The Fiji Government, is set to launch its Fiji Diplomatic Institute (FDI) in 2024/2025. The election of the coalition government in 2022, has revived plans for such an institute in Suva.

Aim

The purpose of this Fiji Diplomatic Institute (FDI) venture is,

  • To develop a concept for the establishment of a Fiji Diplomacy Institute (FDI) as a center of learning for Fijian diplomats in the global environment;

The FDI decision is to focus on strategic issues covering foreign relations, international security and diplomatic skills for Fijian diplomats. The expected FDI is to be managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), with support from the Ministry of Civil Service (MCS), and relevant government agencies.

Plan

A Fiji Diplomacy Institute (FDI) purpose is to train diplomats in Fiji’s Foreign Policy; and enhance their understanding of global priorities. The FDI resolution is to offer customized programs for Fiji and Pacific Island Countries (PICs) diplomats. Conversely, the FDI resolve is to foster good governance and leadership skills. A synopsis, is that the FDI decision will enhance performance in Fiji’s diplomatic missions.

These FDI will cater for the New Orientation Program, and a Political and Public Diplomacy component. The New Recruit Orientation program aim, is to deliver Consular Services, Protocol, Language Skills, and Office Management. The Political and Public Diplomacy direction is it to anticipate understanding of Fiji’s Foreign Policy, and identify challenges and opportunities. Conversely, additional core modules to be initiated are: Bilateral diplomacy; Public diplomacy; Economic diplomacy; International trade relations; Privileges and Immunity; Reporting and document drafting; & The basics of the United Nations organization. The additional courses to be implemented into the curriculum mainly are: Orientation Courses, Lecture Series, Special Series, and E-Learning.

The Curriculum highlights are its: Multilingual Communication; Regional Studies & Diplomacy; Tech in Diplomacy; Leadership (Training for New, Mid-Career Diplomats, and Senior Diplomats); Official Procedures (Protocol & Consular Services); and the Legal Framework (International Law & Treaties).

During the inception of diplomats, they will have to undergo pre-departure training, and resource planning. The pre departure training will include diplomatic craft (Practice, & negotiation techniques). Conversely it will include regional dynamics (Geo-politics, crisis management, and cultural awareness). The resource planning component will implement budget coordination, and its post approval.

During the inception, the following will be considered the personnel (number of diplomats, and course coordinators); guest lecturers (guest lecturers, invites to foreign diplomats); training costs (cost analysis); and logistics (venue, materials, and instructor salaries).