From 28 September to 1 October 2026, the “Advanced Diplomacy for Peace, Security and Defence" course took place at the premises of the National Defence Institute (IDN) in Lisbon. The course was organised by IDN under the auspices of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC).
The programme addressed a broad range of topics that are essential to contemporary diplomacy, including great power diplomacy, the evolution of multilateral diplomacy, transatlantic defence and security, space diplomacy, ocean governance, climate diplomacy, cyberspace and information, among other areas of strategic relevance.
The sessions were delivered by a diverse panel of experts, academics, diplomats, and national and European policymakers, providing participants with different perspectives on the key challenges currently facing peace, security and defence.
The course was successfully completed by 20 participants from several European countries, namely Sweden, Spain, Cyprus, Malta, the Netherlands, Georgia, Bulgaria, Italy, Croatia and Portugal. Participants represented a wide range of institutions and professional backgrounds, including the Armed Forces, ministries and other national public authorities, diplomats at different stages of their careers, academia, and the private sector.
This diversity of experience and expertise fostered an intensive exchange of knowledge and perspectives, enriching the discussions and reflections throughout the course.
The course fully achieved its learning objectives, with participants expressing a high level of satisfaction in the final evaluations. They particularly highlighted the quality and relevance of the topics addressed, as well as the high calibre of the guest speakers. Participants described the programme as “a course of excellence."
The programme also included a social gathering, providing an additional opportunity to strengthen professional networking, exchange experiences and build connections between participants and organisers.
The course concluded with a certificate award ceremony, presided over by the Director of the National Defence Institute, Professor Isabel Ferreira Nunes, and His Excellency Ambassador José Costa Pereira.