VoDIAn independent voice in a more complex world
Voice of Diplomacy Institute is a non-profit, independent and non-partisan global think tank, research institute and diplomatic platform dedicated to advancing dialogue, policy innovation and international cooperation through diplomacy, research and strategic engagement.
VoDI connects ideas, people and institutions to build a more cooperative, sustainable and globally connected world.
The Institute addresses the world’s most pressing challenges and promotes sustainable solutions and mutual understanding among nations and stakeholders. It bridges governments, international organizations, academia and the private sector, fostering collaboration and strategic thinking in an increasingly complex world.
Founded and headquartered in Hargeisa, Somaliland, VoDI is Africa-focused with global relevance — working across diplomacy, aviation, climate and energy.
The people responsible for the Institute's direction, and the governance behind them.
Leadership teamThe questions the Institute works on, and what it publishes.
Research & analysisCo-convene, commission research, or bring a programme to your institution.
Contact the Institute
Governments, multilateral bodies and industry meet at the Institute.
VoDI bridges governments, international organizations, academia and the private sector — convening the people whose cooperation turns research and dialogue into policy. Its work spans diplomacy, aviation, climate and energy, from Hargeisa outwards.
Governance, accountability and fiduciary oversight of the Institute.
The boardIndependent expert advice on research, policy and institutional development.
The advisory boardThe standards the Institute holds itself to, and how it approaches its work.
Values and principlesDialogue, research and training reinforce one another.
The Institute runs as a single platform rather than three separate efforts. What is argued in a convening becomes research; what the research finds is taught through the Academy; and what practitioners learn feeds the next conversation.
What we are working towards
To become a leading global platform and think tank shaping the future of diplomacy, cooperation and sustainable development.
Advancing diplomacy by fostering inclusive dialogue, building expertise and driving collaborative solutions to global and regional challenges.
- Promote inclusive and strategic diplomatic dialogue
- Strengthen diplomatic capacity and leadership
- Generate policy-oriented research and insights
- Foster partnerships for global and regional solutions
What sets VoDI apart
A single platform where convening, research and training reinforce one another.- Dialogue, research and training in one platform
- Emerging fields: aviation, energy and climate diplomacy
- Bridges policy and practice
- Africa-focused with global relevance
- Multi-stakeholder, inclusive and non-partisan
A dual model
Diplomatic Platform
A convening space for dialogue, engagement and collaboration.
- Diplomatic forums and roundtables
- Conferences and policy dialogues
- Capacity building and training for individuals and organizations
- Track II diplomacy initiatives
Think Tank & Institute
A centre for research, analysis and policy innovation.
- Policy research and publications
- Strategic advisory and analysis
- Policy papers and policy briefs
- Data-driven insights for decision-makers
How the Institute is organised
Work is delivered through seven departments, under the Founder & CEO and the Institute's governance.Diplomatic practice, negotiation and the leadership capacity of the institutions that carry it out.
What it doesAir connectivity, aviation policy and regulation, and the diplomacy between authorities, carriers and industry bodies.
What it doesClimate negotiation, the energy transition, and cooperation on the questions that cross borders by nature.
What it doesProfessional and certified training in diplomacy, negotiation, leadership and the Institute's specialist fields.
What it doesPolicy-oriented research, analysis and the publications through which the Institute puts evidence in front of decision-makers.
What it doesRelationships with governments, multilateral institutions, donors, universities and industry.
What it doesThe Institute's public voice — press, publications and the Voice of Diplomacy podcast.
What it doesThe Institute’s wider network of diplomats, researchers and practitioners is listed under Experts.
Core values and guiding principles
Core values
The standards we hold ourselves to.
- Integrity
- Professionalism
- Peace
- Respect
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Leadership
- Excellence
Guiding principles
How we approach our work.
- Dialogue over division
- Evidence-based policy
- Neutrality and independence
- Inclusivity — youth, women and marginalised communities
- Global citizenship
- Sustainability
- Knowledge sharing
- Impact-oriented action
Legal & institutional model
VoDI operates as a think tank and research institute under a hybrid model.
- Think tank and research institute
- Advisory and professional services provider
- Registered as an international policy institute
Press and media enquiries
Media enquiries go to info@vodinstitute.org or by WhatsApp on +252 634 132 462. The Institute does not operate a separate press office, so enquiries reach the team directly.
Career and internship
The Institute is not currently advertising any posts. Speculative applications and internship enquiries are still welcome — particularly from people working in diplomacy, aviation, climate and energy policy, or research.
Send a CV and a short note on the area you want to work in to admin@vodinstitute.org. Applications are read as they arrive; there is no closing date because there is no open call.
Contact the Institute
General enquiries, the Founder & CEO's office, programmes and research each have their own route.Who we work with
Current partners
Work with the Institute
We collaborate with governments, multilateral institutions, universities and the private sector on research, dialogue and training.