Today’s world needs more diplomacy, according to Speaker Michael Frendo, who addressed the 38th Meeting of the International Forum on Diplomatic Training yesterday.

The meeting is an annual gathering of deans and directors of institutions at the Diplomatic Academy in Vienna. About 75 diplomats gathered in Parliament to discuss the way forward in diplomatic training.

“Diplomacy is best defined by its alternative, which is conflict,” Dr Frendo said, pointing out that many jokes surrounded the profession. But diplomacy was the solution, not the problem. Issues like climate change and fundamentalism were both issues that diplomats today needed to address.

William Shija, Secretary General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, acknowledged Malta’s contribution to the Commonwealth, saying the country had hosted several workshops on small state issues and democracy.

He mentioned issues like migration, world trade and climate change, all problems faced by diplomats.

“The world is hungry for leadership,” Dr Shija said, pointing out that a good diplomat sought to improve relations of the country with others.