MEDAC Alumni Association was officially launched on 30 March 2006 at the German-Maltese Circle, Valletta. The purpose of this Association is to foster a network between former and current MEDAC students and to maintain links between MEDAC and its alumni. The Association organises two annual events, being MEDAC International Cultural Night in autumn and an ambassadorial lecture in spring. It is also seeking to organise events outside Malta where MEDAC alumni are located.
The Association invites you to visit our MEDAC Facebook page and encourages our alumni to join our MEDAC Alumni Facebook Group.
On 17 November 2025, MEDAC students were privileged to be addressed by Ambassador George Saliba. Ambassador Saliba spoke about his new autobiography ‘Diplomacy by Destiny’, sharing profound insights from his extraordinary diplomatic career. His service included representing Malta as Ambassador to the Arabian Gulf states, Libya, Russia, and the United States of America, as well as serving as Malta's Permanent Representative to the United Nations. His remarkable journey and experiences undoubtedly serve as a powerful inspiration for MEDAC students as they look ahead to their own bright futures.
On 13 February 2024 H.E. Reuben Gauci, High Commissioner of the Republic of Malta to India, provided an insightful overview of Malta-India diplomatic relations from both a historical and contemporary perspective. H.E. Reuben Gauci also informed the students about his overarching diplomatic service as he is also accredited as Malta’s High Commissioner to The Maldives, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and Malta’s Ambassador to Nepal. MEDAC students participated in a discussion with High Commissioner Gauci after the Ambassadorial lecture.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, H.E. Erdeniz Şen, delivered an Ambassadorial lecture on the theme of ‘500 years of Turkish Diplomacy’ at MEDAC on 29 February 2024. This distinguished event provided MEDAC students with an opportunity to achieve a better understanding of the important role that Türkiye plays in contemporary international relations.
On 30 April 2024 MEDAC was honoured to welcome H.E. Agnès Von der Mühll, former Ambassador of France to Malta. Ambassador Von der Mühll delivered a keynote address on the theme ‘Universal Values in a Multipolar World’, as part of MEDAC’s Ambassadorial lecture series. The Academy expresses its gratitude to Her Excellency and the Embassy of France in Malta for supporting its academic endeavours.
MEDAC was honoured to welcome Professor Godfrey Baldacchino, Malta’s Ambassador for islands and small states. The theme of this Ambassadorial lecture was ‘The Success of Small States in International Relations’, the title of Professor Baldacchino’s new edited book published by Routledge. This special occasion provided MEDAC students with another opportunity to participate in a thought-provoking academic discussion.
MEDAC was honoured to welcome H.E. Mr. Fadi G. H. Hanania, Ambassador of Palestine to Malta who delivered a keynote lecture on the theme ‘Perspectives of Peace in the Middle East’ on 2 March 2023. Ambassador Hanania provided and overview of the external and internal challenges that continue to delay the establishment of a Palestinian state, the roles that the international community can take to assist in delivering peace and the proposed solutions and prospects for a just settlement in the region. Ambassador Hanania participated in a dynamic Q & A session with MEDAC students.
On 16 March 2023, H.E. Mr. Khaled M. Anis, Ambassador of Egypt to Malta addressed MEDAC staff and students on the theme of ‘The Mashreq: Challenges and Prospects’. Ambassador Anis identified a host of challenges in the region including sectarianism, foreign intervention, water scarcity and terrorism and engaged in a lively discussion with MEDAC staff and students. Ambassador Anis shared his insights on the many problems impacting the countries of the region and spoke at length of Egypt’s strategic objectives and leading role in a number of areas with a view of securing a stable, secure Mashreq area.
On the 20th of April 2023, H. E. Dunhai Yu, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Malta addressed MEDAC staff and students on the theme of "China's Foreign Policy" as part of MEDAC's Ambassadorial Lecture Series. Ambassador Yu provided a unique insight on Chinese foreign policy and the rationale behind the pivotal role that China plays in the context of global politics and international relations.
MEDAC was privileged to welcome H.E. Ambassador Walid Ahmed Haggag, Director of the Institute of Diplomatic Studies of Egypt on the 16th of May 2023. Amb. Haggag delivered a keynote lecture on “Diplomatic Training in a Changing World” and generously engaged with MEDAC students in a dynamic Q & A session. On this occasion Amb. Haggag, on behalf of the Institute of Diplomatic Studies of Egypt, and Prof. Godfrey Pirotta on behalf of MEDAC renewed the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2007 for cooperation in diplomatic training. MEDAC expresses its gratitude to H.E. Ambassador Anis, Ambassador of Egypt to Malta and the Embassy of Egypt for making this memorable occasion possible.
On 24 November 2023, H. E. Gloria Gangte, High Commissioner of India to Malta delivered a keynote address to the 2023-2024 Masters students on India's G20 Presidency which focused on the theme 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'. This occasion provided MEDAC postgraduate students with an opportunity to participate in a dynamic question and answer session.
The visit to MEDAC by H.E. President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani Sadiru took place on 2 March 2022. President Osmani Sadiru delivered a keynote address to students and staff on the theme of ‘State building and transformation in Kosovo – priorities and challenges.’ President Osmani Sadiru was in Malta to attend the World Forum for Culture of Peace organised by the Abdulaziz Saud Albabtain Cultural Foundation under the patronage of H.E. President George Vella. Her message to the class was that justice is a pre-condition for peace. During the visit, President Osmani Sadiru also met with MEDAC Chairman Professor Godfrey Pirotta and MEDAC Director Prof. Stephen Calleya and agreed to enhance relations between Kosovo and the Academy.
On 1 November 2021, MEDAC welcomed H.E High Commissioner of India to Malta Sangeeta Bahadur. Addressing students on the theme of Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy, High Commissioner Bahadur spoke of how India, who will overtake China in population by 2034, is aiming to become a superpower not only through trade and politics, but also through its soft power. She spoke of the sense that in today’s world, it is not the size of the army that wins, but the country that tells the better story that prevails. The ‘Incredible India’ image, said High Commissioner Bahadur, grew on a unique blend of exoticism and excellence, underlying India’s cultural richness and strong economic growth. Students benefited from a dynamic question and answer session in which challenges to India’s soft power, India’s role in Malaysia and the role of the Indian diaspora were discussed.
On 22 February 2022, MEDAC was honoured to host the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) Deputy Secretary General for Social and Civil Affairs, Ambassador John Paul Grech. Ambassador Grech addressed students on the theme ‘The UfM – a platform for tangible co-operation in the Euro-Mediterranean area’. He outlined the history of the UfM and went on to provide a snapshot of the Mediterranean region with its positives and negatives. The region includes three of the five most visited countries in the world and caters for 25% of all global maritime traffic but it is also the space for multiple conflictual situations, significant disparities between North and South, and is the 2nd most affected region worldwide by climate change. Amb. Grech outlined the many initiatives that the UfM has been taking to meet common challenges and the organisation’s focus on regional stability, human development and integration through six priority areas. He provided the example of the year 2021, which despite COVID-19, was a year of firsts for the organisation with greater engagement. Highlights include the adoption of the UfM Youth Strategy 2030 and the launching of a Grant Scheme to create employment opportunities for youth; the partnering of the UfM and UNIDO on the MENA Women Business Club; and the adoption of a new agenda for research and innovation. Once again students benefitted from a dynamic discussion.
On 14 March 2022, H.E. Agnès Von der Mühll, Ambassador of France to Malta addressed MEDAC’s Master students and academic staff as part of the Master’s Ambassadorial lecture series. As COVID-19 raged on and three weeks after the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, Ambassador Von der Mühll delivered a keynote address on the theme, ‘The EU in Challenging Times’. Amb. Von der Mühll highlighted that the European Union understood that it was in European countries’ interest to stand stronger together and adopt numerous strategic decisions that make the EU more influential. This included the historical EU recovery plan which assisted European businesses to stay afloat during the pandemic as well as the support package to Ukraine under the European Peace Facility. The session was an excellent opportunity for MEDAC students to engage in a timely discussion about contemporary European and Euro-Mediterranean relations.’
The 2022/2023 MEDAC Ambassadorial lectures series commenced on 12 October 2022 with the Ambassador of Egypt to Malta, H.E. Khaled Anis and the Ambassador for Climate Action Malta, H.E. Prof. Simone Borg, delivering a lecture on "Multilateral Diplomacy and Climate Change". MEDAC’s postgraduate students participated in a thought provoking discussion with the Ambassadors that focused on the importance of the Climate Change endeavour.
MEDAC was honoured to welcome the Director for the United Nations, International Organisations, Human Rights and Francophonie at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of France and former Ambassador of France to Malta H. E. Béatrice Le Fraper du Hellen on 25 November 2022. Amb. Fraper du Hellen delivered a keynote lecture on the theme ‘Global Challenges to the United Nations’. MEDAC students and academic staff participated in a dynamic exchange in the follow up Q&A session which focused on potential reform of the United Nations Security Council, the repercussions of the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Mediterranean, energy security and the climate crisis. The Seminar was also attended by H. E. Agnes Von Der Muhll, Ambassador of France to Malta. MEDAC is grateful of the continuous support provided by the Embassy of France. In April 2023, students of the Academy are scheduled to participate in a study visit to France.
On 15 January 2021, MEDAC was honoured and privileged to welcome internationally renowned tenor and Maltese Ambassador for Culture, H.E. Joseph Calleja, for an exchange on Cultural Diplomacy with MEDAC postgraduate students and Faculty.
On Monday 22 February 2021, Ambassador of France to Malta, H.E. Brigitte Curmi, delivered a keynote lecture to MEDAC students and faculty on the theme of ‘The Geopolitics of Covid-19’. H.E. Brigitte Curmi articulated eloquently how the Covid-19 pandemic has pushed international relations and geopolitics into a new era and spoke of how the outbreak of the pandemic serves as a stark reminder that multilateral cooperation across borders is key to overcoming global challenges. Ambassador Curmi noted that the effects of the pandemic on the Mediterranean region will not be equal for all, highlighting the varying level of inequalities and discrepancies when it comes to the health services’ capacity of various countries, the capacity of governments to organize national inoculation programs and countries’ ability to re-start their economies. The keynote lecture was followed by a Q&A.
On 1 March 2021, Malta’s Ambassador of Women, Peace and Security H.E. Cecilia Attard Pirotta delivered a keynote address to MEDAC students and faculty on the theme of ‘Women, Peace and Security’. Ambassador Pirotta, a MEDAC alumna, provided a concise historical context of the foundation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and presented an indepth analysis of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. H.E. Attard Pirotta’s address emphasized how women, although disproportionately impacted by both traditional and emerging security threats, continue to be excluded from participation in peace process and peace building initiatives. H.E. Attard Pirotta also highlighted the importance of having a National Action Plan to implement the WPS agenda, reiterating that “in order to raise women’s voices internationally, change needs to happen in local communities”.
On 23 March 2021, MEDAC was privileged to welcome H. E. Rita Adam, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Italy and Malta, who delivered an address on the theme ‘Swiss soft power for a more peaceful and secure world’. The Ambassadorial lecture took place online and provided the postgraduate students at MEDAC with the opportunity to participate in a lively discussion with Ambassador Adam. This special occasion allowed MEDAC faculty and students to achieve a better understanding of Switzerland’s foreign policy when it comes to projecting soft power in contemporary international relations.
On 24 March 2021, H.E. Ambassador Lamberto Zannier addressed the issue of ‘Minorities in International Relations’ in a lecture attended by MEDAC’s students and academic staff. Amb. Zannier spoke of his experience as the High Commissioner on National Minorities of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and focused on guidelines and thematic recommendations as well as best practice approaches developed by this office to address situations in which tensions involving national minorities could develop into conflict. This involves identifying and addressing cases of tensions and conflicts as well as short-term triggers and long-term structural concerns. Amb. Zannier engaged in a lively Q & A session with MEDAC students, which covered issues such as the role of youth, media, education, understandings of history and approaches towards disputed monuments. Amb. Zannier currently serves as High Level Expert with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. His career included engagements with the United Nations, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
MEDAC hosted H.E. Amb. Vanessa Frazier, Permanent Representative of Malta to the UN and a MEDAC alumna on 15 April 2021. Amb. Frazier shared with MEDAC and International Relations students a very rich presentation of Malta’s programme and priorities in its bid to secure a seat on the UN Security Council in 2023- 2024. The session included a dynamic Q&A where Amb. Frazier elaborated on Malta’s goals if elected to the UNSC including championing Climate Security and chairing the Committee on Libya.
On 13 April 2021 MEDAC was privileged to host a keynote lecture by Malta’s Ambassador for Islands and Small States, H.E. Prof. Godfrey Baldacchino. During this address, Prof. Baldacchino provided a profound analysis of Malta’s four phases of development highlighting the historic milestones already achieved and future oriented strategic perspectives.
Mr Mark A Schapiro, Charge' d'Affaires at the Embassy of the USA to Malta was the speaker at the Annual Ambassadorial Lecture organised by the MEDAC Alumni Association. The lecture was hosted at MUZA-the Malta National Community Art Museum which is housed in the historic Auberge d'Italie. Mr Schapiro in his address spoke about contemporary international politics in the context of theoretical frameworks of realism and liberalism. Following the address, Mr Schapiro answered numerous questions from MEDAC students and alumni. The event concluded with a reception where MEDAC students, alumni and staff had the opportunity to network informally together with Mr Schapiro and the Public Affairs Officer of the US Embassy, Ms Ryan Janda.
On March 5 the MEDAC Alumni association had the pleasure of hosting HE Ms Brigitte Curmi, Ambassador of France to Malta as the Ambassadorial Lecturer for 2018/19. Ambassador Curmi delivered a lecture entitled French Diplomacy in a Changing World with a particular focus on President Macron's initiative for a European Renaissance, which had just been launched. Following her address, Ambassador Curmi answered numerous questions from MEDAC students and alumni ranging from BREXIT to the role of leadership in European politics. The event concluded with a social activity.
The MEDAC Alumni Association together with the class of 2018/19 organised the MEDAC Annual International Cultural night on November 22nd 2018. The event, which has become one of the highlights of the MEDAC alumni calendar was very well attended with alumni from various years from all of the MEDAC graduate programme together with MEDAC staff. At the beginning of the event. Ms Sue Garcia, President of the MEDAC Alumni Association welcomed all the attendees and highlighted the role of the MEDAC Alumni Association in maintaining the MEDAC family's links. The MEDAC class of 2018/19 provided a wide array of dishes from their respective countries which were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone present.
The Ambassador of Ireland to Malta, HE Padraig MacCoscair, was the 2018 speaker at the annual MEDAC Alumni Association Ambassadorial Lecture. Ambassador Mac Coscair's lecture entitled 'Irish Foreign Policy and Small State Diplomacy' dwelt on the key priorities of Ireland's foreign policy (including the challenge presented by Brexit) and explained the ways in which these objectives were pursued and delivered.
The 2017 MEDAC Alumni Association annual Ambassadorial Lecture was delivered by HE Jiang Jiang, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China on 28 March. The event was kindly hosted by the Chinese Cultural Centre in Valletta. Dr Omar Grech introduced the Ambassador while President of the Alumni Association, Ms Suzanne Garcia Imbernon, welcomed the numerous alumni and students who attended the event. HE Jiang Jiang gave a comprehensive overview of China's foreign policy priorities in the various spheres of diplomatic activity.
The MEDAC Alumni Association held this annual event on 30 November 2017.
On 15 March 2016 HE Ambassador le Fraper du Hellen, the Ambassador of the Republic of France to Malta delivered a lecture on 'France's Foreign Policy in the Mediterranean' to MEDAC Alumni at the German-Maltese Circle, Valletta.
'A New Era after the Fall of the Berlin Wall: Challenges for Germany's Foreign Policy', Ambassadorial lecture delivered by HE Mr Klaus-Peter Brandes, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Malta - 17 March 2015
'Why the Stability of Africa is important for Europe', Ambassadorial lecture delivered by HE Mr Michel Vandepoorter, Ambassador of France to Malta - 20 March 2014
The MEDAC Alumni Association held a Reunion for MEDAC students and alumni on Saturday 7 December. The reunion was attended by around 100 alumni and students from all of MEDAC's programmes (Master of Diplomacy, M.A. in Diplomatic Studies, M.A. Conflict Resolution & Mediterranean Security and Diploma in Diplomatic Studies as well as the Human Rights Summer School). The event was also attended by MEDAC academic and administrative staff as well as a number of visiting lecturers who over the years contributed to MEDAC's programmes.
