The Namibia School of Diplomatic Studies (NSDS) graduated its first cohort, marking a significant advancement in the country’s diplomatic capabilities. Minister Peya Mushelenga emphasized the role of diplomacy in foreign policy and highlighted the NSDS’s effective instructional approach along with remarkable student success. Mushelenga urged graduates to apply their skills in their diplomatic careers while promoting adaptability in training institutions to meet evolving needs.
The Namibia School of Diplomatic Studies (NSDS), a collaboration between the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation and the University of Namibia, aims to enhance the country’s diplomatic capabilities. Its inaugural graduating cohort marks a significant step in fortifying Namibia’s diplomatic corps, as announced during the graduation ceremony on Monday.
Peya Mushelenga, Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, emphasized the critical role of diplomacy in promoting the nation’s foreign policy and international reputation. He referenced the historical significance of diplomatic academies, noting their influence since the Vienna Diplomatic Academy was established in 1754.
According to Minister Mushelenga, these academies are essential for providing students with negotiation skills and the expertise to analyze political and economic contexts effectively. The NSDS exemplifies this model by merging theoretical instruction with practical experiences, which includes mentorship from seasoned diplomats.
The minister praised the NSDS for employing experienced diplomats as instructors, emphasizing the invaluable knowledge they bring from their careers as heads of missions and in diplomatic roles. He also highlighted Namibia’s active participation in multilateral diplomacy, specifically mentioning its involvement in the African Union Peace and Security Council and contributions to the United Nations.
Mushelenga cited Ambassador Neville Gertze’s role in co-facilitating the Pact of the Future, a United Nations initiative aimed at fostering sustainable peace. He stressed that the rapidly changing landscape of diplomacy necessitates that training institutions remain flexible and adapt course offerings to various career stages while upholding high academic standards.
The minister encouraged the NSDS to pursue membership in the International Forum on Diplomatic Training, which unites diplomatic academies from over 60 countries. He also commended the graduates for their dedication, revealing a remarkable 92% pass rate across the school’s three intakes, comparable to completion rates at the esteemed Diplo Academy in Malta.
Mushelenga urged graduates to leverage their new skills in their diplomatic careers, advising that they demonstrate improvements in their performance as a testament to their enhanced training.
The inaugural graduation of the Namibia School of Diplomatic Studies marks a crucial milestone in strengthening the country’s diplomatic capacity. Minister Peya Mushelenga highlighted the importance of diplomacy and praised the NSDS for its effective teaching methods, experienced faculty, and impressive student success. The encouragement to adapt to the evolving diplomatic landscape and the call for international collaboration underpins the school’s commitment to excellence in diplomatic training. Graduates are urged to contribute positively to Namibia’s foreign relations using their acquired skills.
Original Source: www.observer24.com.na
