College of Diplomatic Studies holds inaugural convention in Abuja

The College of Diplomatic Studies and International Relations (African Campus) has held its inaugural convention in Abuja.
Blueprint reports that the college seeks to broaden students’ knowledge and understanding of diplomacy and international relations maong other things.
Speaking at the convention, the Director-General of the institute, Prof. Edet Ekpenyong, recently underscored the fundamental role of diplomacy in global affairs.
Ekpenyong argued that diplomacy promotes peaceful coexistence, as well as facilitate dispute resolution.
He said, “As we may all be aware, Diplomacy is simply the conduct of international relations by negotiation and dialogue or by any other means to promote peaceful relations among humanity and it can be sub-divided into three major fields.
“In our quests to contribute substantially towards sustainability humanity, the College of Diplomatic Studies and International Relations has provided a wide range of courses in the fields of Diplomacy and International Relations, including History, Human Resource Management, Modern Communication Technology, Foreign Policy Analysis, Peace Studies among others.”
According to the director general, “Essentially, the college equips its various course participants and students with the knowledge and competences required for diplomacy in today’s and tomorrow’s world.
“Beyond the framework of intellectual pursuits, the college also has an active professional affiliate known as the International Society of Diplomats (ISD).”
On his part, Provost of the College, Prof. John Tabotndip, pledged the management’s readiness to motivate course participants, in a bid to achieve “coalition of thoughts.”
Also speaking, Chairman of the occasion, Dr. George Ikpot, explained that diplomacy was simply about relationship, even as he argued that the practice of democracy needed to be changed.