Malta, Switzerland and Mexico have concluded an agreement to promote online diplomatic training with special focus on new teaching methods.

The agreement, in the form of a memorandum of understanding, was signed in Geneva yesterday by the ambassadors of Malta, Switzerland and Mexico.

It establishes a legal framework that will enable public or private institutions in the three countries to carry out cooperative activities for the development and delivery of online courses in the areas of global governance and to organise conferences, workshops and seminars on online diplomatic training.

Two institutes have been initially designated to carry out these activities - the Diplo Foundation for Diplomatic Studies, which is jointly sponsored by the Maltese and Swiss Governments, and the Matias Romero Institute sponsored by the Mexican government. Besides entering into joint projects, these two institutes will also share knowledge and experience with other diplomatic services, international organisations and other players in the global diplomatic arena.

In order to address the need for skills and knowledge in the field of disarmament, the Mexican Diplomatic Academy and Diplo Foundation plan to cooperate in delivering a post-graduate level online course on international security and disarmament.

New courses on migration and health diplomacy are also planned for the forthcoming period.