Ceris - Official

16/08/2026

October 2026 Intake: A 15% discount is offered to groups of at least 3 applicants from the same organisation or company.
Advance Your Career in International Affairs. In a fast-changing global environment, professionals in diplomacy, international relations, and global governance must continuously evolve. Since 1985, CERIS has been empowering diplomats, civil servants, NGO leaders, and international executives with high-level executive education designed to meet today’s global challenges. Testimonials: https://www.ceris.be/about-us/testimonials/
Programmes starting October 2026:
• Executive Master in International Politics (Certificate -1 year / 60 ECTS): https://www.ceris.be/.../executive-master-in.../
• Executive Master in Governance & Development Policy (Certificate- 1 year / 60 ECTS): https://www.ceris.be/.../executive-master-in-development.../
📅 Flexible format: Weekend courses (Friday evenings & Saturdays)
💻 Blended and full-distance learning available worldwide
Short Trainings:
• NEW: "AI for Policymakers: Foundation . Governance . Geopolitics" - No technical background of AI is required: https://www.ceris.be/course/ai-for-policymakers/
• Strategic Negotiation : https://www.ceris.be/course/strategic-negotiation/
💡 Why CERIS?
->An international institution dedicated to professionals, specialising in international relations, development, and diplomacy
->Over 40 years of experience in continuing professional education
->Courses delivered by renowned professors and leading experts from international institutions
->A prestigious global network of participants and alumni across 5 continents
->Programs accessible worldwide through a Distance Learning Programme
->Located in Brussels, at the heart of diplomacy, home to key institutions such as the European Union and NATO
📢 Applications are now open: https://www.ceris.be/apply/
🔗 Learn more: www.ceris.be
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11/08/2026

Speech by M. Chinedu Blaise Nze, the Valedictorian of the Executive Master in Governance & Development Policy of the 2024-2025 Academic Year. CERIS Graduation Ceremony 26/06/2026. The picture gallery is available at https://www.ceris.be/portfolio/graduation-ceremony-2024-2025

24/07/2026

The unforeseen consequences of the NATO Ankara summit by Nicholas Williams (Vice President of CERIS), European Leadership Network, 16/07/2026 :

Despite the success of the Ankara summit, the US is gradually decoupling itself from Europe in ways that will have profound consequences for European security and strategic stability. As ELN Senior Associate Fellow Nicholas Williams writes, NATO will not collapse in a single dramatic moment; it is s...

24/07/2026

The death of the ‘global cop’: why NATO’s Ankara summit is burying out-of-area operations by Nicholas Williams (Vice President of CERIS), European Leadership Network, 30/06/2026 :

What are the consequences stemming from the seeming end of NATO’s global role? ELN Senior Associate Fellow Nicholas Williams looks back at two decades of NATO's

06/07/2026

Outstanding Thesis (Academic Year 2024-2025- MIP) by Robine Arnoys. Topic: “What explains the preferences of the main stakeholders towards the European Deforestation Regulation?”. Ms. Robine Arnoys is a Belgian professional, currently working in Antwerp for the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International as environmental expert. She previously obtained a Master's degree in Environmental, Health, and Safety Management, as well as an additional degree in Sustainable Development. Her previous professional experience includes working as safety & security advisor and sustainability product specialist. Her thesis focuses on the EU Deforestation Regulation and investigates the perceptions of the different stakeholders and the reasons behind their positioning towards the regulation. The purpose of this is to gain a more in-depth understanding of the factors that contribute to the success of sustainability-related policies in achieving their objectives. https://www.ceris.be/personnel/robine-arnoys/

05/07/2026

Mr. Amaury van Kesteren was awarded Alfred Cahen Prize (Academic Year 2024-2025) for his thesis “Why was European influence in Niger vulnerable to collapse following the 2023 coup, despite long-term diplomatic and development engagement?”
Amaury van Kesteren works at the intersection of information systems, public-sector transformation and international development cooperation. He currently works at Möbius where he advises Belgian public entities, on information-management frameworks, governance models, data-driven decision processes and AI-enabled transformation. He is a reservist for the Belgian Marine.
He previously worked in development cooperation with Bluesquare, where he contributed to the design and implementation of health information systems and monitoring frameworks in West and Central Africa. In that role, he advised ministries and international organisations on data strategies, monitoring and evaluation, and digital transformation. https://www.ceris.be/personnel/amaury-van-kesteren/

05/07/2026

Outstanding Thesis (Academic Year 2024-2025) by Blaise Chinedu Nze (Major of Promotion-MADEV). Topic: “The Impact of Multi-Ethnicity on Aid Effectiveness: A Case Study of an Infrastructure Project in Nigeria” Born in Cameroon and based in Leuven, Belgium, Chinedu Blaise Nze is an academic researcher and development strategist whose work bridges education, technology, and governance. He holds a Master’s degree from KU Leuven’s Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, where he completed a dissertation on students’ perceptions of Generative AI in academic writing. He also earned an Executive Master’s in Governance and Development Policy from CERIS–ULB Diplomatic School of Brussels, strengthening his expertise in global governance and policy analysis. Chinedu is a member of the Chartered Institute of Development Studies and Administration (CIDSAN), Nigeria, and holds professional certificates in AI Governance and Salesforce Administration, reflecting his commitment to ethical technology adoption and digital systems strengthening.

He is the founder of an educational consultancy that supports students, researchers, and civil‑society organisations in academic writing, international study applications, programme design, and donor‑engagement strategy. His work integrates analytical rigor with practical capacity‑building, enabling organisations to strengthen internal systems, communicate impact, and secure sustainable partnerships. With experience spanning academic research, NGO training design, and AI‑focused consultancy, Chinedu brings a multidimensional perspective to contemporary challenges in education, governance, and development. https://www.ceris.be/personnel/chinedu-blaise-nze/

04/07/2026

Outstanding Thesis (Academic Year 2024-2025- MIP) by Dorota Sedminova. Topic: “The Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES/Rojava): Emergence, Governance, Legitimacy and Recognition”. Dorota Sedminová is a Slovak professional based in Brussels, working at the European Commission as an assistant in the team of the Director-General for Economic and Financial Affairs. She holds degrees in Translation and Interpreting, Diplomatic Studies, and International Politics. Her professional experience includes working in EU institutions, multinational companies in the area of business administration and stakeholder relations, as well as language interpreting. Her research interests include governance, international relations, and political developments in the Middle East. Her thesis explores the rise of Rojava in Assad-era Syria, examining the relationship between self-governance, legitimacy, and international recognition in conflict settings. She speaks Slovak, English, Italian, Spanish, and French. https://www.ceris.be/personnel/dorota-sedminova/

04/07/2026

Outstanding Thesis (Academic Year 2024-2025- MIP) by Mr Arturo Caione. Topic: “How Economic Sanctions Are Redrawing the Economic and Geopolitical Landscape: The Case of Russia”. Mr Arturo Caione is an Italian policy adviser whose work spans parliamentary affairs, European policy and strategic communications. Over the course of his career, he has developed extensive experience in analysing political and economic dynamics and translating complex policy issues into clear and actionable insights supporting informed decision-making.
He has advised on legislative strategy across industry, finance and EU affairs, contributing to policy discussions and public debate through the preparation of briefings, speeches and communication materials, while supporting strategic positioning in complex policy environments. Earlier in his career, he developed a strong analytical and editorial foundation through his work in financial journalism, contributing to economic analysis and corporate reporting: an experience that continues to inform his evidence-based approach to policy and communication.
He currently serves as Senior Adviser for Policy and Strategic Communications, where he works on initiatives at the intersection of business, sustainability and public policy. In this role, he designs and oversees multidisciplinary projects that bring together business leaders and institutions, ensuring effective coordination, policy alignment and successful delivery. He is also co-author of a book on the stories of company founders, highlighting his interest in business narratives and leadership.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Bocconi University and further specialised through postgraduate studies, including a focus on the internationalisation of businesses and EU interdisciplinary analysis. This trajectory was most recently complemented by an Executive Master in International Politics at the CERIS Diplomatic School of Brussels, consolidating his focus on European governance and geopolitical dynamics. https://www.ceris.be/personnel/arturo-caione/

30/06/2026

Graduation Ceremony 2024-2025: The picture gallery is available at https://www.ceris.be/portfolio/graduation-ceremony-2024-2025 We thank Prof. Laura Hammond, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at SOAS - University of London, for delivering an outstanding lecture at the CERIS-Diplomatic School of Brussels on “Rethinking Development in the Context of a Changing Global Order” on Friday, June 26th, 2026.