Brussels Diplomatic Academy graduates celebrate their achievements at the Brussels Parliament.

On Wednesday 8 October the most recent graduates from the Postgraduate Certificate programmes of the Brussels Diplomatic Academy (BDA) of the VUB received their certificates at a  ceremony held in the Hall of Mirrors of the Brussels Parliament. This year’s recipients graduated in Economic Diplomacy and in International Trade and Investment and came from a range of academic and national backgrounds.

In his speech BDA Director, Gunter Gaublomme, explained the importance of and relationship between Economic Diplomacy and International Trade and Investment and highlighted the future roles the graduates might play in these fields. He also warned of the obstacles that Europe might face if it does not adapt its industrial policy to changing world realities.

After the Director presented the certificates graduates and their friends and family, together with BDA lecturers, heard from new graduate in International Trade and Investment Michiel Van Isacker. In a speech sprinkled with humorous asides, he detailed the intensity and breadth of the programme they had completed, the obstacles they had overcome and the subjects they had tackled.

A succinct impression of the programme is reflected in his comment that

“…one thing’s for sure: every professor gave it their all. They shared their experience with passion, stories from their impressive careers and all the knowledge they had gathered over the years. And oh, we learned a lot.”

He closed with thanks to classmates, professors, families and friends and congratulations to the BDA Class of 2025.

Those celebratory words were followed by photographs and a reception in the Hall of Mirrors and garden of the Parliament.

Contact: Cailin Mackenzie, 0473 458 069

Photos by Ana Martins Photography