Suva, Fiji, Today, the U.S. Embassy applauded the achievements of 21 emerging leaders who successfully completed the Basic Diplomacy Training Programme with the United Nations (UN) Association of Fiji. In one of his first official engagements, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) John Degory hosted the trainees for a graduation ceremony at the U.S. Embassy, commending them for completing the 15-week course.
“The United States is proud to partner with the UN Association of Fiji on a programme that not only trains and equips young people with problem solving, writing, and public speaking skills, but is also a steppingstone to exciting and expanded professional opportunities,” he said.
DCM Degory noted that diplomacy involves fostering understanding between peoples, building relationships, and resolving conflicts through peaceful means. He noted that the graduates of the Basic Diplomacy Training Programme will be better equipped to serve their country, their region, and their world achieve the security, prosperity, and dignity that all people deserve. He also highlighted that the trainees’ learning wasn’t confined to the classroom.
“It is commendable that in addition to your classroom learning, you engaged in a community service project planting mangroves in Sigatoka. Protecting our coastal areas maintains the health of our marine ecosystems and plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change,” he said.
In celebrating and congratulating the graduates, DCM Degory encouraged them to use their new skills in personal and professional pursuits and to seize opportunities to network and apply what they have learned in daily engagements.
The Embassy supported this year’s UN Association of Fiji Basic Diplomacy Training Program with a Public Diplomacy Small Grant of FJD31,000 (US$14,000). This training promotes democracy and a secure, stable, and resilient Pacific region.