Officials attending a session during the three-day training programme.
Doha, Qatar: The College of Public Policy (CPP) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has completed an intensive training programme for senior officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
The course, designed under the theme “The Role of the State of Qatar in Mediation and the Resolution of Regional Conflicts,” equips officials with advanced skills relevant to the fields of diplomacy and conflict resolution.
The three-day training, delivered by Professor, CPP, Dr. Sultan Barakat was attended by around 25 participants holding high-ranking positions at MoFA, Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the armed forces, reflecting the strategic importance of this programme.
Dr. Barakat provided participants with deep insights into Qatar’s role as a regional and international mediator as well as the impact of his research and publications on understanding geopolitical issues.
Director of the Diplomatic Institute, Dr. Abdelaziz Al Hour stated, “The choice of subject reflects the strategic importance the State of Qatar places on mediation, and we were delighted to have Dr. Barakat share his extensive and global experience with our colleagues.”
The curriculum explored the complexities of mediation strategies and concepts, analysed real-world case studies, and discussed tools for measuring the effectiveness of mediation, highlighting the importance of regional and international cooperation in peacebuilding.
Additionally, participants were informed on how Qatar’s soft power influences policymaking during times of crisis, the impact of the state’s mediation on peace processes in various regions, as well as Doha’s ability to navigate complex geopolitical situations while maintaining neutrality.
For his part, Professor Logan Cochrane, Acting Dean, CPP, added: “We are delighted to be in a position to support capacity-building efforts in diplomacy and conflict resolution in Doha. This is a testimony to the quality of our staff and program and we very much welcome future cooperation with the Diplomatic Institute.”
Commenting on the significance of the programme, Dr. Barakat said: “Qatar’s profile as a regional and global leader in mediation and diplomacy calls for the constant development of relevant skills for its policymakers and diplomatic staff. We are proud to partner with the MoFA to deliver such high-level training and are committed to shaping and equipping officials with the required skills and knowledge to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.”
The CPP plays a vital role in developing specialized programs in areas that cater to local needs and align with Qatar’s national priorities and future prosperity.
