NZ Pacific Diplomatic Training Programme concludes in Honiara, strengthening regional diplomacy and partnerships
The New Zealand Pacific Diplomatic Training Programme has successfully concluded in Honiara, bringing together 32 diplomats from 13 Pacific Island countries, alongside representatives from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Australia, and New Zealand.
Funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade under the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme, Pacific Diplomatic Training is designed to strengthen diplomacy across the Pacific and foster lasting regional networks. It provides early-career foreign service officers with practical knowledge and skills to take forward in their diplomatic careers.
The five-week residential programme was delivered in two modules, with the first component held in Wellington New Zealand, followed by a visit to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva and a bilateral exchange in Honiara from 19–27 March.
While in Honiara, participants took part in a series of engagements to learn more about Solomon Islands’ approach to diplomacy, including meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade and National Parliament. The cohort also had the opportunity to engage with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, Australian High Commission and Regional Eye Centre, as well as visiting HALO Trust and Bloody Ridge to learn more about the ongoing impact of remnants of war in the Pacific region.
Training sessions were led by senior New Zealand foreign policy practitioners, including Ambassador Rosemary Banks, one of New Zealand’s most experienced diplomats. Ambassador Banks previously served in Solomon Islands and has held senior roles including Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jonathan Curr, said the programme reflected New Zealand’s commitment to regional leadership. “Hosting this programme in Solomon Islands highlights the importance of Pacific-led learning and regional collaboration for diplomacy. It has been a privilege to see diplomats engaging deeply with regional institutions and each other.’ Mr Curr said.
Hosted by Te Herenga Wellington Uni-Professionals team led by Maciu Raivoka, the programme emphasised Pacific values of respect, service, humility, and relationship. Participants also contributed their own professional and cultural experiences, creating a collaborative and regionally grounded learning environment.
SOURCE: PRESS RELEASE
