Diplomats
Without Borders
Supporting peace, equality and collaboration
Diplomats Without Borders (DWB) was established in 2022 to provide the services of experienced and impartial former diplomats, supported by relevant experts, to strengthen conflict prevention and resolution capacities, offer advice and training, and provide a platform for dialogue worldwide.
Inspired by the UN Charter, DWB brings together a diverse pool of seasoned former diplomats and experts, ready to offer their services on a pro bono basis to governments, civil society, the private sector and educational institutions around the globe.
Fostering cross-cultural insights: Dialogue, Learning & Networks
DWB aims to offer a safe place for informal diplomatic discussions on pressing international issues.
DWB programmes:
Training
In order to promote a more level international playing field, DWB will offer the know-how and experience of its members as long-time practitioners to training institutions and other interested parties.
Ex-diplomats and experts:
Conflict Resolution
Parties engaged in a conflict, or actors involved in mediation efforts, will be able to call on members with relevant experience and networks to offer their services.
Global trends
The world is witnessing an increasing number of inter- and intra-state conflicts. Social and political tensions originating in part from political differences, extreme poverty, growing inequality and increasing scarcities of critical natural resources. The climate crisis is reinforcing these trends, leading to devastating repercussions on development gains, as well as population displacement and migration flows.
The international system, whilst under these great pressures, also has to withstand multiple other issues - including authoritarian trends, extremism, terrorism, cyber insecurity, epidemics and pandemics, viral misinformation campaigns, and erosion of established standards for democratic institutions and the rule of law. These inter- and intra-state tensions threaten international peace and security.
Conflict prevention and resolution
Mediation, dialogue and conflict prevention and resolution have proven to be among the most effective mechanisms to combat instability and insecurity, save lives, limit risks of escalation and help circumvent political, social and humanitarian crises. However, existing mechanisms for conflict resolution are not suited to all conflicts.
Training
Existing mechanisms are especially constrained with a lack of sufficient experience, training, or resource depleted settings. Mediators and negotiators, including civil society, would benefit from training and capacity support by experienced practitioners.
The value of experience
Experienced practitioners could support governmental and non-governmental organisations to be better equipped for today's many challenges, including operating in an increasingly complex international system. Able to focus on more objective dimensions, including the importance of impartiality, communication, dialogue and respect for cultural diversity and inclusivity, former diplomats no longer subject to official directives, are an invaluable resource.
DWB sees the experience of former diplomats as adding immeasurable value to mediation, negotiation, consensus building and training worldwide.
Events
Check out our events and collaborations with others,
including past activities.
Wed, 18 Sept18 Sept 2024, 16:00 – 17:00WebinarWhat is (good) leadership in times of conflict? Amb. Maged Abdelaziz and Patrick McNamara discuss today, 18 September 2024.
Tue, 27 Aug27 Aug 2024, 16:00 – 17:00ZoomLed by UNITAR, DWB's members Clem McCartney and Martin Kobler discuss the critical role of international cooperation in promoting peace and effective humanitarian action. Attendance is free, and there will be a Q&A to ask all your questions on this topic from two experts with decades of experience.
Tue, 13 Aug13 Aug 2024, 16:21 – 17:21ZoomDiplomats without Borders and United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) are co-hosting a series of open webinar discussions highlighting the international value to promoting peace and diplomacy.
Wed, 15 Nov15 Nov 2023, 12:00 – 13:00 GMTOnline presentationOxford Global Society and DWB have teamed up to present this topical presentation & panel discussion. Chaired by Prof Richard Caplan, speakers include Ambassador J. Heine, Sir I. Roberts, Dr N. Heyzer & Mr G. Al-Omari.
Mon, 24 Jul24 Jul 2023, 09:00 – 26 Jul 2023, 19:00Dhaka, Shegunbagicha, Dhaka 1000, BangladeshThis July, DWB supported training of local & foreign diplomats with a 2-day programme in Dhaka at the Foreign Service Academy for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh.