Building Fiji’s Future Diplomats: Minister Ditoka Inspires Next Generation of Leaders

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Honourable Sakiasi Ditoka, has underscored the importance of investing in aspiring young diplomats to strengthen Fiji’s diplomatic capabilities and expand its global engagement.

The Minister made these remarks as Chief Guest at the graduation ceremony of the Junior Diplomacy Training Programme (JDTP), organised by the United Nations Association of Fiji (UNA Fiji) at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Suva on Friday 30th October 2026.

The ceremony marked the successful completion of the four-month programme, which equipped 26 young people with foundational knowledge and practical skills in diplomacy, international relations, negotiation and global citizenship.

Congratulating the graduates, Hon. Ditoka commended their dedication and hard work, urging them to remain confident in their abilities and committed to their aspirations, and potential to become Fiji’s future diplomats and leaders.

Outlining Fiji’s foreign policy priorities, the Minister highlighted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade’s (MFAET) role as Fiji’s gateway to the world, connecting the nation with strategic opportunities, international partnerships and cooperation that deliver tangible benefits for its people.

He emphasised Fiji’s strategic position in the Pacific and its potential to strengthen the country’s role as a regional hub, expand trade, attract investment and forge partnerships that drive economic growth and national development.

Hon. Ditoka also highlighted the vital work of Fiji’s diplomatic missions abroad in advancing the country’s national interests. He noted that Fijian diplomats play a critical role in strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, supporting Fijians living overseas, and advancing national priorities in trade and investment, climate resilience, peace and security, and sustainable development.

The Minister stressed that diplomacy extends beyond representing Fiji at international meetings. It is about building lasting relationships, creating opportunities and ensuring that Fiji’s voice is heard, its interests are protected and its contributions are respected on the global stage.

Acknowledging UNA Fiji’s commitment to youth development, Hon. Ditoka reaffirmed MFAET’s support for initiatives that nurture diplomatic talent, strengthen leadership capabilities and prepare young people to contribute meaningfully to Fiji’s international engagement.

Drawing on his own experiences and journey in diplomacy, the Minister shared personal insights and words of encouragement, urging the graduates to continue to believe in themselves, pursue their ambitions with confidence and embrace the opportunities available to them. He reminded them that they, too, could one day represent Fiji on the world stage.

UNA Fiji President and Founder, Mr Akmal Ali, thanked the Minister for his inspirational message and reaffirmed UNA Fiji’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with MFAET to advance initiatives that promote diplomacy, leadership and global cooperation. Reflecting on UNA Fiji’s journey from a tent at USP to the global stage, Mr Akmal encouraged the students to never underestimate where their journey can take them.

The graduation highlighted the importance of investing in young people to secure Fiji’s diplomatic future. Through sustained collaboration between Government, educational institutions and organisations such as UNA Fiji, Fiji can nurture a new generation of knowledgeable, capable and committed diplomats equipped to advance the nation’s interests and proudly represent Fiji on the world stage.