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 Postgraduate Certificates, issued by the VUB Faculty of Social Sciences and Solvay Business School, in the splendour of the Parliament’s Mirror Hall. The certificates were presented by Louis Delcart, who teaches Techniques of Foreign Trade to all BDA students, as well as providing several workshops and offering advice and support as internship tutor.
Shpresa Gashi, graduate in Economic Diplomacy, gave a speech in which she highlighted the importance of Economic Diplomacy in connecting nations, fostering understanding, prosperity and peace. She commented on the graduates’ shared vision of cooperation, innovation and sustainable growth, and encouraged them to face the challenges ahead with the resilience and determination that brought them to their graduation.
Resilience and determination which Prof. Dr. Cailin Mackenzie, Director of Education at the BDA, confirmed are required to successfully complete the BDA programmes, but which result in a unique education and preparation for the worlds of diplomacy and international business.
The ceremony was followed by a reception, catered by Maia do Brasil.
Photos by Ana Martins Photography.