To further raise the standards of diplomatic services abroad , Government is focusing on capacity building for its government officials.
A second round of Diplomatic Service Induction course was held today at the Government Training Centre organised by the Public Service Commission where government officials went through the course on how to serve at our foreign missions.
Public Service Commission permanent secretary Mr Parmesh Chand said the course has become popular especially at a time when Fiji is trying its best to improve its engagements with the rest of the world.
The course was opened by the University of the South Pacific lecturer in both under graduate studies and supervisor for post-graduate programs Dr Akanisi Kedrayate.
Dr Kedrayate who has had experience in consultancy work for the region, collaborations with International agencies, is a lecturer at the University of the South Pacific and chairperson for various institutions in Fiji said that rapid changes are taking place through globalisation thus the need to train diplomats in foreign missions.
“We want individuals selected for foreign missions to be passionate and knowledgeable in a range of subjects and not only in diplomatic relations,” Dr Kedrayate said.
She said as diplomats, one is required to be more open and motivated to establish ties in the areas of trade, tourism and much more.
She stressed participants from the course will be the ones selected from a pool of officers for Fiji missions abroad.
Participants will be going through topics such as foreign policy, International environment, role and management of foreign missions and building political relations.
A total of 34 participants from various ministries are going through the Induction Service course with Fiji’s Ambassador to Japan, Mr Isikeli Mataitoga designing and packaging the training course.
Participants at the Diplomatic Service Induction Course