Hon. Ditoka officiates the establishment of Fiji’s first diplomatic academy

In a landmark achievement for Fiji’s foreign services, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka today officially launched Fiji’s Diplomatic Academy located at the Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service (FLIPS) in Nasese, Suva. The first of such initiative for Fiji, aims to provide professional training and capacity building for Fijian diplomats and civil servants.

The inauguration of the Academy coincides with the 3 -day Political Economy Analysis (PEA) Training facilitated by the Asia Foundation for 21 civil servants. The programme is made possible through a joint cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), Public Service Commission (PSC), FLIPS and the Asia Foundation.

In his remarks, Hon. Ditoka acknowledged the collaborative support that led to the establishment of Fiji’s Diplomatic Academy and the PEA Training for the civil servants – stating that work is also in progress with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to develop more trainings contextualized to best suit our needs.
Hon. Ditoka highlighted that as Fiji continues to navigate through global and regional engagements in a contested strategic landscape, having an effective diplomacy with strategic capability across government strengthens our ability to act coherently, confidently, and in the national interests.

Further, Hon. Ditoka said the PEA Training offers a valuable opportunity for Fiji Government officials to build practical skills and insights that can be applied directly to their work and similar training opportunities will be provided through Fiji’s Diplomatic Academy.

In conclusion, Hon. Ditoka wished the participants well in their training, stating that the insights and knowledge gained will help them in their professional development and will ultimately advance Fiji’s diplomacy, governance, and engagements with the world.

In his remarks, PSC Chairman Mr Luke Rokovada said programme delivered at the Academy reflects a deliberate investment by the Commission in strengthening the quality of leadership, judgement, and decision-making across the public service.

The training at the Diplomatic Academy will be coordinated by Fiji MFAET and Ministry of Civil Service and PSC.