Fiji Participates in The Pacific Diplomatic Training Programme in NZ

New Zealand’s enduring partnership with the Pacific family continues to create valuable opportunities for professional development and capacity building, with three officers from the Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) currently undertaking diplomatic training in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand.

Mr Daniel Savua, Mr Nikhil Chand and Mr Iliavi Bose are representing our nation at the Pacific Diplomatic Training Programme, held from 19 October to 6 November 2026.

MFAET’s participation reflects the continued strengthening of Fiji–New Zealand relations, particularly in advancing institutional cooperation, diplomatic excellence and the professional development of Fiji’s foreign service.

The three-week programme brings together early-career diplomats from 13 Pacific Island countries, alongside representatives of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), Australia and New Zealand, fostering regional cooperation, knowledge exchange and stronger professional networks.

Through practitioner-led training, participants will attain expertise in key areas of modern diplomacy, including international law and treaty-making, multilateral negotiations, climate change and climate finance, regional security, trade policy, protocol and consular services, strategic communications, and Pacific regional architecture. The programme also incorporates Te Ao Māori perspectives in diplomacy.

Beyond professional development, the programme provides an important platform to deepen people-to-people connections, strengthen diplomatic networks and affirms Fiji and New Zealand’s shared commitment to building a competent, connected and resilient Pacific foreign service.

MFAET acknowledges the New Zealand Government and programme partners for their continued investment in Pacific diplomatic capacity building. This initiative further demonstrates the value of Fiji–New Zealand cooperation in empowering the next generation of diplomats to navigate emerging regional and global challenges.

The Ministry extends its best wishes to the three officers and all participating diplomats for a productive and enriching training experience!

Delivered through the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Thematic Short Term Training Scholarships (TSTTS), the programme is supported by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZMFAT) and administered by Education New Zealand (ENZ), in collaboration with Kāpuhipuhi Wellington Uni-Professional and Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.