Delegates of the Young Diplomats of Ghana (YDG) Cohort VI have paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador of the European Union to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach, as part of efforts to deepen their understanding of diplomacy, international cooperation and Ghana’s engagement with the European Union.
The visit formed part of YDG’s flagship training programme, which equips young Ghanaians with practical exposure to the theory and practice of diplomacy, bilateral and multilateral relations, and international policy.
It provided the delegates with the opportunity to engage Ambassador Skinnebach on Ghana–European Union relations, governance, trade, development cooperation and the educational and professional opportunities available to young Ghanaians through the European Union.
The engagement also offered participants valuable insights into the European Union’s role as one of Ghana’s foremost development partners and a major global actor. The EU remains the continent’s largest provider of development assistance, leading trading partner to the continental bloc, one of the country’s largest sources of foreign direct investment, and a key supporter of peace, security and governance initiatives across Africa.
It is also a significant destination for African exports and one of the continent’s largest sources of tourists, reinforcing its strategic partnership with Africa through investment, trade and sustainable development cooperation.
Beyond discussions on policy, the courtesy call exposed the delegates to the practical work of an EU Ambassador in advancing the bloc’s collective interests in Ghana. They gained first-hand insight into how the Delegation coordinates the positions and priorities of the European Union and its Member States, promotes shared values, and works with the Government of Ghana to align cooperation with the country’s national development priorities.
Drawn from diverse professional and academic backgrounds, including international relations, diplomacy, health, law, communications and public policy, the delegates described the engagement as a valuable opportunity to interact directly with a senior diplomat and better appreciate the realities of diplomatic practice and international engagement.
Young Diplomats of Ghana is a leadership and capacity-building platform dedicated to preparing the next generation of Ghanaian diplomats, policy professionals and global leaders. Through rigorous training, policy dialogues, research initiatives and strategic engagements with diplomats, government officials, development partners and business leaders, YDG provides members with the knowledge, networks and practical experience required to thrive in international affairs.
The programme also empowers participants to contribute meaningfully to national and global policy discourse while championing the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By creating opportunities for young professionals and students to exchange ideas with experienced practitioners across diplomacy, governance and international development, YDG continues to position diplomacy as a strategic instrument for advancing Ghana’s national interests and promoting sustainable development across Africa.
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