The International School of Protocol and Diplomacy

Education
INTERNATIONAL PROTOCOL & SOFT DIPLOMACY SKILLS

“Protocol is about others, not about ourselves”
Ines Pires, CEO & Founder

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The International School of Protocol & Diplomacy
International Protocol
Soft Diplomacy Skills
A few words
The International School of Protocol & Diplomacy is Europe’s leading academic
institution dedicated to studies in the field of protocol, diplomacy and cross-cultural
communication. Our mission is to provide the highest level of expertise, academic
standards and advice regarding international protocol and soft diplomacy skills. The
ISPD provides official degrees, intensive and tailor-made courses to train future and
current protocol professionals. The ISPD offers a wide range of study approaches
so students can organise their studies in accordance with their professional life.
An understanding of protocol and soft diplomacy skills can help you reach your
objectives in any part of the world, whether it be at a business lunch, a negotiating
round, state ceremony, or international conference. The establishment of successful
official and business relations greatly depends on how much we know about others
rather than about ourselves.
Since its creation, the ISPD students and alumni have had the opportunity to listen to,
learnfromandbechallengedbyleadingexpertsfromthefieldsofprotocolanddiplomacy;
including the former Chiefs of Protocol of the United Nations, European Commission,
Belgian Ministry of Defence, the Head of Protocol of the European Parliament, and the
EU Ambassador to the Holy See amongst various other ambassadors.
Many protocol professionals consider the ISPD necessary, and thanks to the
school this area is now being taken into account and respected for its importance.
Values, Mission and Vision
We firmly believe in:
> Ethical Behaviour
> Trust in People
> Respect for People
> Cultural Differences
> Freedom of Expression
The main mission is to provide the highest level of expertise, academic standards
and advice in terms of diplomacy, protocol, and intercultural communication.
The ISPD is creating a worldwide knowledge network in protocol, diplomacy and
cross-cultural relations that will allow individuals, entities, enterprises, corporations,
governments and NGO’s to exploit cultural differences to their advantage.
Ines Pires
Founder & CEO

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Protocol & Diplomacy Study Programmes
MA Programme
PG Programme
Executive Diplomas
Intensive Trainings
Summer School
Crash Courses
The ISPD offers a range of programmes designed to fit your level of experience,
schedule and interests. The ISPD’s programmes are professionally oriented and
offer direct career preparation or advancement outside of higher education.
Our terminal Master of Arts in Protocol & Soft Diplomacy Skills programme
focuses on gaining knowledge in the practical application of research and skills in
today’s setting of protocol and international relations.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Organisation of Corporate and Institutional
Events offers participants the opportunity to take two modules at Master’s level: Protocol
Basics and Protocol Applied. A full Master’s qualification, if desired, may be obtained by
taking the subsequent course from the Master’s programme at a latter stage.
Both Degree programmes are organised in cooperation with Camilo Jose Cela
University and are internationally recognised.
Our Executive Diplomas are modules of our MA programme offered
independently. They are an option for those students who are interested in
reinforcing their expertise, or those who currently do not have the time to complete
a degree programme but may wish to do so in the future. Participants receive a
Diploma that can be transferred to our MA or PG programmes.
Our Intensive Trainings courses consist of four days in Protocol Basics, Protocol
Applied, Soft Diplomacy Skills and Corporate Diplomacy, or three days for Business
Diplomacy & Public Affairs. Participants receive a certificate of completion at the
end of the course.
In addition, every year, we organise an intensive winter training called Train the
Officer, which presents the latest trends in the fields of protocol and diplomacy,
and a Summer School which introduces new participants to our expertise.
ISPD lectures, workshops and seminars can be taken as standalone Crash
Courses, or can be combined to create a programme that meets your own very
specific needs or interests. This can be done by selecting your agenda from our list
of Master’s level courses. Students can then transfer, if they wish, crash courses
taken to our Executive Diploma, MA or PG programmes at a later stage.
All our programmes and courses are also offered online.
Learn more about our programmes and
the possibility of course transfers

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Master of Arts in Protocol & Soft Diplomacy Skills
MA Programme Outline
Module I | Protocol Basics
Module II | Protocol Applied
Module III | Soft Diplomacy Skills
Extra-curricular Activities
Length of Course
3 semesters or
3 intensive weeks
Study Modes
In-House
Intensive
Online
Blended
Tuition
€8 835 + 21% VAT*
Requirements
BA degree or 5 years
of proven experience
Finance
Option of paying
in 3 instalments
Language
English
Evaluation
3 assignments,
3 online exams,
1 dissertation
Partner University
Camilo Jose Cela
Accreditation
The programme has been designed to offer a complete education in the field of
protocol and soft diplomacy skills, and to be delivered by current and renowned
experts in either protocol or diplomatic practice.
Our MA programme is professionally oriented and offers direct career preparation.
We prepare our students to go global with an ability to interact across cultures,
from both their own perspective and that of their counterparts. We aim to train
talented individuals for them to develop professional skills and behaviours, and
to acquire deep understanding of diplomatic practices, negotiation, comparative
protocol, conflict resolution and media management.
This terminal MA programme focuses more on gaining knowledge in the practical
application of research and skills. If your goal is to become an expert and acquire
new skills for diplomatic practice, organise either public or corporate events, gain
a cultural awareness that is crucial in many professions in today’s globalised world,
this Master’s Degree will provide you with the premium tools for your career.
Start a new
career or
certify your
knowledge
in protocol
and soft
diplomacy
skills
*Contact our Front Office for information concerning VAT exemption policy.

I. Protocol Basics
> Introduction to Protocol and Diplomacy
ECPD101
> Precedence and its Criteria
ECPD102
> Seating Arrangements for Events workshop
ECPD103
> Symbolism and the World of Flags
ECPD104
> Invitations and Gifts
ECPD105
> Protocol at the Table
ECPD106
> Official Events
ECPD107
> The Role of the Protocol Officer
ECPD108
> Organisation of Press Conferences
ECPD109
> Organisation of Official Visits
ECPD110
> Organisation of Official Ceremonies
ECPD111
> Organisation of Conferences and Summits
ECPD112
II. Protocol Applied
> Diplomatic Protocol
ECPD201
> Titles, Honours and Decorations
ECPD202
> Protocol in the European Institutions
ECPD203
> Protocol in the International Organisations
ECPD204
> Protocol in the Armed Forces
ECPD205
> Business Protocol
ECPD206
> Protocol in Sports Events
ECPD207
> VIP Security
ECPD208
> Organisation and Ceremonies in the
Monotheistic Religions
ECPD209
III. Soft Diplomacy Skills
> Public Diplomacy Applied
ECPD301
> Relations with the Media
ECPD302
> Cross-cultural Communication
ECPD303
> Arab Perception of Western Culture
ECPD304
> The Rise of China
ECPD305
> Relations with the Sub-Saharan Africa
ECPD306
> India Insights
ECPD307
> Conflict Resolution
ECPD308
> Negotiating Skills
ECPD309
IV. Extra-curricular Activities
In addition to the regular certification lectures and
workshops, the ISPD organises several extra-
curricular activities such as:
• Conferences and guest lectures on a broad range
of topics related to protocol, diplomacy, and
cross-cultural awareness throughout the year.
• The ISPD offers its students visits to European
Institutions, and official VIP facilities at venues
where protocol and diplomacy take place,
allowing them to learn directly from experienced
professionals.
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PG Programme Outline
Module I | Protocol Basics
Module II | Protocol Applied
Extra-curricular Activities
The Postgraduate Certificate in Organisation of Corporate and Institutional Events has
been designed for students who wish to start working in the field of event organisation;
including official visits, conferences, summits and high-level business meetings.
The programme is composed of two MA level modules: Protocol Basics and Protocol
Applied. These modules propose a range of lectures, extra-curricular activities,
seminars, case studies, role-play exercises and structured discussions. If desired,
the PG programme can be upgraded to our MA programme at the later stage.
If you wish to gain skills indispensable in events organisation; such as how to
establish the order of precedence among your guests, how to invite and which
forms of address to use, how to seat your guests at the table, what kinds of gifts
are appropriate for which occasion and many others, this programme will provide
you with directly applicable solutions. You will also learn how protocol is being
applied in different fields such as diplomacy, business, sports, and religion, to give
you a solid overview of the organisation of different ceremonies and events.
Length of Course
2 semesters or
2 intensive weeks
Study Modes
In-House
Intensive
Online
Blended
Tuition
€5 640 + 21% VAT*
Requirements
BA degree or 5 years
of proven experience
Finance
Option of paying
in 3 instalments
Language
English
Evaluation
2 assignments,
2 online exams,
1 dissertation
Partner University
Camilo Jose Cela
Accreditation
Postgraduate Certificate in Organisation of Corporate and Institutional Events
In addition
to regular
lectures and
workshops, the
ISPD organises
several extra-
curricular
activities

I. Protocol Basics
ECPD101
ECPD102
ECPD103
ECPD104
ECPD105
ECPD106
> Official Events
ECPD107
ECPD108
ECPD109
ECPD110
ECPD111
ECPD112
II. Protocol Applied
ECPD201
ECPD202
ECPD203
ECPD204
ECPD205
> Business Protocol
ECPD206
> Protocol in Sports Events
ECPD207
> VIP Security
ECPD208
> Organisation and Ceremonies in the
Monotheistic Religions
ECPD209
III. Extra-curricular Activities
In addition to the regular certification lectures and
workshops, the ISPD organises several extra-
curricular activities such as:
• Conferences and guest lectures on a broad range
of topics related to protocol, diplomacy, and
cross-cultural awareness throughout the year.
• The ISPD offers its students visits to European
Institutions, and official VIP facilities at venues where
protocol and diplomacy take place, allowing them
to learn directly from experienced professionals.
9

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Executive Diplomas & Intensive Trainings
Designed to enhance your expertise
Protocol Basics
Protocol Applied
Business Diplomacy & Public Affairs
Corporate Diplomacy
Train the Officer
Summer School
Length of Course
From 3 days to 3
months, according
to the course
Evaluation
For Executive Diploma
programme - online
exam and written
assignment
Tuition
On request
Requirements
None
Language
English
Study Modes
In-House
Intensive
Online
Accreditation
Our Executive Diplomas and Intensive Trainings have been designed to fulfil the
needs of professionals who wish to gain, enhance or certify their knowledge
in protocol, soft diplomacy skills or business diplomacy. The demand is high
for individuals who can communicate smoothly across cultures and deal with
a wide range of situations where protocol, soft diplomacy and cross-cultural
communication skills are required, either in the public or private sector. If you wish
to gain a new expertise or certify and consolidate the skills you already have, these
programmes are designed to respond to your needs.
Students who successfully complete our Executive Diploma in Protocol Basics,
Protocol Applied, and/or Soft Diplomacy Skills can transfer these courses to our
MA or PG programme at a latter stage.

Fields of Expertise
Protocol Basics
(Available as an Executive Diploma,
as an Intensive Training or as a Crash Course)
(Available as an Intensive Training or as a Crash Course)
Protocol Applied
> Official Events
> Public Diplomacy Applied
> Relations with the Media
> Cross-cultural Communication
> Arab Perception of Western Culture
> The Rise of China
> Relations with the Sub-Saharan Africa
> India Insights
> Conflict Resolution
> Negotiating Skills
> Economic Diplomacy and Trade Missions
> Country Branding
> Intercultural Negotiations
> Conflict Management
> Events Organisation: Diplomatic & Business Protocol
> Image and VIP Management
> Image and Business Table Protocol
> Public Affairs and Institutional Relations
> Who do you lobby and how?
> Stakeholder Management and Coalition Building
> Reputation Management and Media Relations
> Business Protocol
> Protocol in Sport Events
> VIP Security
> Organisation and Ceremonies in the Monotheistic Religions
11

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Protocol Basics
Protocol Applied
Length of Course
3 hours
Tuition
€ 160 per 3h course
Requirements
None
Language
English
Study Modes
In-House
Online
Accreditation
Our crash courses offer solutions that can be applied from day one: how to
organise a high-level event, what are the rules of protocol that should be applied in
a given circumstance, how to effectively communicate with other cultures, how to
negotiate or establish lasting relations with media. These are just some of the many
skills our students can gain upon completion of the crash courses conducted by
our world-recognised experts.
Follow just one crash course or combine more to create a programme that meets
your own specific needs and interests. This can be done by selecting your
agenda from our list of MA lectures.
There are no specific requirements for crash courses. Students who follow one or
more courses, may transfer, if they wish and are eligible, their courses studied to
our MA or PG programmes at a later stage.
Crash Courses
Design a study programme
to develop your skills

Study Modes
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In-House
Online
Intensive
Blended
In-Country
At the ISPD we are committed to helping you find the way of study that will best fit
your professional and personal life.
The core content of our programmes can be followed in 4 different student-focused
modes of study:
In the In-House mode classes take place on a regular basis on our premises in
Brussels on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. On Fridays our students follow
the core lectures from our programme that start at 4.45 pm and finish at 8.00 pm. On
Saturdays, we hold our extra-curricular activities, which consist of workshops, lectures
of guest speakers, and visits to different places where protocol and diplomacy are
applied on a daily basis. These activities usually start at 10.00 am and finish at 1.15 pm.
In the Online Mode students follow the course on our user-friendly, interactive
eLearning platform. They have access to video recordings of lectures, presentations
prepared by our experts, additional reading materials, and forums for discussions
where they can interact with each other and ask questions that arise during the
learning process. Regarding the structure of the online programme, the online lectures
are released weekly and students can access them at any time during the week.
In the Intensive Mode students follow the core content of our programmes as
intensive weeks sessions comprising 4 days of studies, corresponding in total to
24 hours of lectures. From Monday morning to Thursday afternoon, they attend on
our premises in Brussels, lectures held by our internationally known experts. The
following programmes can be taken in the intensive mode:
• Masters Degree can be followed in 3 intensive weeks organised twice a year.
• Postgraduate Certificate can be followed in 2 intensive weeks organised
twice a year.
• Executive Diploma and Intensive Training can be followed in 1 intensive week.
To compensate the absence of the extracurricular activities, MA and PG students
are invited to our Train the Officer training at no cost.
In the Blended Mode students choose among the 3 modes mentioned earlier: In-
House, Online, and Intensive to tailor their mode of study. E.g. an MA student may
opt to follow 2 of 3 MA modules online and one in the intensive mode.
Lastly, the In-Country mode is designed for groups of individuals, companies
or institutions. According to the specific needs of an organisation, the ISPD can
create a tailor-made programme and travel with our experts to your country.

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The ISPD gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you. All of the
courses available at the ISPD can be followed online:
• Master of Arts in Protocol & Diplomacy Skills
• Postgraduate Certificate in Organisation of Corporate and Institutional Events
• Executive Diplomas
• Intensive Trainings
• Crash Courses
All you need to study with us is an Internet connection and some time. Our
learning platform incorporates a range of tools to provide our online students with
interactive, engaging and easily accessible content.
Our online students are guided through the whole process of studying by our
eLearning coordinator who at any time can help them with questions regarding the
content of studies, as well as technical difficulties.
Regarding the structure of online programmes, online lectures are released weekly.
If you follow our Executive Diploma or Degree programmes, you will complete all
your exams and submit written assignments via the platform. Upon successful
completion of the programme, you will receive the respective award. If you opt only
for a crash course (study unit), you will receive a letter of online attendance.
► Video resources (all lectures are recorded)
► Student discussion boards
► Digital encounters
► Links to external resources
► Access to online study materials and study guides
► Evaluation online
Online studies at the ISPD
Study with us from
any part of the world

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How to apply?
Applications for Master’s and Postgraduate Programmes
must include:
Fees and Tuition
How to apply?
Applications for Executive Diplomas, Intensive Trainings
and Crash Courses should include:
► Registration form
► Current CV
► Passport copy
► Cover letter
► Recommendation letter
Entry on the basis of Bachelor’s degree:
► Officially certified copy of BA diploma and transcript of records both
legalised by an Apostille of The Hague
► Letter from the university stating that the student has finalised an official BA
programme that qualifies for access to postgraduate studies
Entry on the basis of experience:
► A letter from the employer(s) stating that the applicant has 5 years experience
in either protocol, diplomacy, or events organisation.
Master of Arts in Protocol & Soft Diplomacy Skills
Full-time | Online | Intensive | Blended Mode
Postgraduate Certificate in Organisation
of Corporate and Institutional Events
Full-time | Online | Intensive | Blended Mode
Executive Diploma
Protocol Basics | Protocol Applied | Soft Diplomacy Skills
Intensive Training
Protocol Basics | Protocol Applied | Soft Diplomacy Skills
Intensive Training
Intensive Training
Summer School
Intensive Course
Train the Officer
Crash Courses
Course unit in-house or online
Registration Fee for Degree Programmes
and Executive Diplomas
€ 8835 + 21% VAT*
€ 5640 + 21% VAT*
€ 1675
€ 1375
€ 1800
€ 1275
€ 970
€ 160 - 3h course
€ 70
You may apply online or by mailing your application. However, prospective Master’s and
Postgraduate students must send all materials, such as transcripts, letters directly to:
Rue de Pascale 16
Brussels 1040, Belgium
Apply Online – Go to www.ispdnetwork.org, complete our online application and
send by post all other materials once you receive confirmation from the ISPD Team.
► Registration form
► Current CV
► Passport copy
All registration forms are available on our website, or upon request from our Front Office:
frontoffice@ispdnetwork.org
Payment in instalments is available for our MA and PG programmes.
Consult our Front Office to find out more about instalment plans.

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Contact us for more details: ispdplus@ispdnetwork.org and choose your type of
membership.
Discounts for our courses
CREATOR INNOVATOR VISIONARY
MA in Protocol 285 € 385 € 485 €
& Soft Diplomacy Skills
PG Certificate in Organisation 185 € 245 € 305 €
of Corporate and Institutional Events
Executive Diploma 55 € 90 € 115 €
Business Diplomacy 70 € 105 € 125 €
& Public Affairs Intensive Training
Intensive Training 45 € 75 € 105 €
Summer School 40 € 70 € 100 €
Train the Officer 25 € 40 € 70 €
ISPD+ Innovation in Diplomacy Network
Join the Global Elite
The mission of the ISPD+ Innovation in Diplomacy Network is to promote a global
elite of Innovators in Diplomacy and to aid, assist, foster and spread, soft diplomacy
education all over the world.
Why join?
Our members share a common goal: to internationalise their knowledge and share
it across cultures on a local, national and global level. They share experiences and
continuously develop professionally by fostering innovation in diplomacy, protocol,
cross-cultural communication and soft skills.
• Associate with an international network of innovators
• Receive the latest global trends in the area, get access to our research papers
and fact sheets
• Acquire daily challenges clarification: alliance with your peers; share the knowledge
and best practices
• Access to members-only professional developing training
• Participate in concept events that match-make interests per industries: ISPD
Jazz, Cultural Nights, Soft Diplomacy Café and others.
• Receive discounts for our courses
Observer
90 Euros
Creator
130 Euros
Innovator
250 Euros
Visionary
From 480 Euros

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ISPD Coordination Team
Ines Pires
CEO & Founder
ISPD+ President
i.pires@ispdnetwork.org
Ines Pires has a degree in Economics, and a Master’s Degree
in International Politics, Image and Communication. She
was advisor to the former Vice-President of the European
Parliament, José Pacheco Pereira, and to Vasco Graça
Moura thereafter. She is an expert in soft diplomacy skills,
Asian protocol and intercultural dialogue. She has worked
as a conference speaker and collaborated with several
publications. Ines has also worked as a protocol and etiquette
consultant for several organisations and companies.
Julia Stanczak
Project Coordinator
j.stanczak@ispdnetwork.org
Julia Stanczak joined the ISPD team in 2011. She graduated
with Master’s Degrees in Languages and Business in both
Poland and Portugal. Driven by new international challenges,
she worked in the United States, France and Portugal
during her studies. As the ISPD Communications Officer,
she supports the implementation of public relations and
communications strategy. Her interests extend to cross-
cultural communication and cultural diplomacy. She speaks
fluent Polish, English, French and Portuguese.
Sandra Schott
Academic Director
s.schott@ispdnetwork.org
Sandra Schott graduated in Physical Sciences and European
Politics. After having worked at the International Association
for Oil and Gas Producers (OGP), her PhD research focused
on the new cultural ways of thinking about international
professional policies and negotiations, based on analysis of
the new methodologies of conflict resolution. Her work has
predominantly focused upon Eastern European countries
and the Middle East.
Anne Potemans
Business Development
& Operations Manager
a.potemans@ispdnetwork.org
Anne Potemans is in charge of coordinating and revising the
human resources development, institutional management and
evaluation systems. Prior to ISPD, Anne worked for several
years in External Affairs, Public & Corporate Communication,
and Media Relations Departments at some of the main players
in the automotive and pharmaceutical industries. During this
time she gained experience in the organisation of major events
and campaigns. Her life experiences in Europe, Asia and the
Middle East during the course of her career have allowed her
to gain a great understanding of international relations.
Thomas Sladko
Chief of Protocol & PR
ISPD+ Secretary General
t.sladko@ispdnetwork.org
Thomas Sladko is an expert in international communication
and protocol. He holds a Master’s Degree in Communication
Science and Philosophy and a Master’s Degree in Advanced
Latin American Studies. He has been working as Deputy
Chief of Protocol for the Federal Chancellor of Austria since
2007. Thomas gathered international work experience in the
field of protocol and communication by working with more
than 70 nations. He has lived in the USA, Portugal, Belgium
and Brazil, and speaks German, English, and Portuguese.
Sandra Reis
International Projects
Manager
s.reis@ispdnetwork.org
Sandra Reis was born in Lisbon, Portugal. She has a 5-year
Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a Postgraduate Degree
in Journalism and International Relations. She has an MA
in European Integration and Development from the Vrije
Universiteit Brussel, in Belgium. She worked at the European
Parliament in Brussels and participated in electoral missions of
the European Commission. She has worked for international
organisations, including the United Nations in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (DRC) as a Political Affairs Officer and
subsequently as a Best Practices Officer.

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ISPD Coordination Team
Ondre Strnad
Academic Officer
frontoffice@ispdnetwork.org
Ondre Strnad holds a Degree in English Literature and
French Language from the University of Westminster in
London, and a Master’s Degree in French Literature and
Culture from King’s College, London. Following nine years
in the UK, he joined the ISPD in 2013 to fill the position of
Academic Officer. He is the first point of contact for ISPD
current and prospective students. He speaks fluent English,
French, Spanish, Czech and basic German.
Teona Lavrelashvili
Liaison Officer
georgia@ispdnetwork.org
Teona Lavrelashvili has graduated from the College of Europe
with a Master Degree in EU Political and Administrative
Studies, she also has an MA in Public Administration from
Speyer University and a BA in International Relations. Since
2008 she has worked extensively for the civic society, back
in her country she founded Georgian Youth Parliament and
before that she had served as a President of European Youth
Parliament. She was awarded with the Order of Honour of
Georgia, which is the highest state award for helping to build
a democratic country.
Torke+CC
Marketing and Communication Managers
Buyar Kartal
Tax, Finance and Accountancy Manager
Todor Stefanov
Music Project Manager
Alexia Coppieters
Real Estate Manager
Claudia Betania Ferreira Borges
Real Estate Cleaning Services
ISPD Liaison Officers Worldwide
liaisonofficer@ispdnetwork.org
Olivier Herlin
eLearning Coordinator
elearning@ispdnetwork.org
Olivier Herlin studied Hospitality Management at the Glion
Institute for Higher Education in Switzerland. He started his
career in 1989 working at the prestigious Hotel New Otani in
Tokyo for two years where he gained first hand experience
of Protocol at the service of Heads of State and VIP guests.
Fluent in Japanese, he is also an expert in Japanese culture.
Passionate about leadership he co-founded Beamable.org
which is a non-profit organisation aimed at democratising
leadership development to a broad audience.
Ahmad Janbein
Liaison Officer
a.janbein@ispdnetwork.org
Ahmad Janbein studied Marketing and Business
Administration in Lebanon and joined the ISPD as a
projects manager and liaison officer for the Middle East.
Since 2009 he has been working in general trading and
tourism, facilitating relations between Turkey and Lebanon
and for the last four years he has been working in events
management in the Gulf region. He recently established
his marketing and project management company for the
Middle East, based in Lebanon.
Atine John Bosco
IT Manager
a.bosco@ispdnetwork.org
Atine John Bosco has vast experience within the hospitality,
telecommunication and aviation industries and is armed
with a solid background in ICT. He was a pioneer student
in International Protocol and Ceremonial at the ISPD, and
the recipient of the first ISPD Master’s Degree scholarship
(for future leaders in the field of protocol & diplomacy). Atine
is Ugandan and speaks several sub-Saharan languages,
English and moderate Dutch.

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ISPD Experts Team
Dr. Luis Ritto
ISPD Emeritus Professor,
Former EU Ambassador to
the Holy See, Order of Malta
and FAO
Ambassador Luis Ritto is a Vatican and diplomatic protocol
expert. Ambassador and former Head of the Delegation of
the European Commission to the Holy See, to the Sovereign
Order of Malta, and to the United Nations in Rome; he
gained extraordinary life and professional experience in his
hundreds of encounters with authorities, personalities and
Heads of State. Luis Ritto is our expert in subjects such as
international relations, diplomacy, diplomatic protocol and
global affairs.
François Brunagel
Former Chief of Protocol
of the European Parliament
Francois Brunagel is the former Chief of Protocol of the
European Parliament. After spending all his working life
at the European institution in the Directorate-General for
Communication, he now participates in seminars and congress
of protocol all over the world. He is a Chevalier de la Légion
d’Honneur and a Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite.
Jacques de Baenst
Former Chief of Protocol of
the European Commission
Ambassador Jacques de Baenst is former Chief of Protocol
for the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Former Chief
of Protocol for the European Commission (1998-2010). He
entered the Belgian diplomatic service in 1971, and was
successively assigned to Zaire, Czechoslovakia, OECD
(Paris), United States (Consul general), The Netherlands and
Head of EC Monitor Mission in former Yugoslavia. Laurate
in 2002 of the IV International Prize on Protocol, Jacques
de Baenst has been awarded numerous high Belgian and
foreign decorations.
Jacques de Cartier d’Yves
of the Belgian Ministry of
Defence
Starting his military career in the Army in 1977 as an Artillery
officer, Jacques de Cartier d’Yves served in various positions,
focusing his experience on public and international affairs
(Press Officer, Arms Control Inspector and UNMO in former
Yugoslavia) before directing the Protocol Office MOD for 12
years. He retired from Defence at the end of 2009.
Alice Hecht
of the United Nations
UN Chief of Protocol from 2006 to 2010; Alice Hecht’s United
Nations experience began in March 1974, in the Population
Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs,
where she handled projects related to demographic and
socio-economic trends in Africa. Subsequently, she served
the Organisation in several capacities at Headquarters and
in the field, including the role of Chief Administrative Officer
of the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection
Commission (2000-2003), and the United Nations Special
Commission (1992-2000).
Dr. Nadja Milanova
Public Diplomacy Expert
A former Bulgarian diplomat, Dr. Nadja Milanova was also a
public diplomacy officer at NATO Headquarters in Brussels,
and Head of the Prague Office of the OSCE Secretariat. She
is a public diplomacy expert, conflict resolution researcher,
and human rights activist. She has participated as a
speaker at conferences and as a guest lecturer at several
universities. Dr. Nadja Milanova has also been published
in peer-reviewed journals and has contributed chapters to
several edited volumes.

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Pierre Jirikoff
Senior Adviser in Protocol
at the Chamber of
Representatives of Belgium
Pierre Jirikoff is the Senior Adviser in Protocol at the
Chamber of Representatives of Belgium. He holds a Master’s
Degree in Germanic Philology and worked for several years
as an academic professor. Since 1990 he has worked at
the Belgian Chamber of Representatives; first as Attaché
and Committee Secretary, and since 1992 as an Adviser on
Protocol in the Public and International Department.
ISPD Experts Team
Patricia Benoit-Guyot
Chief of Protocol
of the International
Telecommunication Union
Patricia Benoit-Guyot has been the Chief of Protocol at ITU
since August 2008, with her career at ITU extending over 20
years with various positions such as Head of Interpreters,
Head of Business Development, and Sponsorship and
Recruitment Officer in Human Resources. In her spare time
Ms. Benoit-Guyot manages the 250 volunteers necessary to
organise and run the Guitare en Scène music festival.
Kole Gjeloshaj
Sports Protocol Expert
In 2003, Kole Gieloshaj became a director of Educational
and Development Services and the Head of Protocol at
the International University Sports Federation (FISU). He
is responsible for supervising the organisation of events,
forums and conferences. In addition, he is a seminar leader
in event planning and is in charge of publications on this
subject at the FISU.
Ishak Ghatas
Interfaith Dialogue Expert
Ishak Ghatas is an Egyptian-born, Belgian extra-mural PhD
researcher at Oxford Center for Religious Studies, a University
in the UK. He has been involved in inter-religious dialogue at
a variety of levels and with a variety of different actors. Ishak
specialises in the different forms of Islam and Christianity, but
is also well acquainted with the structures, philosophies and
cultural specificities that underlie the other major world religions.
Dr.WolfgangStreitenberger
European Commission
Information Society
and Media Advisor
Wolfgang Streitenberger undertook two courses of study
simultaneously at University of Vienna in Political Science
and Economic History (PhD), and Economics (MA), and
Postgraduate study at College of Europe, Bruges, Belgium. In
1996 he became nominated Head of European Commission
Representation in Austria and since 2002 has been Adviser
of the Top Management of Directorate General “Information
Society and Media” in the European Commission in Brussels.
Laure Dykstra
Intercultural Management
Expert
Speaking 5 languages, among them Chinese, Laure Dykstra
is now an intercultural business consultant and lecturer,
and provides business advice to French multinationals and
mid-sized firms on international business development
issues, international project management and intercultural
team work in Europe and Asia. She also holds conferences
on Chinese banking topics and Chinese intercultural
programmes including communication skills, negotiations,
and management.

21
ISPD Experts Team
Shubranshu Mishra
Communication in India
Expert
Shubranshu Mishra earned his M.Phil in Diplomacy and
Disarmament at the Centre for International Politics,
Organisation and Disarmament, School of International
Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, and an
MA in Conflict Analysis and Peace Building from Jamia Millia
Islamia, New Delhi. He has also made academic presentations
at national and international conferences on issues relating to
human rights and peace building, international politics, arms
control and disarmament, humanitarianism and counter-
terror mechanisms.
Bengt-Arne Hulleman
Protocol in the International
Organisations Expert
Bengt-Arne Hulleman is the Head of Protocol and Events of
the International Criminal Court (ICC), and former Assistant
to the Master of Ceremonies to Her Majesty Queen Beatrix
of the Netherlands (2003-2009). He was involved in the
organisation of several Royal marriages and funerals and co-
organized the 10th anniversary of the ICC in 2012. He holds a
Master’s Degree in International Hospitality Management and
has been awarded several Dutch and foreign decorations.
Michiko Takagi
Communication in Japan
Expert
After graduating from Nihon University in Tokyo, in Pedagogy
and Linguistics in 1981, Michiko started a career in teaching
Japanese as a foreign language. In 1991 she moved to
Belgium and continued teaching Japanese culture and
Japanese as a foreign language at the University of Liège
(ULg). Since 2003 she has taught at ICHEC Business School
as well as the European Commission and the Institut Libre
Marie Haps in Brussels. Michiko is the vice-president of
the Belgian Nihongo-Kyoshi Kai, the Belgian Association of
Japanese Language Teachers.
Jesus Gil Ruiz
Protocol in the Armed
Forces Expert
Jesus Ignacio Gil Ruiz is a current Chief of the NATO
Office on Gender Perspective in International Military Staff.
He previously served as the Deputy Head of Protocol
at the Cabinet of the Spanish Defence Minister and the
Military Assistant to the EU and NATO Spanish Military
Representative. He is a graduate of the General Military
Academy and Artillery School in Segovia and has a Master’s
Degree in Protocol.
and many more guest lecturers
from all over the world.
Vitor Braga
Events and Programmes
Organisation Expert
Vitor Braga graduated in Modern Languages from the
University of Lisbon and he has also a diploma in Pedagogics
and in Christian Education. A teacher of Portuguese
Literature and Journalism, he now works as a Programme
Organiser for the European Union Visitors Programme. His
professional experience with hundreds of encounters with
visitors from all over the world have allowed him to gain a
great understanding of cultural differences, protocol and
etiquette. He leads seminars on event planning as well as
tailored programmes.

“At the ISPD students have the necessary exposure to meet, interact and learn
from the best of the best in the fields of protocol and diplomacy. It was a unique
experience and a real privilege to meet, listen and share our own experience
with such exceptionally gifted and brilliant scholars and lecturers. Amazingly this
course has exceeded my expectations as it has made me a protocol expert by
acquiring all the necessary tools. I am now more capable to tackle all aspects of
protocol assignments with distinction, be it very daunting ceremonies and events,
EU and UN protocol, sports, military and others. A truly wonderful experience”
Franco Govinden, ISPD MA Student,
Director of Protocol,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Seychelles
“The ISPD has developed a unique approach to learn and understand protocol
as the courses offered cover all dimensions of the profession and relate to the
needs of protocol professionals whether they come from embassies, consulates,
private businesses, the EU, the United Nations etc. The students are carefully
selected and come from a range of cultural and professional backgrounds. This
greatly enriches the level of the interaction between students and professors as
it allows for debates and exchange of experience.”
Alice Hecht, ISPD Expert,
Former Chief of Protocol of the UN
“It is my honour to write this piece of word to share my humble experience at
ISPD… ISPD is not only a great school, in my opinion; ISPD is also a central point
of contact for protocol professionals, as well as people who are interested in the
field of protocol. People can share their experiences and exchange knowledge
with each other at ISPD. This is for me a unique point that no other school can
provide at the same level as ISPD has been doing. Certainly, the most important
are People. I have learned a lot from experts of ISPD. It is very valuable and
constructive to learn from all instructors and experts from ISPD. Apart from that,
I have learned a lot from many experiences students who worked in the field of
protocol as well! Thank you very much to all of you!”
Bryen Li Chi Sun, ISPD MA Student,
Associate Trainer-Magnums Butlers International
“For me the ISPD is a nice smart and friendly school to learn protocol and
diplomacy.”
Jwan Ali Karim Sofi, ISPD MA Student,
Chief of Protocol, Iraqi President Office

23
Contact Details:
Rue de Pascale 16
1040 Brussels
Belgium
Tel: +32 (0)2 830 12 22
Skype: ispdbrussels
Website: www.ispdnetwork.org
E-mail: frontoffice@ispdnetwork.org
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The International School of Protocol and Diplomacy

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