February and March courses – Applications open!
Brussels Diplomatic Academy classes in International Business and Economic Diplomacy will run between 10 February and 31 March 2025, and include Diplomatic Law, Diplomatic Protocol and Etiquette, International Business Strategy and M&A. The BDA offers the option of choosing only those courses which suit your learning needs and classes generally take place on weekday evenings. …
Time for a new UN Charter?
Amidst growing conflicts and a crisis for the rule of law and international institutions, come and hear Augusto Lopez-Claros, Executive Director of the Global Governance Forum outline the ideas behind the proposal for A Second United Nations Charter: Modernizing the UN for a New Generation followed by a short Q&A. The lecture and Q&A will …
Demining – it’s not all rats and drones
If you think that the environmental impact of landmines, unexploded ordinance and improvised explosive devices only comes from the weapons themselves, think again. In fact, think again about mine action in general, so much has changed, so much has stayed the same, and now some actors are finally looking at the overall picture of mines, …
BDA Demining conference – 4th of July
Confronting the Landmine Challenge: Environmental Implications and Policy Responses Confronting the landmine challenge, and its devastating impacts on human lives and the environment, requires an approach that addresses not only the immediate humanitarian concerns but also the long-term environmental implications. From rats to drones, mine action technology has developed greatly in recent years, and more …
Europe in the World
Join the BDA for the second conversation in the three-part series examining this era of crises. On the 6th of June, Sir Michael Leigh and Ambassador Dr. Len Ishmael will be discussing EUROPE IN THE WORLD, Balancing Values, Geopolitics and Geoeconomics in a Fragmenting World, WHAT ROLE FOR EUROPE? This event will explore how …
Watch the BDA Conversation on the Russia – Ukraine War
The first conversation in a new BDA three-part series examining the war in Ukraine and its implications for the took place on April 30th at the Press Club in Brussels. Considering the question: The Russia – Ukraine War: Prisms of Conflict in a Fragmenting World, How Does This End? Dr. Vladimir Zherebov Head of the …
International Audience Warmly Welcomes Launch of the VUB’s Brussels Diplomatic Academy’s House of Diplomacy
11 December 2023 The Brussels Diplomatic Academy (BDA) of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) today launched its House of Diplomacy at a stylish event held at De Warande, near the Royal Palace in Brussels. The launch, held 10 years to the day of the launch of the BDA itself, was attended by members of the …
BDA signs Letter of Intent with FICAC
The Brussels Diplomatic Academy (BDA) is pleased to announce the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Fédération Internationale des Corps et Associations Consulaires (FICAC), on October 17th, 2023. The signing ceremony took place at the VUB Rector’s office with Rector Jan Danckaert, and President Emeritus Dr. Aykut Eken …
BDA celebrates new graduates
The Brussels Diplomatic Academy Graduation Ceremony took place at the Brussels Parliament on the 12th of October in the presence of friends and family of the graduates, many of whom had travelled from outside Belgium, as well BDA teachers and Heads of Expert Groups. Graduates in Economic Diplomacy or International Trade and Investment received their …
Online registration still open! Energy Transition Diplomacy – it’s everyone’s business!
The climate affects everyone. Energy affects everyone. Economies affect everyone. And climate, energy and economies affect each other. Understanding those effects and finding sustainable solutions to the crises they produce is essential, it is everyone’s business and it can’t be left to vested interests and specialist stakeholders. In only three afternoons the BDA training in …
Amb. Michiel Maertens speaks to Flemish diplomatic trainees
On 2 June Michiel K Maertens, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Denmark, addressed diplomatic trainees of the Flemish government in a session provided by the Brussels Diplomatic Academy. He shared insights, encouragement, guidance and gentle warnings, in a relaxed and informative round off to this stage of their diplomatic training. This was the …
What is diplomacy for?
Join Ambassador Johan Verbeke in conversation with Prof. Dr. Cailin Mackenzie 7 December 2022 2.30-4.30 pm Brussels Press Club 95 rue Froissart Join us to hear from Johan Verbeke, former Ambassador of Belgium and Special Representative of the UN Secretary General. This eminent diplomat’s final postings as Ambassador were in New York, where he represented …