Diplomatic Affairs: Inauguration Ceremony of Myanmar Diplomatic Academy

The inauguration ceremony of the Myanmar Diplomatic Academy (MDA) and the launch of its flagship “Diploma in Diplomacy (1/2025)” were held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday at the Lawkanatt Hall and the MDA premises in Nay Pyi Taw.

At the inauguration ceremony, U Than Swe, Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs delivered the inaugural speech. The event was also attended by U Wunna Maung Lwin, Member of the State Administration Council, union ministers and many other high-ranking officials as well as trainees from Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon classes of the Diploma in Diplomacy Programme (1/2025). In his address, Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister U Than Swe emphasized that the launch of the Myanmar Diplomatic Academy is a milestone for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and an important investment for the future of Myanmar international relations.

He also stated that diplomacy is one of the key foundations for peace, stability and development of a nation, and it needs life-long learning. He stated that prior to the year 2000, Myanmar had no formal diplomatic training centre and relied exclusively on on‑the‑job mentoring.

Recognizing the vital role of diplomacy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched structured training through Basic Diplomatic Skills (BDS) and Enhanced Diplomatic Skills (EDS) courses from 2000 onward. These have trained over 8,000 young professionals who now serve the nation building.

He also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration of the Diplomatic Corps in Myanmar to supporting the Academy's programs. Afterwards, a documentary video on the establishment of the Myanmar Diplomatic Academy was displayed, followed by group photos.

The second part of the ceremony was held at the Academy premises, with the symbolic sprinkling of scented water on the Academy’s commemorative plaque by Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister U Than Swe, together with Member of the State Administration Council U Wunna Maung Lwin, and Union Minsters U Ko Ko Hlaing and Dr. Nyunt Pe.

After the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minster U Than Swe delivered a special lecture titled “The Implementation of Myanmar’s Foreign Policy” to the participants of the Diploma in Diplomacy Programme (1/2025). sJointly conducted by the Myanmar Diplomatic Academy and Naypyitaw State Academy, the Diploma in Diplomacy Programme (1/2025) is an eight-month programme comprising of two semesters.

A total of 113 participants—62 in Nay Pyi Taw and 51 in Yangon, representing a cross-section of government ministries, the private sector, and recent university graduates with a demonstrated interest in diplomacy and global affairs will attend the programme.