Four weeks; over forty meetings with politicians, diplomats and representatives of NGOs; four interactive training sessions; visits to four cities; sixteen participants from across the world, and a whole bunch of curiosity – the 47th Executive Seminar had the perfect ingredients to produce something quite special!

As usual in Germany, a full and intensive programme awaited us. During numerous meetings at the Federal Foreign Office, the Bundestag, the Federal Chancellery and NGOs, we got to know German foreign policy from various angles. Training sessions on the media, mediation and negotiation allowed us to expand our knowledge and put it into practice. The trips to Hamburg, Brussels and Wolfsburg were particularly impressive. Visits to the Port of Hamburg, NATO, the European Council and the Volkswagen plant took our enthusiasm to new levels.
Being able to ask questions during the meetings led to an exchange which turned into a real dialogue. I was greatly impressed by how frankly and honestly our (critical) questions were answered. This gave us a profound understanding of Germany’s positions on topics such as security policy, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the complex dynamics in the Middle East, China’s influence, economic challenges, and integration and migration policy, as well as environment and climate issues.

The dialogue taught us more not only about German foreign policy, but also about which issues concerned our colleagues from other countries. In the end we had got to know not only Germany, but 17 countries. We sat till late at night in the hotel lobby discussing things like politics, history and life in general. Our group was made up of a wonderful mix of different characters who got on well. Even if we weren’t always of the same opinion, we respected each other and discussed our views in a friendly atmosphere, developing a deeper understanding of each other and of our countries.

Over the course of the seminar, I learnt an amazing amount from my colleagues and developed huge respect for their professionalism, passion and intelligence. I can say with certainty that the 16 strangers who met at the start of the programme left each other as friends. Close friendships formed not only within the group, but also with our wonderful team, who did such excellent work and ensured that we always felt at ease.
Thanks to the programme, we had the chance to escape from our desks for four weeks and experience real diplomacy – to meet, exchange views, and come to understand each other better. This tremendous synergy confirmed for me that I have chosen the right career. Every time I think about the 47th Executive Seminar, I feel motivated to achieve something great. It was an honour to expand my knowledge and to learn from the speakers and my international colleagues. I am already looking forward to a reunion: after all, as the German saying goes, you always meet twice in life.

Renate Gross