The inauguration ceremony of the Myanmar Diplomatic Academy (MDA) and the launch of its flagship “Diploma in Diplomacy 1/2025” were held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday at the Lawkanatt Hall and the MDA premises in Nay Pyi Taw.
At the inauguration ceremony, U Than Swe, Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs, delivered the inaugural speech. The event was also attended by U Wunna Maung Lwin, Member of the State Administration Council; U Ko Ko Hlaing, Union Minister for the Ministry 2 at the Office of the Chairman of the State Administration Council; Dr Nyunt Phay, Union Minister for Education; Deputy Foreign Ministers U Lwin Oo and U Ko Ko Kyaw; Member of the Union Civil Service Board U Kyaw Myo Htut; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Directors-General and senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education; Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Corps; Members of the Advisory Board and Board of Studies of the MDA; Rector and faculty of the Naypyitaw State Academy; as well as trainees from Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon classes of the Diploma in Diplomacy Programme 1/2025.
In his address, Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister U Than Swe emphasized that the launch of the Myanmar Diplomatic Academy is a milestone for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and an important investment for the future of Myanmar’s international relations. He also stated that diplomacy is one of the key foundations for peace, stability and development of a nation, and it needs lifelong learning.
He stated that before the year 2000, Myanmar had no formal diplomatic training centre and relied exclusively on on‑the‑job mentoring. Recognizing the vital role of diplomacy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched structured training through Basic Diplomatic Skills (BDS) and Enhanced Diplomatic Skills (EDS) courses from 2000 onwards. These have trained over 8,000 young professionals who now serve in the nation-building.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minster also highlighted that the commitment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establishing a dedicated institution for diplomatic training as it initiated plans to create the Myanmar Diplomatic Academy since 2013; formed the Advisory Group and Board of Studies; and organized seminars, workshops, consultations; and international study visits to guide the development of the Academy. He added that MDA is now initially offering a Diploma in Diplomacy Course and will introduce BA (Diplomacy) and MA (Diplomacy) courses in the future.
He acknowledged the firm support of predecessors, retired ambassadors, senior diplomats, rectors and professors from different universities and members of the Advisory Board for their initiative and dedicated efforts to establish this Academy. He also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration of the Diplomatic Corps in Myanmar to support the Academy’s programmes. He concluded by affirming that the MDA represents a significant step toward strengthening Myanmar’s diplomatic capabilities and addressing global challenges through effective diplomacy.
Afterwards, a documentary video on the establishment of the Myanmar Diplomatic Academy was displayed, followed by group photos.
The second part of the ceremony was held at the Academy premises, with the symbolic sprinkling of scented water on the Academy’s commemorative plaque by Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister U Than Swe, together with Member of the State Administration Council U Wunna Maung Lwin, and Union Ministers U Ko Ko Hlaing and Dr Nyunt Phay.
After the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister U Than Swe delivered a special lecture titled “The Implementation of Myanmar’s Foreign Policy” to the participants of the Diploma in Diplomacy Programme 1/2025.
Jointly conducted by the Myanmar Diplomatic Academy and Naypyitaw State Academy, the Diploma in Diplomacy Programme 1/2025 is an eight-month programme comprising two semesters. The curriculum includes diplomacy, international relations, foreign policy, international law, multilateral institutions, and contemporary global challenges.
A total of 113 participants – 62 in Nay Pyi Taw and 51 in Yangon, representing a cross-section of government ministries, the private sector, and recent university graduates with a demonstrated interest in diplomacy and global affairs will attend the programme.
MNA
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