1. The Korea National Diplomatic Academy (KNDA) hosts the 2021 East Asian Diplomacy Program (EADP) for foreign diplomats at the Korea Diplomacy Center (KDC) from October 18 to November 26.

° The East Asian Diplomacy Program (EADP), inaugurated in 2020 by the Korea National Diplomatic Academy (KNDA) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea, is a specialized education program for foreign diplomats. Under the main theme of “Peace and Cooperation in East Asia,” the EADP endeavors to provide thorough knowledge and deeper understanding of critical issues of not only the Korean Peninsula, but also the East Asian region as a whole.  

° As a safety measure to effectively contain COVID-19, all participants self-quarantined for two weeks before participating in the program. For the quarantine period, online classes on Korean language and culture were available.

2. The first-year EADP participants are thirteen junior-level diplomats from Asia, North America, Europe, and Latin America. They are expected to gain deeper knowledge and understanding about Korea’s key foreign policies, including the peace process on the Korean Peninsula, and will exchange opinions on the rapidly changing diplomatic issues of the East Asian region throughout the program.

° EADP delivers a combination of lectures, seminars, group discussions, field trips, and cultural activities to maximize its educational purposes. Renowned professors at Korea’s most prestigious education and research institutions, and former ambassadors of high expertise and rich experiences, along with KNDA professors will add rich context to the program.

3. As the first long-term education program on East Asian affairs specially designed for foreign diplomats, the 2021 EADP will serve as an important opportunity to highlight Korea’s role in responding to various global issues such as health, environment, human rights and security, and to further reinforce its global positioning on various diplomatic issues.

4. The KNDA will continue to endeavor to establish and expand Korea’s diplomatic network and to enhance Korea’s national image in the international community by successfully implementing the East Asian Diplomacy Program.