It was truly a privilege to listen to Excellency Roland Kobia, Ambassador of the European Union to Ethiopia – where the African Union (AU) headquarter is situated, during the second session of the certified economic diplomat (a collaborative project of the Ghana’s IEF and the consortium of its European partners). The program investigates the influence of international economic norms-setting organizations, globalization, the ongoing FDI completions and rivalries, state sovereignty in international economic and eco-digital relations, and traditional economic diplomacy. Influential speaker was elected President of the Bureau of EU Ambassadors (2021-2023) by all his peers, EU Ambassadors.

Previously, the Ambassador served as the EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan (2017-21), the EU Delegation Head to Myanmar (2013 to 2017), and the EU Ambassador to Azerbaijan (2009-13). He was a diplomatic advisor in the private office of the European Commissioner for Energy from 2006 to 2009. Finally, he is a member of the EEAS Negotiation Team. He was shortlisted by UN Secretary-General Guterres to serve as the UN Special Envoy for Myanmar. He also held the positions of Deputy Head of Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (2000-2003) and Head of Regional Political Affairs in Kenya (2003-2006), where he was responsible for the political and peace processes in 12 countries of the Horn of Africa and the African Great Lakes.

The Ambassador was the EU negotiator for international legislation at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, as well as the EU negotiator for the accession process of seven countries to the EU (1991-2000).

During the second session of the certified economic diplomat, Amb. Roland Kobia made a statement about the European Union and its mission in Africa. He stated that the EU has one of the world's largest diplomatic services, with 145 EU delegations representing the 27 European countries. Additionally, the motto of the European Union is "unity in diversity." Further, he emphasized that the EU was awarded the Noble Peace Prize in recognition of its internal and external endeavors. At the internal level, it refers to their successful establishment of peace in Europe following centuries of wars between the countries and people of the continent. Additionally, he stated that the European Union has been able to ensure peace on the continent since the early 1950s and that there has not been a single war in the European Union since 1995. This is due to the robust partnership and cooperation between different countries, as Amb. Roland Kobia noted. Also, he stated that the European Union has been exporting peace to other countries. In addition to supporting development, trade, and policies, the EU evolved throughout time to become an important player in peace and security.

Amb. Kobia emphasized that the European Union is the world's largest official development aid donor to the African Union on the African continent. Where the EU provides over 50% of the official development "non-repayable grant," which is not a "debt." In this way, the EU is currently guiding the African people's motto, "African solutions for African problems," which enables the African Union to independently determine the use of the EU-granted funds.

The Ambassador stated that the EU is one of Africa's top trading partners in terms of foreign direct investments and trading partnerships. The EU allows African countries to export their products to the EU market in an unlimited quantity with no customs duties. The EBA scheme serves as the mechanism to achieve this. It eliminates tariffs and quotas for all imports of goods (excluding arms and ammunition) from least developed countries (LDCs) into the EU, with the objective of assisting these countries in attaining sustainable development goals.

According to Roland Kobia, the EU is not solely a development body or a bank but a genuine political entity with political responsibilities. In addition to EU development initiatives, commerce is a means by which nations can establish themselves independently, as stated by Ambassador Roland Kobia. He emphasized the critical role of development aid in establishing a positive trajectory for the region's and countries' development by sowing the seeds. The EU believes that trade is the most effective tool for countries to achieve sustainable development goals and expand their trade. According to Ambassador Roland Kobia, Africa requires major efforts to prosper and seize opportunities, and the EU is working to help Africa achieve these goals.

Another development aspect that Amb. Roland Kobia emphasized is that the European Investment Bank, the financial branch of the EU, is involved in a variety of sectors that are the focus of EU action, such as education, health, and social services in general, as well as other issues that may be controversial, such as migration. He also specified that the European Union is involved in the development of jobs and growth in Africa through the network of European chambers of commerce. For instance, Amb. Roland Kobia emphasized that Eurochamb in Ethiopia is a significant contributor, as it generates tens of thousands of direct jobs that provide support to thousands of families.

He stated that the permanent EU presidency on the ground is the method by which European delegations operate. This arrangement ensures that the EU coordinates with member states and ensures that its policies are consistent and coherent across all the member states, thereby having a greater impact on the development of various nations worldwide. He stated that the European Union is now calling it "Team Europe." Although it is a new term, it has always existed. He added that our objective is to collaborate in order to establish a more substantial and enduring influence on the various policies that we endeavor to implement in collaboration with various nations.

Amb. Roland Kobia concluded by stating, "I will conclude by discussing a topic that has become occasionally problematic in relationships, which is the matter of universal principles and values." Therefore, the values that the EU establishes in various countries, particularly in Africa, are not European in nature. Regrettably, a number of countries, including Russia, are implementing disinformation in Africa. We are merely endeavoring to advance values that are universal rather than European. Not because the EU believes it is the right thing to do, but because these are commitments that have been made by UN member states worldwide. We also endeavor to advance fundamental universal principles, including democracy, the rule of law, justice, respect for territorial integrity, and the integrity of borders. These principles are evident in many cases worldwide, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine. These principles of the United Nations are being violated by an increasing number of countries. As a result, we strive to protect these human rights and diversity values.

Amb. Roland Kobia emphasized that there are presently a number of countries that are interested in altering the current international order and transitioning to a different one. The representative stated, "We, as EU, don't have a problem with that." The European Union is not opposed to change and development, nor is it in favor of the status quo. He stated that the EU anticipates that countries that are endeavoring to establish a new international order will transparently articulate the advantages that this order would bring. At present, we are observing a movement that is in opposition to the current order, with the objective of denigrating, violating, and bypassing multilateralism without presenting a clear, concrete proposal. He believes that most countries should offer alternatives in a clear and transparent manner. The absence of common norms among human beings results in chaos, confrontation, conflicts, and wars. Despite the existence of trade-related instruments and organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO), he also underscored that the international order is increasingly under scrutiny. However, the reluctance of numerous countries to adopt multilateralism has reduced the World Trade Organization's influence in recent years, a situation that inevitably leads to trade wars. In the past, trade wars were less frequent due to the existence of instruments to tackle disputes and address complaints. The European Union (EU), according to Amb. Roland Kobia, "believes in multilateralism and universal rules," and the EU concurs that these principles can evolve over time, given that humans possess the ability to improve every facet of human existence. Nevertheless, Amb. Roland Kobia underscored the significance of not destroying something before establishing a replacement in order to simplify our work.

Closing the event, ambassador voiced what all participants already concluded in the course of the day- that the CED Program offers truly unique setting, unparallel anywhere else in the world. Notable guests remarked that this particular format (due to its concept originator, prof. Anis H. Bajrektarevic) is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for emerging leaders from the state, intergovernmental civil and corporate sectors of all meridians.

This fascinating voyage of knowledge sets its uncharted waters sail. It will reach its next mesmerising port of wisdom and insights last Saturday of August 2024, hosting yet another brilliant mind - the OSCE Sec-General Lamberto Zannier.

Shaikha Al-Marri, of Queen Mary University of London (MS in Intl Public Policy). She was attached to the office of the Qatar’s Minister of Sports and Youth (Youth Advisor).

Represented her country at the UNESCO Pre-Summit 2022. She is active friendship ambassador for the Foundation of Friendship Ambassadors associated with the United Nations. Since 2023, Al-Marri is the IFIMES Deputy Head of Mission for GCC.