The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad has launched a three-week intensive diplomatic training program for interns and junior staff. The initiative, conducted by Dr. Alieu S. K. Manjang, First Secretary at the Directorate of Middle East Affairs, aims to enhance participants’ understanding of diplomacy, strengthen their professional competencies, and prepare them for effective service within the Ministry and the wider foreign service.
The program covers a wide range of thematic areas, including the structure and functions of the state, diplomatic protocol and etiquette, communication and report writing, international relations and negotiation skills, foreign policy analysis, and the role of diplomacy in national development.
The opening ceremony was graced by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Mr. Sering Modou Njie, together with Directors from various Directorates of the Ministry.
Dr. Manjang, who is assisted by Mrs. Fatoumata Darboe, First Secretary at the Directorate of American Affairs, expressed his deep appreciation to the Ministry’s leadership for its unwavering support and the prompt approval of his proposal to initiate the program. He highlighted that sustained capacity-building remains vital to effective and professional diplomatic service.
In his remarks, Minister Njie commended Dr. Manjang for taking the initiative to design and implement the first training program of its kind at the Ministry. He encouraged participants to seize this valuable opportunity to build their skills and knowledge, emphasizing that similar capacity-building programs will be organized in the future to further strengthen the Ministry’s human resource development.
Participants expressed their gratitude to the Ministry for organizing such a timely and transformative program, noting that the sessions have been highly interactive, enriching, and directly relevant to their professional growth.
The training continues over the next three weeks and will feature interactive lectures, group discussions, and practical exercises aimed at equipping participants with the analytical and diplomatic skills required for effective service.