Ministry Acknowledges NZMFAT for Facilitating the Pacific Diplomatic Training Programme
Jun 25, 2024
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has acknowledged the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) for the opportunity provided to the cohort of five (5) MFA staff who graduated last week at the completion of five (5) weeks training undertaken through Second Cohort of the Pacific Diplomatic Training Programme.
The group of 5 MFA staff were among the 28 participants from neighboring Pacific Island Nations (Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Nauru) that participated in the training programme sponsored by the NZMFAT as part of Fiji-NZ cooperation.
The 3-week block second residential training programme was held at the Victoria University of Wellington’s Pipitea campus in New Zealand from Monday 15 April to Friday 3 May 2024, and a further 2-week block training was delivered at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) in Suva from Wednesday12th to Friday 21st June 2024.
The Pacific Diplomatic Training Programme was first piloted in October 2023, with six (6) MFA staff having completed their 3-week block training in New Zealand, followed by the 2- week block training delivered in Papua New Guinea.
The Programme Director and senior New Zealand diplomat with the NZ MFAT Ms. Jan Henderson said the training provided an opportunity for new generation of Pacific island diplomats to hone their diplomatic tradecraft, network and share perspectives while enhancing their diplomatic skills to best serve the interests of their Pacific countries by influencing decision making in the international and regional negotiations.
The training provided strategic overview of the Pacific region, while covering global issues such as ocean-climate nexus, and disaster risk management, with emphasis on trade and economy, and development coordination with global and regional partners.
It further focused on foreign policy development and the Pacific regional architecture with initiatives supported by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) for instance the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Further, Ms. Henderson thanked the Government of Fiji for the kind hospitality accorded during the two weeks programme that recently concluded in Suva. In particular, she thanked the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr Lesikimacuata Korovavala and Fiji MFA Team for their unwavering support rendered to the programme and also congratulated all the participants for their dedication to the training programme.
Ms. Henderson said from this training the Pacific’s new generation of diplomats will now be able to effectively represent their countries and be the Pacific’s voice at international forums.
On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua, the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Lesikimacuata Korovavala thanked the New Zealand Government for facilitating this timely and unique training programme for the Pacific diplomats.
PS Korovavala said this training initiative demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment and cooperation in advancing regional prosperity and development.
He congratulated the MFA staff for completing the 5 week- training programme and thanked them for representing Fiji well at this training programme.
Ministry Celebrates Staff Academic Achievements
Published On: 22/12/2023
In a special occasion today, the Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognized and celebrated the academic achievements of its staff.
On behalf of the Ministry, Permanent Secretary Dr Lesikimacuata Korovavala congratulated the staff for their commitment and perseverance in attaining their educational qualification.
Dr. Korovavala emphasised the importance of education in workforce development. He also reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to supporting staff in their career development through scholarships and training programs in their areas of professional engagements.
He underscored the criticalness of cutting-edge skills in an increasingly competitive operating environment. Conversely, Dr Korovavala reminded staff that while qualification is important in their professional journey, respect, honesty, loyalty to the institution, Ministry and Government, key values of the civil service, are indispensable.
Dr. Korovavala took the opportunity to thank the staff for their commitment and service during the year and conveyed the well wishes of the Ministers and Management to the staff and their families for Christmas and the New Year.
It was a proud yet emotional moment for Ms. Vakaoca Kedrayate, who shared her experience while accomplishing her Masters in Law (LLM), majoring in International Law, Security and Strategic Studies at the University of Aberdeen, in United Kingdom (UK).
Ms. Kedrayate dedicated her success to her late mother who passed away during the course of her study. On behalf of the Ministry staff, Ms. Kedrayate expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation to PS Dr. Korovavala for recognising the academic achievements of the staff while encouraging others to take the challenge and realise their aspirations.
Today the Ministry celebrated the academic achievements of the following staff:
1. Ms. Vakaoca Kedrayate graduated with a Masters in Law (LLM,) majoring in International Law, Security & Strategic Studies from the University of Aberteen, UK. Ms. Kedrayate is also a Chevening scholarship recipient.
2. Ms. Sokoveti Naiyaga graduated with a Masters of Arts, Politics, Governance & Public Policy from the University of Sheffield. Ms. Naiyaga who is also a Chevening Scholarship recipient was awarded the Prize for Excellence in Politics, Governance and Public Policy from the University of Sheffield’s Department of Politics and International Relations. She was jointly awarded the Bethan Reeves Memorial Prize for Best Dissertation in her department.
3. Mr. Sameer Khan, graduated with Masters in Information Technology from the University of the South Pacific. Mr. Khan was awarded a gold medal for his accomplishment.
4. Mr. Nikhil Chand graduated with a Master of Commerce majoring in management and public administration from the University of the South Pacific and a second Masters in International Relations & Diplomacy from the University of Fiji.
5. Ms. Aliti Radevo who completed her second degree and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) as well as completed her Professional Diploma in Legal Practice (PDLP) from the University of the South Pacific.
6. Ms. Yvonne Osborne graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce in Management Studies, HRM and Industrial Relations from the Fiji National University