Training institute for diplomats gets modern facility

Harare (New Ziana) – The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works on Wednesday handed over a new building to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade at the Zimbabwe Foreign Institute Service (ZFIS), to be used to train the country’s diplomats.

Speaking at the hand-over ceremony, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Frederick Shava said the facility will come in handy in developing a professional and competent foreign service that effectively
represented the country’s interests and values abroad.

Construction of the building started in 2019, and completed this year.

“This is indeed a befitting occasion, one that will forever be remembered in the history of milestones achieved by the Ministry. I am confident that you all agree with me that this is top-notch and world class construction, that arguably shifts architectural practices to a new direction and exudes a blend of refined cultural and modern
engineering,” Shava said.

He commended President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa for supporting the project, and called him the country’s chief diplomat for pioneering and leading the country’s engagement and re-engagement efforts.

Shava said the institute was playing a key role in the diplomatic service of the country by training its foreign service staff, that were the face of Zimbabwe around the world.

“In today’s rapidly changing global landscape, the role of diplomacy has never been more critical. The challenges facing our world today, ranging from pandemics to climate change, require a new form of diplomacy that
is innovative, agile, and dynamic,” he said.

“Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to equip our diplomats with the tools and resources they need to navigate complex situations and to find solutions that work,” he said.

Shava said the Zimbabwe Foreign Service Institute will not only enhance the capacity of the diplomats, but also serve as a platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration with international partners.

He said it was his hope that the Institute will foster greater understanding and cooperation amongst nations and contribute towards building a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.

He urged the institute to form synergies with similar institutes from other countries.

Local Government and Public Works Minister, Winston Chitando said the completion of the building under the Second Republic was testimony of the seriousness with which the government aimed to ensure the country achieved upper middle income economy status by 2030.

“This institute was conceptualized way back in the 80’s but only to be constructed under the 2nd republic. This is because of the vision to become an upper middle income economy by 2030 and this is irreversible,” he said.

“This institute is part of the journey to achieve the vision not only because of its modern architectural infrastructure but also along with the products that will be trained here who will be able to offer world
class services,” he said.

The institute saw its first trainees graduating a fortnight ago.

New Ziana