Welcome to the BDA

Welcome to the Brussels Diplomatic Academy!

Whether you are starting out on your career in economic diplomacy or international business, seeking to enhance your existing knowledge and skills, or looking for events where you can connect with potential partners, the Brussels Diplomatic Academy has what you need.

Our alumni have described our programmes as follows: ‘…sophisticated programme’ … ‘outstanding teaching’ ‘…a unique value proposition in comparison to other universities’ … ‘high calibre, experienced lecturers combined with the small group teaching method’… ‘a valuable choice for a solid future in Diplomacy and International Trade’…’I can only highly recommend this programme’.

Launched in 2013, the BDA provides a range of services to diplomats and business people and those aspiring to become them. With our education and training programmes, our webinars, lectures, conferences and executive trainings, the BDA equips entrepreneurs and their counterparts in the civil service with the necessary skills, knowledge and connections to excel in their fields.

We are proud to be an integral part of the VUB that is nonetheless connected to the real worlds of economic diplomacy and international business. We know we have the expertise and opportunities to help expand your diplomatic and international business horizons. You just need to let us!

The Brussels Diplomatic Academy, where diplomacy and business meet!

News

2 women and 3 men sitting on chairs on a podium, 4 of them watching the 5th who is speaking. The group are facing a room full of people. Behind them is a screen with a picture of an outstretched hand and the words Launch of the BDA House of Diplomacy, as well as Welcome to the Brussels Diplomatic Academy, Where Diplomacy and Business Meet

International Audience Warmly Welcomes Launch of the VUB’s Brussels Diplomatic Academy’s House of Diplomacy

11 December 2023 The Brussels Diplomatic Academy (BDA) of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) today launched its House of Diplomacy at a stylish event held at De Warande, near the Royal Palace in Brussels. The launch, held 10 years to the day of the launch of the BDA itself, was attended by members of the …
Picture of two men sitting side by side, each signing a copy of a two page document contained in a black presentation folder

BDA signs Letter of Intent with FICAC

The Brussels Diplomatic Academy (BDA) is pleased to announce the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Fédération Internationale des Corps et Associations Consulaires (FICAC), on October 17th, 2023. The signing ceremony took place at the VUB Rector’s office with Rector Jan Danckaert,  and President Emeritus Dr. Aykut Eken …

BDA celebrates new graduates

The Brussels Diplomatic Academy Graduation Ceremony took place at the Brussels Parliament on the 12th of October in the presence of friends and family of the graduates, many of whom had travelled from outside Belgium, as well BDA teachers and Heads of Expert Groups. Graduates in Economic Diplomacy or International Trade and Investment received their …

Online registration still open! Energy Transition Diplomacy – it’s everyone’s business!

The climate affects everyone. Energy affects everyone. Economies affect everyone. And climate, energy and economies affect each other. Understanding those effects and finding sustainable solutions to the crises they produce is essential, it is everyone’s business and it can’t be left to vested interests and specialist stakeholders. In only three afternoons the BDA training in …

Amb. Michiel Maertens speaks to Flemish diplomatic trainees

On 2 June Michiel K Maertens, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Denmark, addressed diplomatic trainees of the Flemish government in a session provided by the Brussels Diplomatic Academy. He shared insights, encouragement, guidance and gentle warnings, in a relaxed and informative round off to this stage of their diplomatic training. This was the …

What is diplomacy for?

Join Ambassador Johan Verbeke in conversation with Prof. Dr. Cailin Mackenzie 7 December 2022 2.30-4.30 pm Brussels Press Club 95 rue Froissart Join us to hear from Johan Verbeke, former Ambassador of Belgium and  Special Representative of the UN Secretary General. This eminent diplomat’s final postings as Ambassador were in New York, where he represented …

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