Diplomatic Academy launched to strengthen Fiji’s global engagement

Fiji has taken a major step to strengthen its diplomatic capability with the launch of its first Diplomatic Academy, aimed at building a more skilled, confident and strategic foreign service.

The academy was officially launched yesterday by Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Sakiasi Ditoka at the Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service (FLIPS) in Suva.

Mr Ditoka said the establishment of the Diplomatic Academy marked an important milestone for Fiji’s foreign service, providing structured professional training and capacity building for diplomats and civil servants as the country navigates an increasingly complex regional and global environment.

The launch coincided with a three-day Political Economy Analysis (PEA) training programme attended by 21 civil servants. The training was delivered through a partnership involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, the Public Service Commission, FLIPS and The Asia Foundation.

Mr Ditoka said further tailored diplomatic training was also being developed in collaboration with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), reflecting Fiji’s commitment to strengthening its international engagement.

Public Service Commission chairman Luke Rokovada said the academy represented a deliberate investment in leadership, sound judgement and informed decision-making across the public service.

Training under the Diplomatic Academy will be coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, the Ministry of Civil Service and the Public Service Commission.