Monrovia, Liberia – The Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute (FSI), an arm of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reached a significant milestone on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, as it proudly graduated the first cohort of students from its maiden “Refresher and Orientation Program.” The event marked a new chapter in the professional development of Liberian diplomats, underscoring the Institute’s commitment to enhancing the skills of those who represent the country on the global stage.
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Cllr. Deweh E. Gray gave the keynote speech and urged the graduates to use the “language of diplomacy” in all of their professional interactions. She underlined that being a diplomat is a calling that calls for commitment, enthusiasm, and constant development. “Diplomacy is a career for people who are passionate about it. Speaking on behalf of the nation is only one aspect of it; another is comprehending the complex terminology that controls international relations,” said Cllr. Gray.
She urged the graduates to continue being enthusiastic and dedicated to their work, pointing out that they play a crucial part in determining Liberia’s international standing. “As ambassadors, you represent our country internationally. Liberia as a whole is reflected in your communication, negotiation, and self-presentation,” she continued.
The Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute’s Director General, Mr. Reginald B. Goodridge, Sr., gave an overview of the curriculum and stressed the value of lifelong learning in the quickly changing world of diplomacy.
He clarified that the program was designed to help working diplomats hone their craft and stay up to date with the most recent developments in international relations. “Diplomacy is a dynamic field, constantly reshaped by new challenges and global realities such as climate change, shifts in global power, and the ever-pressing issue of balancing power among nations,” stated DG Goodridge.
The program’s goal, the Director General emphasized, was to keep Liberia’s diplomats abreast of the subtleties of contemporary diplomacy. He emphasized that the curriculum of the program must include important subjects like self-control, diplomatic etiquette, and the balance of power. “Discipline and manners are crucial in diplomacy. He pointed out that a diplomat’s ability to act with poise and dignity is just as crucial as their familiarity with the relevant topics.
Pastor Alvin E. Attah, the graduating class president and president of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) University, praised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the FSI for their efforts to improve the expertise of the nation’s diplomats. Pastor Attah emphasized that Liberia’s future in the global community will be secured by the investment in producing highly qualified foreign service officers.
“You are not only securing the future of our foreign relations but also strengthening the nation’s ability to navigate the complexities of global diplomacy with professionalism and excellence by investing in the development of highly skilled foreign service officers.”
He thanked the FSI’s leadership and mentioned how grateful the graduates are for the knowledge that was taught in the course. “We appreciate the instructors’ knowledge and commitment.” We now have the resources necessary to be successful ambassadors and proud, honest representatives of Liberia thanks to this initiative,” Pastor Attah continued.
Several luminaries graced the graduation ceremony, using the occasion to honor the graduates’ accomplishments. Mr. B. Elias Shoniyin, Dean of Cuttington University’s Graduate School of Global Affairs, and Ambassador George W. Wallace, Jr., senior advisor to the president of Liberia, were among those present. Their attendance elevated the event’s stature and highlighted the program’s importance in Liberia’s diplomatic environment.
The Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute’s “Refresher and Orientation Program” is the initial phase of a larger program to continuously improve the diplomatic corps of Liberia. The demand for knowledgeable and skilled diplomats is more than ever as Liberia negotiates a more complicated international environment.
It is anticipated that this first class of graduates will contribute new insights, improved abilities, and a revitalized sense of mission to their various positions in the Foreign Service. The FSI is still dedicated to offering top-notch training courses that address the changing demands of the global diplomatic community.
Liberia’s diplomatic staff is trained and developed at the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute, which was founded under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With an emphasis on professional development, international relations, and global diplomacy, the Institute provides a variety of programs aimed at preparing diplomats for service both domestically and overseas.
