Fiji is confronted with a significant challenge in revitalizing its fundamental institutions, as years of military governance and the loss of institutional knowledge due to retirements and emigrations have weakened many critical sectors. This deterioration has diminished their skill sets and reduced their ability to provide transparent and knowledgeable counsel to the government.
This issue was emphasized in Fiji’s Foreign Policy White Paper 2024, which was unveiled at the Grand West Pacific Hotel in Suva on Monday. The report asserts that robust institutions are essential for effective governance, relevant not only to foreign policy but to all facets of government operations.
The document states that “an effective foreign policy necessitates an efficient Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and a network of diplomatic missions that have explicit objectives, rigorous performance evaluations, and the appropriate tradecraft and analytical expertise.”
To address this, plans are underway for strategic recruitment and skills training, aiming to cultivate a professional cadre of Fijian diplomats. This initiative will be supported by the establishment of a Diplomatic Training Centre within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The report emphasizes that diplomacy should be recognized as a profession and envisions the centre eventually serving as a training hub for diplomats from the region, particularly for small island nations with limited diplomatic capabilities.
Additionally, the report outlines that diplomatic tradecraft encompasses the skills necessary to identify interests, forge relationships, analyze issues in the context of Fiji’s national interests, leverage social and other networks to promote these interests, and keep the government informed of external developments affecting Fiji.
The document highlights that skills such as negotiating trade agreements, attracting foreign investments, understanding market access challenges, and comprehending the needs of foreign investors are critical for advancing Fiji’s international objectives. All these competencies necessitate a deep understanding of Fiji’s economic landscape, including growth drivers, risk areas, and the intersection of domestic and international policy.
Furthermore, Fiji’s diplomatic missions are deemed integral to the success of its foreign policy efforts.