The new diplomacy and international affairs programme at the University of the South Pacific will assist Government to have more trained capacity for negotiations says the USP Vice Chancellor, Professor Rajesh Chandra.
“A major need in the Pacific Islands is for us to assist the Government to have more trained capacity to negotiate competently and confidently for their interest and this is where this programme is expected to make a major contribution,” Professor Chandra said.
Initially, when he joined the university, Professor Chandra indicated to the Dean of Faculty of Business and Economics the importance for USP to develop very quickly programmes that would address needs in the area of diplomacy, international relations, and negotiations.
“I am pleased that through the hard work of the school, the dean and other members, these programmes have been developed, and they have been through the quality assurance processes of the university, approved by senate and very happily approved by the council,” the Vice Chancellor added.
This new programme will also address the regional demand and he hopes that the USP will through its commitment, sustain and expand these programmes.
“I would like to see that as the announcement by USP of its commitment to sustain these programmes, to expand these programme and to find opportunity with the forum secretariat, the national government and with other organisations to ensure that there is a rapid movement in providing the support that Pacific Island countries need,” Professor Chandra said.
“These programmes will be made available in each country so that people don’t have to leave their jobs.”
Professor Chandra is adamant the USP will address important issues such as international relations, diplomacy and particularly focusing on negotiations through this programme.
The programme will be offered at USP from 2011.