Summary
In the vibrant heart of France, a new chapter in diplomacy is unfolding, reminiscent of a carefully choreographed ballet of international relations. On July 3rd, Didier Le Bret stepped into his role as the inaugural director of the newly formed Diplomatic and Consular Academy, a vision he had previously nurtured. This endeavor, dreamt up by President Emmanuel Macron, is set to embrace a reserve of diplomatic citizens—an initiative that echoes the spirit of the military reserve, but with a unique twist. Starting in 2025, the Academy will welcome between 200 and 300 active diplomats or young retirees to serve as the backbone of this initiative. But the doors are not merely ajar for the elite; this reserve will eventually be a mosaic of French citizens, who will enter based on the approval of the esteemed occupant of the Quai d’Orsay. Imagine a tapestry woven with not only seasoned diplomats but also bi-nationals and foreign nationals, creating a rich blend of perspectives. Yet, the nature of their role is not tethered by formal ranks or paychecks—this is a volunteer spirit, echoing the camaraderie that defines military service. At the helm of this diplomatic ship is Laurent Bigot, a figure whose journey has been anything but simple. Once sidelined by then-Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius in 2013 for expressing dissenting views on French policy in the Sahel, Bigot’s voyage took him through corporate counsel for a decade. Now, he sails back into the world of diplomacy, charting new waters with a seasoned hand, poised to navigate the complexities of international relations. But Le Bret’s vision extends far beyond the reserve. He has his sights set on reimagining the diploma framework itself. Picture a landscape where training programs are streamlined for efficiency, where the rich world of academic research flows seamlessly into the corridors of the Quai d’Orsay. His goals are ambitious; to establish international cooperation with partner academies and to enhance the prestige of consular careers, creating pathways filled with opportunity. As Le Bret looks to the future, he envisions a diverse Academy, one that draws on the strengths of varied talents—30 dedicated agents and a cadre of 40 language instructors—multiplying partnerships not just within France’s borders but with key countries abroad. His beacon of inspiration is the Crisis and Support Centre at the Quai d’Orsay, which has grown robustly since its inception in 2008, exemplifying the type of proactive and engaged diplomacy he seeks to foster. In this unfolding narrative, we see not just a restructuring of the diplomatic landscape, but a renaissance of citizen involvement in diplomacy—a movement poised to redefine what it means to engage on the global stage. The stage is set, and the curtains are rising on a new era of French diplomacy, where every citizen might just play a part.
Original Source: www.challenges.fr
