I had the pleasure of representing the Government of Guyana at the Third Executive Seminar on Diplomatic Skills in Berlin. It was an honour to be part of the dynamic group of participating diplomats from countries of the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

The Executive Seminar featured sessions and activities that provided participants with a deeper understanding of Germany’s political system, its foreign policy and its culture. While the Seminar was intense, participants benefited from a well organised programme that covered topics related to the federal system, and Germany’s foreign policy vis-à-vis the European Union, Russia, China and Africa. Other important topics included security, climate change, health, international law, economic development, space and technological innovations. Participants also visited several important institutions and historical sites in Berlin, Potsdam, Dresden, Cologne and Bonn.

We had the opportunity to engage in open and frank discussions with senior officials from the Federal Foreign Office, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Federal Chancellery and the German Chamber of Commerce. We gained a better understanding of the German political system through visits to Regional Parliaments (Landtag) of Brandenburg and Saxony and the State Chancellery of Saxony. During these visits we exchanged views with political figures on the functioning of the federal system.

As a key issue facing Germany’s foreign policy, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine featured prominently in many of the sessions. This topic was also discussed at the Munich Security Conference Kick-Off event, which we attended at the Bavarian State Representation in Berlin.

During our visit to the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, we learnt about the institution’s important work on climate change. In Bonn, we met with the representatives of the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). There, we were given an insight into the work of the Secretariat, including its role in convening the Conference of Parties each year. At the WHO Global Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, we learnt about initiatives being developed and implemented around the world, using science and technology to prevent future pandemics.

At Berlin Space Technologies, we learnt about Germany’s emerging role as a leader in the development of satellites and other space technologies. We also had the opportunity to witness innovative technologies being developed by, another German tech company, the Barkhausen Institut. Additionally, at Deutsche Welle, a German international media company, we were given an overview of the role of the media in promoting democracy and freedom of speech, while tackling misinformation and disinformation.

In my view, the highlight of the programme was the practical training in negotiation, and public speaking. These are both necessary skills for diplomats. In the negotiation training, the facilitator dived deep into the skills required to be a good negotiator. Through both theory and practical exercises, participants learned the techniques of effective negotiation and the importance of culture in influencing negotiation styles. The training on public speaking involved learning to write and deliver speeches. The feedback received from the facilitator and peers was especially helpful in improving our public speaking skills.

Furthermore, the networking opportunities offered by the Seminar were invaluable. We made new friends within the cohort as well as new contacts at the German Federal Foreign Office and other institutions.

I am confident that the new skills, perspectives and networks gained from the Seminar have added great value to my diplomatic career.

Sondra Cheong