Opening ceremony at MEDAC
The Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) held its 2007-2008 official opening ceremony on October 8. MEDAC's director, Professor Stephen Calleya, in his opening address, focused on the evolution of MEDAC over the past 17 years and the...
The Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) held its 2007-2008 official opening ceremony on October 8. MEDAC's director, Professor Stephen Calleya, in his opening address, focused on the evolution of MEDAC over the past 17 years and the current academic programme being offered by the Academy.
President Emeritus Guido de Marco, chairman of MEDAC, delivered the keynote address of the ceremony, which was attended by members of the diplomatic corps and other distinguished guestss and students.
He highlighted the very important role that diplomats play in contemporary international relations and called for diplomats to seek to influence positively relations in the Mediterranean. Professor de Marco also encouraged MEDAC's students to participate actively in all of the Academy's activities, including the Alumni Association.
Professor de Marco was recently awarded a Jean Monnet Chair in the EU and Dialogue between People and Cultures at MEDAC.
MEDAC offers advanced degrees in diplomacy with a focus on Mediterranean issues. The courses cover International Law, International Economics, International Relations, Diplomatic History, and the practice of Diplomacy.
MEDAC's international vocation is also evident from the large number of international conferences, workshops and study visits it has held regulaly in collaboration with numerous institutions and governments including the Arab League, Wilton Park, EuroMeSCo, the Nordic Council, the Geneva Centre for Security Policy and the governments of Tunisia and Egypt.
Since opening its doors to postgraduate students, more than 400 students from over 40 different countries have graduated from MEDAC. Several of the Academy's alumni are now following a career in diplomacy and are serving in their respective embassies all over the world.
MEDAC's class of 2007-2008 is one of its largest intakes of postgraduate students from all over the Mediterranean area and beyond.
This year's intake following MEDAC's postgraduate programmes include candidates from Tunisia, Egypt, the Palestinian Authority, Iraq, China, Georgia, Macedonia, Turkey, Italy, Morocco, Germany, Libya, Tanzania, the United Kingdom and Malta.
Further information about MEDAC can be found on its Website http://home.um.edu.mt/medac/