-Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali: This partnership will enhance our training programs and strengthen our position as a regional center.
-GSD: We are proud of the partnership with TRENDS, a leading research and advisory institution in the GCC region
The TRENDS International Training Institute, a TRENDS Research & Advisory subsidiary, has officially launched a strategic partnership agreement with the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations (GSD). This initiative further solidifies TRENDS’ leading position in training and professional development, aligning with its mission to become a global leader in training and connecting think tanks and universities worldwide.
Strategic Partnership Agreement
The agreement, signed on Monday (August 26, 2024), at the TRENDS Conference Hall in the presence of officials, media representatives, and academics, provides that the TRENDS Institute will offer professional training programs accredited by the GSD, including the Certificate of International Relations (CIR) and the Certificate of Advanced Studies in International Relations (CASIR). The two parties will also collaborate on developing joint research programs and publishing specialized academic papers. Through this partnership, TRENDS and GSD aim to meet the growing demand for diplomacy and international relations expertise in the GCC region, providing exceptional educational opportunities for students and professionals alike.
Prestigious Programs
During the partnership signing ceremony, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in providing specialized, high-quality training programs that meet the needs of individuals and institutions in the region and worldwide. He stated: “This partnership will enhance our position as a regional center for education and training in diplomacy and international relations”.
Dr. Al-Ali expressed his delight in announcing this strategic partnership with the GSD as TRENDS celebrates its Bronze Jubilee. He noted that the GSD is a prestigious international institution at the heart of diplomacy in Geneva, Switzerland. “This partnership will enable us to offer distinguished training programs in international relations, political science, public diplomacy, and other relevant fields. We aim to develop qualified individuals capable of addressing contemporary challenges in an ever-changing and fast-paced world,” he added.
Dr. Al-Ali explained that the joint training programs between TRENDS International Training Institute and the GSD will include courses in vital fields such as international relations, political science, public and cultural diplomacy, and current affairs. These programs are flexible and practical, delivered by a distinguished group of experts using the latest teaching methods. They cater to diverse target groups, bridging theory with practical application and providing substantial knowledge in a brief time. Furthermore, they are aligned with global best practices and continuously updated to meet evolving challenges and developments.
A Leading Institution We are Proud to Work with
Dr. Colum Murphy, President of GSD, and Dr. Rakesh Krishnan, General Manager of GSD, issued a joint press release, stating that “The Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations (GSD) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with TRENDS Research and Advisory, a leading research and advisory institution in the GCC region. This partnership comes when the GCC is increasingly recognized as a pivotal player in global diplomacy and international relations”.
“The GCC region has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, becoming a critical hub of economic dynamism and political influence.” The press release reads, “As the world looks to the GCC for leadership in addressing many global challenges, the need for skilled diplomats and international relations experts in the region has never been greater”.
It adds, “Our partnership with TRENDS Research and Advisory is designed to meet this growing demand. Through this collaboration, the GSD will provide access to our prestigious educational programs, including the Certificate of International Relations (CIR) and the Certificate of Advanced Studies in International Relations (CASIR). These programs are specifically tailored to the unique needs of the GCC region, ensuring that professionals here are equipped with the expertise and skills necessary to navigate and influence global affairs. These programs also enable participants to integrate faster into other Geneva School of Diplomacy programs in Geneva, adding further value”.
The press release praises TRENDS as it “has distinguished itself as a thought leader in the GCC, offering insightful analysis and research on key global issues. By aligning with TRENDS, the GSD is expanding our reach and reinforcing our commitment to supporting the development of the GCC as a leading force in international diplomacy.” It concludes, “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring and are confident that together, we will contribute to the continued growth and global impact of the GCC region”.
Training and Empowerment
H.E. Dr. Mubarak Saeed Al-Shamsi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, congratulated TRENDS on its Bronze Jubilee and commended the launch of the TRENDS International Training Institute and its strategic partnership with one of the world’s most prestigious schools of diplomacy, the GSD. e noted that training is a fundamental element in skill development, empowerment, and capacity building, enhancing young people’s abilities to compete globally and meet the current and future demands of the job market and developmental projects.
He affirmed that TRENDS’s current action underscores its global standing and the importance and role of international research and partnerships in achieving goals, providing the best means to enhance youth capabilities, and investing in building the future’s bright leaders.
First Programs
Mr. Mohammed Al-Salmi, Head of the Research Sector and Director of TRENDS International Training Institute, stated that this agreement represents the beginning of a new strategic partnership between TRENDS International Training Institute and the GSD. He affirmed that it reflects both parties’ shared commitment to advancing education and training in politics, international relations, and public diplomacy.
He said, “At TRENDS Research & Advisory and its International Training Institute, we are proud to collaborate with the GSD, a world-class educational institution renowned for its prestigious programs and contribution to preparing future leaders through a rich educational environment full of cultural diversity and practical opportunities”.
He noted that we live in a world characterized by rapid changes and complex challenges, requiring leaders and practitioners in politics and diplomacy to possess deep knowledge and advanced skills. He affirmed that through this partnership, we will offer exceptional training programs that prepare a new generation of diplomats and political analysts capable of addressing current and future challenges. Al-Salmi expressed his eagerness to exchange expertise and develop curricula that meet market needs and keep pace with global developments, highlighting the importance of scientific research and practical application in enhancing participants’ capabilities.
He noted that the institute has launched its first training programs in partnership with the GSD. This step strengthens TRENDS’ leading position in training and development and continues its efforts to become a global leader in training, connecting think tanks and universities worldwide. He stated that graduates of these courses, which adhere to the highest international standards, will receive internationally recognized certifications from TRENDS and the GSD. These courses will be open to university students, institutions, and government and private entities, subject to meeting specific criteria.
The Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations
GSD is a prestigious educational institution at the heart of diplomacy in Geneva, Switzerland. It offers courses in international relations and political science and training opportunities in the political and diplomatic fields and global organizations through experienced faculty members. The GSD provides highly competitive bachelor, master, and doctoral programs in international relations. As part of its curriculum, it helps equip students with unique internship opportunities at international organizations and NGOs.
GSD offers a unique opportunity to engage with global governance actors through specialized seminars by leading experts and scholars from top universities and international organizations. The goal is to prepare future leaders for their roles on the global stage.
