For the first time, the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hosts the International Forum on Diplomatic Training (IFDT): The 49th Annual Meeting of Deans and Directors of Diplomatic Academies and Institutes of International Relations from 12 -15 December 2023 at Chatrium Grand Hotel, Bangkok under the theme “The Future of Diplomacy: Trends, Tools and Trainings for New-Age Diplomats”. The meeting brings together over 100 people consisting of Deans and Directors from 46 Diplomatic Academies and Institutes in 41 countries around the world, including Thai experts and academics.

The program started off in the evening of 12 December 2023 with the Welcome Reception and Dinner hosted by Mrs. Thitiporn Chirasawadi, Director of the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs, to unofficially welcome the IFDT participants before the meeting.

The Opening Ceremony of the 49th IFDT takes place on 13 December 2023, with Mr. Phrommes Bhaholpolbhayuhasena, Ambassador attached to the Foreign Ministry and Dean of the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs, delivering the welcome speech, Ms. Nadja Wozonig, Executive Assistant to the Director, Vienna School of International Studies and Mr. James P. Seevers, Director of Studies, Institute for the Study of Diplomacy, School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, delivering remarks as IFDT Co-chairs and

Mr. Sarun Charoensuwan, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, giving the keynote address. On this occasion, the Permanent Secretary stresses the importance of embracing inclusive engagement in the approach to diplomacy and diplomatic training in order to manage the increasing trends and challenges in international affairs, be they the rise of interconnected and multi-dimensional global challenges, new actors and emerging stakeholders of diplomacy and foreign affairs, as well as the arrival of digital and information technology.

The two days meeting consists of panel discussions on five topics which will contribute to diplomatic training and capacity building for diplomats, namely Reflective Dialogue on the Future of Diplomacy, Challenges for Regional Diplomacy and Their Implications to the Changing World Order, Economic Diplomacy in the Post-Pandemic Era, The SDGs and Development Diplomacy Revisit and Public Diplomacy, the Soft Power in Action. Notwithstanding this, there is also the IFDT Bazaar which will showcase best practices of diplomatic training, teaching methods and learning strategies in diplomacy and international relations.

At the end of the day, IFDT participants attends the Official Dinner hosted by Mr. Sarun Charoensuwan, Permanent Secretary, at Vithes Samosorn Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

IFDT is a forum organized annually since 1972 to exchange views and ideas among Deans and Directors of Diplomatic Academies and Institutes on foreign affairs trends as well as new tools and innovations for diplomatic training. Thailand joined IFDT since 2001 and attended the said forum regularly since then. Being host of the 49th IFDT this year not only helps Thailand strengthen her role in regional and world affairs, but also widens her network and cooperation with institutes in the diplomatic training circle.