Montenegro hosts the 50th Meeting of the International Forum on Diplomatic Training (IFDT)

The 50th Meeting of the International Forum on Diplomatic Training (IFDT), which brings together heads of diplomatic academies and institutes from around the world, was officially opened today in Bečići, Montenegro.

Speaking at the opening were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović, Director of the Vienna School of International Studies and Co-chair of the IFDT Emil Brix, Director of the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University and Co-chair of the IFDT Barbara Bodin, and UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro Ekaterina Paniklova.

Minister Ibrahimović expressed his satisfaction with Montenegro hosting this milestone 50th IFDT, noting that the presence of more than 80 representatives from diplomatic academies across over 40 countries is a testament to the dedication and collective efforts in promoting diplomatic activities through the enhancement of knowledge, skills, and capabilities.

In a time when challenges know no borders, the role of diplomacy is crucial for maintaining global peace and stability. In today’s dynamic environment, diplomats are expected to be more than representatives of their countries; they are bridge-builders among nations, negotiators in crises, and strategists tackling challenges that transcend national boundaries, said Minister Ibrahimović, emphasising that successful diplomacy is needed now more than ever.

Director of the Vienna School of International Studies Emil Brix highlighted that diplomatic training must adapt to new geopolitical realities to best address the challenges of modern diplomacy. He pointed out the significance of the IFDT being held for the first time in a Western Balkan country, commending Montenegro's commitment to this important subject and supporting its European integration path.

Barbara Bodin, Director of the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, stated that the Forum recognises the critical role diplomacy plays in addressing the complex challenges of today. She emphasised the need for well-educated and highly motivated diplomats, stressing the importance of strengthening their diplomatic knowledge, skills, and competencies. Diplomats and diplomacy are irreplaceable, Bodin concluded.

Ekaterina Paniklova, UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro, echoed these sentiments, noting that modern diplomacy demands more than experience and traditional skills, requiring a strategic mastery of competencies that adapt to the evolving global landscape. We are at a critical crossroads where traditional diplomatic methods intersect with urgent global challenges, such as climate change, digital transformation, economic inequality, and geopolitical shifts. To address these effectively, diplomats must be educated, flexible, possess adaptable leadership and intercultural communication skills, and be proficient in the use of data and technology—and much more, Paniklova noted. She also highlighted Montenegro’s long-standing collaboration with UNDP, which has, for 17 years, provided young diplomats with a platform to learn, exchange experiences, and build strong connections.

On the sidelines of the Forum, Minister Ibrahimović met with German diplomat Wolfgang Ischinger, President of the Munich Security Conference Foundation. Their discussions focused on Montenegro's NATO membership, ongoing reforms, the country's European integration, and current regional and global issues.