On 14 December 2023, there was the closing ceremony of the 49th International Forum on Diplomatic Training which the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hosts from 12 - 15 December 2023.
          Throughout the five panels held during the two days meeting, there exist discussions and exchanges on views, know-how and essential skills needed for new age diplomats amidst the trends, innovations and challenges in international affairs.
          First is the Panel on Reflective Dialogue on the Future of Diplomacy to reflect the emerging challenges that new age diplomats face and have to reposition themselves, both in role, skills and issues which need to be prioritized.
          Second is the Panel on Challenges for Regional Diplomacy and Their Implications to the Changing World Order which explores the roles and potentials of regional organizations and minilaterals towards international stability and world order amidst the numerous challenges such as the rebalancing of power, international stability and the change in geo-political landscape.
          Third is the Panel on Economic Diplomacy in the Post-Pandemic Era which reflects the impact of COVID-19 on the changing conduct of bilateral and multilateral economic diplomacy for a sustainable and inclusive economic development, the path of diplomatic training based on the application of digital technology and innovation and the resetting of priorities and changing of modes in the post COVID-19 era.
          Fourth is the Panel on The SDGs and Development Diplomacy Revisit which discusses the diplomatic lessons learnt during the COVID-19 crisis and its impacts on SDG progress and achievement, as well as the recovery road to enhance the capability and resilience of new age diplomats.
          Last is the Panel on Public Diplomacy, the Soft Power in Action which draws on experiences and best practices on soft power and smart power which new age diplomats should develop and maximize to utmost benefit.
          Besides, the session of IFDT Bazaar is offered as the platform for the participants from different renown diplomatic instritutes to present and exchange their best practices in diplomatic training.
          Thailand is honored to host the 49th International Forum on Diplomatic Training in Bangkok, with hope that the outcome will help elevate diplomatic training and capacity building for new age diplomats to be well-rounded and compatible to world-class level, as well as serves as a platform for futher discussion at the upcoming 50th IFDT which Montenegro will host in 2024.