He envisioned an academy that would teach and train recent graduates and seasoned professionals in economic diplomacy, international trade and investment. A university centre which could offer postgraduate programmes, executive trainings, networking events, and discussion platforms to all stakeholders, and not only diplomats and business people. He wanted a university level educational body, practitioner-led, with teaching that would inform the debate and improve things for people and countries.
The Brussels Diplomatic Academy - ahead of the game
Gaublomme, now Director of the BDA, said “I knew from my diplomatic and teaching experience, that economic diplomacy and its private sector corollary were essential to prosperity – that of individuals and nations - and they weren’t being taught. I knew that our programmes needed to be comprehensive and practical, and open to students from all academic disciplines. I also wanted to bring people together beyond our academic programmes.”
With that in mind he devised three postgraduate certificate programmes, in Economic Diplomacy, International Trade and Investment, and Economic Diplomacy and International Business. The BDA started running Master Classes and Executive Trainings and partnering with stakeholders such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, FIT, employers’ federation VOKA, the International Chamber of Commerce and various academic, trade and civil society organisations. Subjects crucial to today’s diplomatic and business worlds such as logistics, techniques of foreign trade, supply and risk management, and international investment analysis were all on offer from the beginning.
The interaction between diplomacy and international trade are clear to many today. A pandemic followed by a war in Europe have threatened supply chains, food safety, energy security and diplomatic relations across the world. The climate emergency gets worse every day. As always, the most vulnerable have been hardest hit, but nations are also affected as governments and businesses move from one state of crisis management to another.
By bringing diplomacy and business together, in a university setting, the BDA offers a unique path for learning and solution building.
In 2023 the new diplomatic trainees of the Flemish government took courses at the BDA, following in the footsteps of members of Brussels’ Corps Diplomatique who had chosen a few courses as part of their continuing professional development.
According to Cailin Mackenzie PhD, Director of Education for the BDA, “We know from student feedback that the direct access to our lecturers and their expertise, is a strength of our programmes, as is the flexibility of the programme structure which allows people to design their own learning path.”
“Alumni tell us how our courses have helped them pass recruitment exams or change career paths, and various internships have led to job offers. We bring together professionals who study whilst working and recent graduates who are studying full-time, and they benefit from each other’s input.”
As it moves towards celebrating its 10th anniversary, the BDA continues to grow the range of activities and courses that it offers. “We’re working on some exciting new projects which we will be launching in the Autumn” Gaublomme confirmed.
Applications are still open for places on the postgraduate programmes, lessons start on 1 September and enquiries can be sent to bda@vub.be.
