A group of four staff members from the Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs has proudly graduated from the Pacific Diplomatic Training Programme’s third cohort. This five-week course, aimed at nurturing aspiring diplomats throughout the Pacific region, is sponsored by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZMFAT) under the Manaaki Scholarships scheme, and is facilitated by Education New Zealand (ENZ).
The graduates—Mrs. Rhoda Banner, Mr. Edwin Naidu, Ms. Vilimaina Nakalevu, and Mr. Luke Letewale—demonstrated remarkable dedication during this intensive training program. The first segment was held in Wellington, New Zealand, from November 18 to December 6, 2024, followed by an additional two weeks of training in Suva, Fiji, and Apia, Samoa, starting from March 10 to March 21, 2025.
This achievement underscores the strong partnership between New Zealand and Fiji, and the Ministry expressed heartfelt gratitude to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the High Commission in Suva for their instrumental support in realizing this program. Notably, the training focuses on developing essential diplomatic competencies and facilitates the construction of a solid network of diplomatic professionals across the Blue Pacific region, which is vital for enhancing collaborative efforts to tackle foreign policy challenges.
The continuing assistance from New Zealand to Fiji and the wider Pacific was highlighted during a recent event at the New Zealand High Commission in Suva, aimed at celebrating and promoting the future diplomatic leaders from the Pacific. Such initiatives illustrate a commitment to enhancing diplomatic capacity and building relationships that contribute to regional cooperation.
This program not only equips participants with necessary skills but also fosters essential diplomacy in addressing shared challenges, emphasizing a positive outlook for the future of diplomacy in the Pacific region.
Overall, the successful graduation of these diplomats is a hopeful indication of strengthening partnerships and collaboration that can lead to impactful regional diplomacy and development.
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