Taking part in the 15th International Diplomats Programme was an experience that left a lasting impression on me. It wasn’t just a professional training; it was an opportunity to see Germany from different perspectives, through its cities, its public servants, its political culture, its history, and the way it faces today’s global and domestic challenges.

Germany, like many countries, is facing an historic turning point. Internally, it is reassessing its own model to ensure sustainability and future growth. Externally, it is strategically positioning its voice in a shifting global order. As one of the world’s top economies and a driving force in the European Union, Germany looks ahead by aligning national interests with a strong commitment to the multilateral system it helped shape and to its long-standing tradition of international cooperation.

One of the aspects I valued most was the chance to explore how different levels of government function and interact. From local officials in Rostock to the state parliament in Stuttgart, from the Bundestag in Berlin to institutions in Brussels, we gained a clear sense of how policy decisions are made across the system. This gave me a better understanding of how Germany works, and why its voice matters on the global stage.

But what truly gave depth to this journey was the human face of diplomacy. We were a group of colleagues from across the globe, each bringing distinct experiences, perspectives, and institutional contexts. Throughout the programme, we not only learned about Germany, we also learned from one another and from the countries we represent. Our dialogues provoked questions that continue to resonate with me: How can we strengthen our institutions to respond more effectively to global challenges? What new skill set is required of a diplomat in today’s evolving landscape? And perhaps most importantly, what does leadership mean in a time marked by uncertainty and transformation?

To me, this programme is an excellent example of foreign policy in action. The Federal Foreign Office is not simply briefing diplomats about Germany, it is building meaningful long-term relationships and promoting genuine, open dialogue.
Germany faces complex decisions in the years ahead. But I saw a country with committed leadership, a responsive society, strong institutions, and a genuine willingness to engage with the world. That gives its partners reason for confidence.

For those of us who were part of this year’s group, the experience went beyond policy. We leave with new friendships and a lasting bond with our host country.

Thank you, Diplomacy by Networking, for an inspiring journey.

Oliver Contla