FIJI ELECTED AS VICE CHAIR OF THE 80TH COMMISSION SESSION OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (ESCAP80)
22/04/2024
PM Rabuka Meets with Samoan Minister for Public Enterprises: Discussions Focus on Regional Collaboration
23/04/2024Published On: 23/04/2024
The Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) expresses its appreciation to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) for the opportunity provided to the cohort of five (5) MFA staff who are currently participating in three weeks of Pacific Diplomacy Training Programme at the Victoria University of Wellington’s Pipitea campus in New Zealand from Monday 15 April to Friday 3 May 2024.
Fijian participants are among the Pacific Islands participants from Papua New Guinea (PNG), Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and Palau. The participants are part of the 3-week block second residential training programme, delivered in New Zealand and a further 2-week block to be delivered in Suva, in July this year.
On behalf of MFA, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr Lesikimacuata Korovavala thanked the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) for its support in providing Pacific centered training which also promotes knowledge, networking and diplomatic skills that responds to the emerging complex international environment.
PS Korovavala said this initiative demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to reinforcing partnerships with the Pacific as well as enhancing regional diplomacy.
Expressing similar sentiments, the New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji, Her Excellency Ms. Charlotte Darlow emphasised the value such training holds for enhancing knowledge and capacity development of public service officials.
Ms Darlow said New Zealand is committed to continue supporting professional development training opportunities that offer several benefits such as negotiation skills, strategic thinking, and effective communications, which together contribute to the effectiveness of officials in their roles.
The New Zealand High Commission, Suva, Fiji (NZHC) and Fiji’s Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs congratulates Fiji’s participants and underscored the importance of completing the 5 weeks’ Pacific Diplomatic Training Programme.
The training was first piloted in October 2023, with six MFA staff having completed their 3-week block training in New Zealand and then 2-block training in PNG. They described the training programme as comprehensive, informative and empowering, covering key areas in diplomacy with bilateral, regional and multilateral focus.
The program provides officials with knowledge and expertise in the diplomatic tradecraft that enhances their skills on the global rules-based order and regional peace, trade and prosperity, nation building, foreign policy formulation and deliveries, negotiation, and building and managing partnerships among nations. Notably, the Pacific Diplomacy Training Programme aims to build capacity in the Pacific foreign services by encouraging closer collaboration amongst Pacific diplomats and officials.
This introductory-level course on diplomacy and foreign services in the Pacific, is sponsored by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) through its Manaaki Scholarships scheme as managed by Education New Zealand (ENZ). Utilising a practitioner-led approach, this training programme focuses on applied diplomacy skills and knowledge for foreign services officers working in international diplomacy.
#peoplescoalition #FijiNews #GovernmentNews #FijiGovernment
