Support for the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC)

Project completed
Young men and women from North African and the Middle East
Swiss support for the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) has strengthened Malta's role as a mediator and bridge-builder between Europe and North Africa. © MEDAC

A long-standing strategic partnership is developing between Switzerland and Malta with the aim of building confidence and promoting peace and stability in the Mediterranean Region. Switzer-land supports the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) through a resident Swiss professor and scholarships for junior diplomats from North Africa and the Middle East to take MEDAC's Master of Diplomacy.
 

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Malta
Promoting economic growth and improving working conditions
Research and Development
01.10.2010 - 30.09.2014
CHF  1’900’000

Note: the texts under all the headings, with the exception of 'Results achieved', describe the situation before the start of the project.

Background

The Mediterranean region is marked by a number of major social, economic and political challenges. At the same time, peace and stability in this region is viewed as a cru-cial factor for ensuring peace and stability in the whole of Europe. The challenges range from instances of difficult inter-state relations, environmental and demographic risks to serious democratic deficits in the region.

Objectives

To contribute to confidence building and promoting peace and stability in the Mediterranean region through a close partnership between Malta and Switzerland.
The academic quality and political relevance of MEDAC’s activities will be enhanced, and human rights and good governance will be promoted in the region.
 

Target groups

Junior diplomats, mainly from the Maghreb and Mashreq

Activities

A resident professor from Switzerland holds the so-called Swiss Chair, covering part of the Master of Diplomacy pro-gramme. Every year, up to 15 scholarships are offered, mainly to countries in North Africa and the Middle East. A follow-up, including trainees from previous years, will be or-ganised together with the Swiss and Maltese Embassies in the region. The "Human Dimension Programme" will take place every summer. Swiss academics and diplomats con-tribute to specific thematic issues and MEDAC events.

Results

Achieved results:  

 

  • Around 60 young diplomats from North Africa and the Middle East obtained a Master of Diplomacy.
  • An alumni network is established. Swiss embassies in different countries organize events and meetings for the alumni in order to encourage networking.
  • Swiss diplomats and politicians gave lectures and conferences at MEDAC.
  • Every year, the MEDAC students visited the several UN and other international organisations in the city of Geneva and Bern. Their link to Switzerland has been reinforced.
  • International reputation of MEDAC is strengthened.
  • Swiss support to MEDAC is being continued through other sources than the Swiss Contribution.

 

 

 


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Swiss Contribution to the enlarged EU
Project partners Contract partner
Foreign state institution
  • National State Institute North


Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    1’900’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    1’845’515
Project phases Phase 3 01.10.2017 - 31.03.2020   (Completed) Phase 2 01.08.2014 - 30.09.2017   (Completed)

Phase 1 01.10.2010 - 30.09.2014   (Completed)