The 2nd Executive Seminar on Economy – Open, Fair and Sustainable Trade held in Berlin was a memorable and transformative experience for the participating diplomats. The welcome dinner on the first evening set the tone for the next fourteen days, offering a rigorous and enriching immersion into German life. The participants learned at every step, from moving up and down in the traditional elevators to engaging in informal discussions and coffee breaks, and absorbing the erudite insights of German and EU officials as well as government functionaries. All the sessions were lively and open, enabling us to hear different perspectives not only from Germany but from other participating countries and regions.

The course adopted a blended learning approach, combining expert-led lectures with practical exposure through visits to industry. This experiential method enabled us to combine theoretical knowledge with real-world scenarios, offering first-hand insights into German industrial and economic prowess, as well as fair trade practices. These experiences significantly enriched our diplomatic skills and global perspectives. Fairness and sustainability in global trade were the overarching themes, equipping us with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of global trade while promoting ethical practices that benefit all stakeholders.

We learned about key global trade issues such as supply chains, ethical practices, labour rights, environmental sustainability and the role of certifications and standards in ensuring transparency and accountability. Discussions also covered the impact of fair trade on local communities, small and medium-sized enterprises and indigenous populations, as well as strategies for overcoming barriers to fair trade. International trade agreements, government policies and regulatory frameworks impacting fair trade practices globally were also examined. Emerging trends such as circular economy principles, the traceability of supply chains and consumer-driven demand for sustainable products were discussed in depth.
Field visits to sustainable businesses and ethical production facilities provided participants with first-hand experience of how fair trade principles are implemented in practice. These visits allowed us to interact with local producers, deepening our understanding of the social and economic impact of fair trade initiatives. Interactions with officials from various German ministries, the EU, WTO, representatives of chambers of commerce and industry, as well as politicians in the German Bundestag, were insightful and comprehensive. These engagements provided participants with a deeper understanding of Germany's role in global trade and international relations from Berlin's perspective.

Culture was another key aspect of the programme. We visited the city of Würzburg, experiencing its rich cultural heritage. We explored the city's beautiful architecture and historical buildings, as well as its economic life and industrial base. Factory tours highlighted the precision and sophistication of German industries, showcasing state-of-the-art skills and technological advancements. A visit to a Mozart concert in Würzburg and a tour of the city hall, including a meeting with the mayor, were unique opportunities, spotlighting the industriousness of the German people and the deep-rooted history and beauty of southern Germany.
The programme left an indelible mark on all the participating diplomats. The combination of theoretical knowledge, cultural exposure and practical insights enhanced our approach to diplomacy, making them more adept at fostering international cooperation and understanding. A boat tour on the final evening capped off the joys and thrills of our stay.

In conclusion, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Ambassador (retired) Thomas Neisinger, Ms Katharina Heiduk and Mr Jan Dachs. We appreciate the tremendous efforts they put into making the programme memorable. Their 24/7 involvement ensured everything was choreographed to perfection. Their discipline and dedication covered up our laziness and shortcomings. We will always remember the meticulous planning of the brains behind the programme: Ms Andrea Christ and her team at Diplomacy by Networking. Thumbs up to their commitment. They have really transformed the participants into ambassadors of Germany in their own countries. Special thanks to our respective desk officers at the Federal Foreign Office, all officials at the departments we visited in the Federal Foreign Office as well as the speakers and business people who spared their valuable time for us. All the participants are proud to have found life-long friends in you as they cherish their time spent in Germany.

Abid Ullah