There is a need for effective, visionary and well trained diplomats in the areas of conflict prevention, promotion of trade, commerce and development prospects and to champion climate change and global peace and harmony, says Public Service permanent secretary, Parmesh Chand.
He made the comments this morning as he opened the 6th Induction Course for the Diplomatic Services at the PSC’s Centre for Training and Development in Nasese, Suva.
Mr Chand said that in this globalized world it is not easy being a diplomat however what is needed are diplomats who are well qualified to understand that peace, stability and prosperity are truly indivisible.
The week long training is being conducted by His Excellency the Ambassador of Fiji to Japan Mr Isikeli Mataitoga.
Mr Chand said that since the course’s inception in 2011, more than 147 officers in the public service have been trained. It has expanded to include civil servants from around the region and more recently, participants from Fiji’s private sector.
“For this 6th course, we also extended invitations on a limited basis to allow qualified candidates from the private sector in Fiji to participate in this training programme. We are pleased that we have three such participants in this 6th course,” Mr Chand said.
This, he said, is in line with the 2013 Constitution wherein appointments into the public service inter-alia area based on ability, education, experience and other characteristics of merit.
Mr Chand urged the participants to learn as much as they could from the workshop and use the knowledge to further enhance their skills.
“There is investment involved on part of the Government in running this course. Like with any investment, we would like to see optimal returns from the sacrifices you will be making as well as the public service and Fiji as a whole.”
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