In choosing Mr Gaublomme for this award, CIDIC highlighted the importance of training current and future diplomats and business people. The recipient was praised for successfully combining diplomacy and international business, and implementing an educational philosophy which allows for academic courses with a practical approach. CIDIC also emphasised the high economic impact that the BDA has, given the contribution to economic welfare made by both diplomats and business people. The BDA was also commended for its contribution to Belgium’s international image, which now has its own Diplomatic Academy, one of the few in the European Union with a unique focus on economic diplomacy.
“I have always worked towards bringing diplomacy and business together, as they are essential in the creation of economic welfare, and it is more important now than it has ever been to ensure that these two worlds meet, but also that the education and training available is of high-calibre and relevance. But I never could have hoped when we launched the BDA that my approach would be recognised in such a prestigious manner” said Mr Gaublomme.
CIDIC, the European Centre for Economic, Academic and Cultural Diplomacy, organised a 3-day diplomatic mission to Malta, in the framework of the Maltese Presidency of the European Council. A mixed group of representatives from the fields of academia, business, trade, diplomacy and government were received by the Ministers of Economy, Investments and Small Business, of Health, of Education and Employment, as well as the Prime Minister and the President of Malta – Marie Louise Coleiro Preca. Prof. Jan Cornelis, Pro Vicerector and Academic Attaché of CIDIC, and Gunter Gaublomme, participated in the mission on behalf of the VUB. In the presence of Rector Vella and Pro Rector Zammit they established new contacts and opportunities for collaboration with the University of Malta.