Public diplomacy is a key feature of today´s international affairs, as more actors are involved in the pursuit of foreign policy goals.
There is a new intensity in the interactions between governments and countries in the international system, influenced by factors such as:
With more public interest in foreign affairs than ever before, ordinary people are demanding greater scrutiny on diplomacy, and governments are obliged to respond with public information about the policies they pursue and the results that they achieve.
This course covers the essentials of public diplomacy, outlining what it can and cannot do, with case studies.
This course not only deepened my understanding of the strategic importance of public diplomacy in the global arena but also equipped me with invaluable skills to persuasively and effectively communicate with diverse audiences.
– Mr Md. Suman Miah, Consultant/Geologist, Ministry of Land, Bangladesh
The course enhanced my understanding of the distinction between authentic public diplomacy and propaganda, and the critical role national image plays in shaping foreign policy. It deepened my ability to engage non-state actors and assess the unique value they contribute, which is especially relevant to my work. I found the discussions on digital challenges such as disinformation and deepfakes particularly useful, along with insights on leveraging AI-powered tools like real-time translation and metaverse diplomacy. The course also offered practical guidance on developing effective public diplomacy strategies, engaging the right actors, and influencing public perception as a key soft power dimension.
– Ms Klara Marland, Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) Secretariat, The Netherlands
The course was a mix of diplomatic practice and theory in the 21st century. I was able to expand my knowledge of public diplomatic structures and objectives in an environment that encouraged different perspectives while seeking to define best practices for its participants from various parts of the world.
– Ms Asha Desuza, Foreign Service Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saint Kitts and Nevis
This course offered me insights and concrete tools that I have already started to apply in my daily work. The level of interactivity and exchange of knowledge and ideas is one of its strengths. Since public diplomacy has become part of the basic functions of a diplomat nowadays, this course helps to make a better sense of what that means (and what it does not), as well as to find new and creative ways to implement PD strategies and actions.
– Ms Alana Lomónaco Busto, Counsellor, Head of Commercial and Economic Section, Embassy of Argentina, Egypt
The best part of the Public Diplomacy course is the expert-led sessions on public speaking and social media handling. These exercises, guided by seasoned diplomats and communication professionals, helped me significantly improve my confidence and clarity in virtual communication.
– Ms Muskaan Khanna, PhD Fellow, Department of African Studies, University of Delhi, India
Through real-case country examples, supported by theoretical debates, the course offered a new and fresh insight into the contemporary issues of public diplomacy. For me, as a diplomat, the discussions among participants have created an exceptional opportunity for sharing original and modern ideas for developing public diplomacy strategies, nation branding, and communication with the public.
– Ms Natasha Hroneska, Head of Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of North Macedonia
The course was exceptional, engaging, and intellectually stimulating! It was delivered with such attention to everyday applications and current affairs, that from the first day I could relate to this relatively new area of diplomacy despite my lack of diplomatic experience. I now have a broader appreciation of the respective roles of stakeholders within government and non-governmental organisations. To those who have an opportunity to take this course, I would simply say, ‘Seize it!’
– Ms Anna Durante, Crown Counsel, Government of the Virgin Islands
The course was a great capacity-building experience for me. It was intensive and very rewarding. The course design offered an excellent platform where I could learn and discuss the latest developments in both theory and practice with experienced lecturers and colleagues from around the world. Hearing perspectives from different regions provided me with valuable insights. Though I practice public diplomacy in my day-to-day work, Diplo’s course added value to my work. I strongly recommend it to both young and seasoned diplomats, practitioners of public diplomacy, as well as scholars and researchers.
– Ms Jana Gjorgjinska, Public Diplomacy and Sweden Promotion Officer, Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden, North Macedonia
From providing an in-depth understanding of managing an organisation’s public image to providing space for participants to learn how to develop branding on a budget and navigate multistakeholder collaboration, this course is an excellent option for anyone working with the public.
– Ms Gwendolene Roberts, Policy/ Research Officer, Australian High Commission, Trinidad and Tobago
Probably one of the most valuable skills any professional can develop during their work life is effective communication. The course has given me the opportunity to meet, interact, and exchange opinions with other diplomats and sharp minds from around the world, and to assess, learn, and put into practice the understanding of soft power, country branding, and public diplomacy. The course will certainly help my development as a diplomat and it will also contribute to conveying proper and effective information to various publics through different communications channels.
– Mr Guillermo Chávez Conejo, Foreign Service Officer, Third Secretary, Head of Political Affairs & Press, Embassy of Mexico, India
What will you learn?
Mexican diplomat
The course consists of 4 modules:
DiploFoundation (attn Tanja Nikolic)
Anutruf, Ground Floor, Hriereb Street Msida, MSD 1675, Malta
The course will last for a total of 5 weeks, structured as follows:
The course is based on a collaborative learning approach, involving a high level of interaction over a four-week period. This interaction takes place in two main forms:
Each module is discussed over seven days, during which you are expected to actively engage in the exchange of ideas, examples, and experiences with fellow participants and lecturers from around the world. Some modules may also include additional online activities, such as practical exercises. Weekly interaction concludes with a one-hour live class meeting, conducted via Zoom or as a text-based chat. These sessions provide an opportunity to discuss the week’s topic in real time with the lecturer and other participants.
To complete the course successfully, an average of 5 to 7 hours of study time per week is required. This includes both synchronous and asynchronous discussions, as well as any additional online activities. Throughout the course, you will also receive guidance and personalised feedback on your classwork from the course team.
Course materials and the necessary tools for online interaction and course tasks are provided in a virtual classroom.
Participants who successfully complete the course receive a certificate issued by Diplo Academy, which can be printed or shared electronically.
To learn more about the methodology used in this course, watch the video below.
The fee for this course is €500.Â
Applicants are encouraged to actively explore scholarship funding from local or international institutions.
Fill out the short form to begin your application process for this course.
Applying for financial assistance? Please indicate this on the application form and upload your CV, along with a motivation statement that includes:
Note: Financial assistance from Diplo is available only to applicants from developing countries! Late applications will be considered only if places are still available.
A minimum of 15 applications is required for the course to run.
Diplo Academy reserves the right to cancel the course if enrolment is insufficient. In the event of cancellation, Diplo will notify applicants shortly after the application deadline. Applicants who have paid an application fee may either transfer the fee to another course or request a refund.
