years Lunch. Affairs H. E. Dr. Rafik Abdessalem. Graduation Ceremony. February 2013

12th October 2012 27th November 2012 Lectures with Hon. Dr. Michael Frendo, Speaker of the House of Address by Swiss Ambassador H.E. International Cuisine Night. Representatives. Ambassador Bernardino Regazzoni. 4th December 2012 19th October 2012 Economic Growth in Europe: Public Discussion with Ireland’s Minister for European Cultural Visit to the Three Cities. Affairs Lucinda Creighton.

23rd October 2012 February – June 2013 Address by the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Malta, H.E. Mr. Vaqif Sadiqov (second Lectures with Dr. Joe Borg, Chairman of from left). MEDAC and former EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs (2004- 2010).

M.A. Conflict Resolution and Mediterranean Security 7th December, 2012 STUDENTS visit the U.S. EMBASSY

n Friday 7th December, the students of the work of a US Embassy in general Omar Grech, Coordinator of the dual Opursuing the MA Conflict Resolution as well as the work done in the Malta degree Masters programme in Conflict and Mediterranean Security programme Embassy. Following Mr De Tar, Political, Resolution and Mediterranean Security were hosted by the Embassy of the USA Economic and Commercial Officer Thomas thanked all the Embassy staff for their for a series of briefings on the work of Schmidt presented various aspects of hospitality and the continuous support the Embassy in Malta. The students were US policy vis-a-vis the Mediterranean. offered to MEDAC by the US Embassy. welcomed by Ms. Winifred Hofstetter, Amongst the issues mentioned in Mr the Public Affairs Officer of the Embassy Schmidt’s presentation were maritime who was instrumental in organizing transport and security as well as the the visit. The Deputy Chief of Mission, fight to combat human trafficking. Both Below Left: M.A. Conflict Resolution and Meditteranean Security students at the U.S. Michael R. DeTar explained the set-up of the presentations were followed by Embassy. of the US State Department and the a Question and Answer session with the M.A. Conflict Resolution and Below Right: 30th October 2012 8th March 2013 Embassy in Malta, giving an overview students. At the end of the event Dr. Meditteranean Security students in session. Address by U.S. Ambassador to Malta, H. E. Ms. Gina K. Abercrombie-Winstanley. Address by Mme. Calmy-Rey, former Foreign Minister of Switzerland. 7th to 9th November 2012 14th March 2013 Prof. Bichara Khader delivered a module on Euro-Med Relations. Address by Ambassador Dr. Heinrich Kreft on Dialogue of Civilizations.

8 MEDAC Newsletter No. 16 / Spring 2013 Spring 2013 / No. 16 MEDAC Newsletter 9 ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS

commented by saying: “Congratulations, staff that offer you a never ending background stories and general interests. Since both my dissertations were focused you are very lucky, MEDAC is renowned well of knowledge and all the support I more so enjoyed taking part in these on International Law and Refugee issues Ivana Sterbova Ihab Khalil for its academic excellence and is one you need to make this learning conversations. I therefore must say that I have become very aware and gained of the best institutions in the field of experience as fruitful and enjoyable MEDAC managed to gather those of us great knowledge in these matters MEDAC Alumnus diplomacy in entire Mediterranean as possible. Here I recall the words with common values and interests and concerning Europe, Africa and the MEDAC Alumnus from Czech region”. At that moment, I smiled from of Professor Stephen Calleya every helped us to become great, loyal and Mediterranean. Thanks to this I was able from Palestine Republic all my heart feeling very proud and time MEDAC invited a guest lecturer lasting friends. to work and attend missions with the 2011 – 2012 2008 –2009 honored to have attended this prestigious or new books were added to the UNHCR in South Sudan and later work academy. Moreover, MEDAC offers you library “Please take full advantage Apart from having a fantastic time and as a paralegal in a London based law the unique opportunity to meet and of this opportunity”. Indeed, I urge meeting amazing friends, I must say firm. Soon after I was offered to move n Wednesday 14/11/2012, I was study with diplomats from all over the everyone attending MEDAC to follow consider myself very fortunate in MEDAC was one of the reasons I became to Malaysia and work for the Limkokwing Oattending a meeting at the office of world allowing you to benefit from their this precious advice. Finally, I promise I having the opportunity to study extremely interested in Human Rights, University in Kuala Lumpur. Today, I am the president in Ramallah; where I met diverse experiences, making MEDAC a you from my personal experience at the Mediterranean Academy Refugee Issues and International Law. The based in Brisbane, Australia, where I work Dr. Mohamed Odeh, the Deputy Chief true melting pot of different cultures that after you finish your studies at of Diplomatic Studies and to be lecturers and professors expanded my with the support of Amnesty International of staff of the Presidency who asked and traditions which one can not only MEDAC you will be far more confident introduced to the diplomatic world knowledge beyond expectations and gave Australia as a School Outreach Convenor. me: “It’s been a year since I last saw feel but also taste especially during the and accomplished, as diplomats and visions. me a great understanding in all aspects of you, what have you been up to during cultural night dinner “my God the flavors equipped with necessary tools that Diplomacy. After completing my studies I am very happy to be pursuing my career this time”. I told him I was attending of the exquisite dishes are still running will enable you to tackle any mission Being from the Czech Republic, at MEDAC I was amazed to find out that in the direction of my dreams, which is a Master in Diplomacy program at the in my mind”. Furthermore what would or assignment during your careers. growing up in Libya and studying in I was able to apply for a Masters Degree fighting for equality and human rights. I Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic MEDAC be without the living stones, its Malta has given me a good base in in International Law at the University am very proud to say that MEDAC helped studies-University of Malta. Dr. Odeh outstanding lecturers and administrative multiculturalism and an interest in of East London. This is thanks to the make my dreams come true. The staff, others, feeling that everywhere is material covered in the International lecturers, professors and classmates my home. I felt very welcome the law modules completed at MEDAC. I never let me down and I wish to thank first day I attended MEDAC. I loved successfully graduated at UEL (London) everyone again for this great opportunity. hearing my classmates chatting in 2010/2011 and was awarded the LLM in the corridor about their ideas, Degree in International Law. friendship, exchange of views and Permanent Representation to NATO Marsela Xhangolli thoughts and the rich diversity of our in Brussels. Here, I have the privilege (Tepelena) cultures, traditions and backgrounds. and responsibility to represent my country, a NATO member from 2009, in MEDAC Alumnus The great hospitality of our Maltese different committees, such as Cyber from Albania colleagues and friends, with whom we Defense Committee, new NATO HQ 2003 –2004 shared the special moments of joining Project and others. Working in such a GRADUATION CEREMONY 26th November, 2012 the European Union and a lot of other renowned international organization is of the MEDAC Class of 2011 – 2012 more personal memories have somehow a new experience, both exciting and “signed” our lives. demanding, especially for folks like me have attended the academic year with an engineering background. n November 26th 2012, the official I 2003-2004 at MEDAC. It was a I shall never fail to remember our Ograduation ceremony of the MEDAC List of Graduates from Academic Year 2011/2012 remarkable experience and a great professors, rigorous and passionate, Almost a decade has elapsed from that Class of 2011/2012 was held at the opportunity to join and benefit from who tried to boost our enthusiasm and to academic year in MEDAC. During this Jesuits Church in Valletta. The graduates Master of Arts in Diplomatic Studies Master of Arts in Diplomacy a very comprehensive academic enrich our knowledge; they treated us as time, I have learned a lot, widened were awarded their Masters of Arts Alexander Zammit Mohammed Bialy Alolaimy program for all of us students from students but also as diplomats and their my horizons and continuously tried to (MA) and Master of Diplomacy (M. Dip.) Mediterranean states, the USA, China, future colleagues, who were to “shape improve myself as a person and as a and Diploma degrees. The graduation Nick Meysman Hisham Sallam Georgia, Poland, Austria and other the future of international relations”. diplomat. ceremony was also an opportunity for Daniel Sammut Baker Hijazi countries. Professor Stephen Calleya, Prof. Jürg students to meet each other once again Martin Gabriel, Prof. David Attard and “The lessons learned” in the MEDAC and reminisce on a very enjoyable, Thomas Anthony Muscat Ihab Khalil Likewise, it was a unique life many others merit deserve all our most auditorium are an important “lifetime enriching, and unforgettable year of B a r b o r a O n d e j č í k o v á Naseem Alzaneen experience; not only because of heartfelt respect and gratitude. secured luggage” for my journey and my studying. “returning to school”, but first and modest career. Keith Spiteri Jubilata Shao foremost thanks to the precious Currently, I work at the Albanian Timothy Falzon Eno Jegeni Chrysanthi Lamprou Aslan Jafarly Viktor Tamm Yuriy Tyrkus Kathryn Zahra Syrgian Hadji-Nikolov MEDAC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PAGE Leeanne Galea Etienne Micallef CAN BE ACCESSED ON: Emma Zammit Sandro Chetcuti www.um.edu.mt/medac/medacalumniassociation Damian Iriele Ozomena Bilal Nsour Joseph Cutajar Walid Chakroun MEDAC PAGE CAN BE ACCESSED ON: Maher Ferchichi www.facebook.com/groups/19374582384 Najla Amdouni Above: MEDAC graduates of 2012 with their Irakli Abesadze degree certificates.

10 MEDAC Newsletter No. 16 / Spring 2013 Spring 2013 / No. 16 MEDAC Newsletter 11 GUIDO de MARCO Summer School – 3rd – 7th September, 2012 Building Peace in the Mediterranean

etween the 3rd and 7th September The objectives of the Guido de Marco • How culture matters to conflict resolution. B2012, the Guido de Marco United Summer School included: • Developing a network of young conflict Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC) • Promoting the empowerment of youth negotiators. Summer School was held. The Summer by strengthening intercultural skills School was co-organized by the United and competences. The lectures and workshops dealt with a Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC) • Strengthening young people’s capacity range of issues which included; dispute and the University of Malta in cooperation to get involved in the preparation management and conflict resolution, with the League of Arab States, North- and implementation of dialogue and reconciliation, human rights in the South Centre, Council of Europe and the cooperative action across divides. Euro-Mediterranean Area, peace Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic • Facilitating understanding and education, Euro-Mediterranean Relations, Studies (MEDAC). This initiative had the practice of managing conflict - conflict intercultural and interreligious dialogue support of the Governments of Malta prevention; mediation and conflict within the public sphere, migration, the and Brazil. The theme of the Summer resolution; reconciliation as a peace- role of the media in peace-building, the School was: “Building Peace in the building process. role of civil society in reconciliation and Mediterranean”. • The role of media and conflict resolution. youths as agents of change.

Recent PUBLICATIONS

MED AGENDA Prof. Bichara Khader Med Agenda new series. Title: The European Union and the Arab World: from the Rome Treaty to the “Arab Spring” Date of Publication: March 2013

he publication by Prof. Bichara Khader provides an insight into the history of European Union (EU) Tpolicies vis-a-vis the Arab world and the EU’s policy reactions in the face of the Arab Spring. To this end, the publication is divided into two parts: the first part dealing with European policies towards the Arab world and the Mediterranean region between 1957-2012; and the second part providing an analysis of the EU’s new initiatives to deal with the Arab revolutions which gave rise to the Arab Spring. The publication is of interest for those interested in the history of Euro-Mediterranean relations.

MED AGENDA Amb. Dr. Bernardino Regazzoni Med Agenda new series. Title: Objectives, principles and recent developments of Swiss Foreign Policy Date of Publication: January 2013

mbassador Dr. Bernardino Regazzoni’s publication, Objectives, principles and recent developments of ASwiss Foreign Policy, focuses on the important pillars of Switzerland’s foreign policy. In this publication Ambassador Regazzoni explains these pillars which are codified in the Swiss Constitution under Article 2, 54 and 101.

MEDAC RECRUITMENT 2013-2014

MASTER OF ARTS IN DIPLOMATIC STUDIES * Dual Programme with George Mason University Full-time – 3 Semesters www.um.edu.mt/medac/overview/PMADST8-2011-2-O MASTER OF ARTS IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER OF DIPLOMACY AND MEDITERRANEAN SECURITY Full-time – 2 Semesters Full-time – 3 Semesters Open to Junior Diplomats (by invitation) www.um.edu.mt/medac/overview/PMACRMFTO-2011-2-O For further information contact: [email protected]

12 MEDAC Newsletter No. 16 / Spring 2013