Diplo Academy 2024: Innovation and milestones

2024 was a transformative year for Diplo Academy, marked by significant advancements in implementing AI in education and training,  introduction of new courses, and strengthening strategic partnerships. All these efforts resulted in a record-breaking number of 1302 students who have attended our training, delivered either online or in situ.

Key achievements in numbers

Building on last year’s results, in 2024, Diplo Academy engaged online participants from 136 countries, reaching professionals across diverse sectors. Highlights include:

• 710 students attending 31 online courses
• 92% completion rate achieved in online training
• 13 in-situ training sessions delivered globally to a total of 592 participants
• Nearly half of the online learners were women, accounting for 47%
• The increased number of learners (75%) from developing and the least developed countries reflects our commitment to inclusivity and capacity development
• Our alumni base reached 7,800+ members

Sustainability remained a focus in 2024. By expanding online course offerings and streamlining logistics for in-person training, Diplo Academy minimised travel-related emissions while maintaining accessibility and quality in our programmes.

New course offerings

In response to the evolving need for developing diplomatic competencies in the AI era, seven new online courses were introduced. These courses addressed critical areas such as combating cybercrime, countering disinformation, enhancing core diplomatic skills, and understanding the broader implications of technology and AI. The combination of online and in-person formats provided participants flexible options tailored to their professional needs.

More information on our comprehensive course portfolio, including tailored training for foreign ministries and diplomatic institutions, is available on the Studying with Diplo Academy page.

AI in focus

A defining feature of 2024 was Diplo Academy’s leadership in integrating AI into diplomatic training. The launch of the Diplo AI Campus programme was a remarkable achievement in changing pedagogical and teaching methodology paradigms, offering participants a comprehensive human-centred approach to AI. Participants learned about AI’s practical applications alongside its societal, philosophical, and linguistic impacts, preparing diplomats for the AI-driven transformation of global institutions.

A key highlight was the AI Apprenticeship course, designed to address the gap between the rapid development of AI technologies and their adoption in daily diplomatic work. Diplo Academy also developed in-house AI tools, including the AI Teacher’s Assistant and the Loaded Questions AI Assistant, which ensured secure, innovative teaching and learning. These efforts underscore Diplo Academy’s emphasis on ethical and practical AI applications tailored to the needs of diplomacy.

Our expertise was further showcased at the 25th European Diplomatic Programme and 50th International Forum on Diplomatic Training, solidifying Diplo Academy’s position as a pioneer in AI integration within the field of diplomacy as foreign services and diplomatic academies are yet to adapt to the changing operational paradigm in diplomatic practice and training.

15 years of partnership with the Mexican Diplomatic Academy

2024 marked the 15th anniversary of Diplo Academy’s collaboration with the Mexican Diplomatic Academy, Instituto Matías Romero. Over the past decade and a half, this partnership has engaged 956 participants across 167 online courses, achieving an impressive 94% completion rate. The collaboration has been instrumental in fostering knowledge exchange and enhancing the skills of Mexican diplomats.

Forging strategic partnerships

Diplo Academy expanded its network of partnerships, formalising memorandums of understanding with the Kuwait Diplomatic Institute (KDI) and the UAE Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA).

The partnership with the KDI aims to enhance the skills of Kuwaiti diplomats, with a focus on capacity development, knowledge sharing, and the responsible use of AI in diplomacy. The MoU builds on previous initiatives, including executive training on diplomatic negotiations and AI in diplomacy held earlier in the year.

Meanwhile, the agreement with AGDA marked a new phase in nearly a decade of cooperation, with an emphasis on leadership training preparing UAE’s diplomats for the challenges and opportunities of an AI-powered world.

Looking ahead

2025 begins with the launch of our February courses, focusing on modern diplomacy, AI, and digital governance, equipping participants with the skills and insights needed to navigate today’s complex global landscape. 

Visit our Course Catalogue to explore the opportunities ahead, and join us as we continue to lead the way in innovation and excellence in diplomatic training.