Pacific diplomats strengthen ties through New Zealand training

Pacific diplomats are in New Zealand for a three-week training programme aimed at strengthening the region's diplomatic capabilities and building closer relationships between Pacific governments.

The Pacific Diplomatic Training Programme, running in Wellington from 19 October to 6 November, brings together early-career officials from 13 Pacific Island countries, alongside representatives from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Australia and New Zealand.

The New Zealand-funded initiative is designed to equip emerging diplomats with practical skills to navigate increasingly complex regional and international challenges.

Training covers international law and treaty-making, multilateral negotiations, climate change and climate finance, regional security, trade policy, consular services and strategic communications.

Participants also explore the Pacific's regional institutions and Te Ao Māori perspectives on diplomacy.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), an earlier phase of the initiative in 2023–24 brought together 30 officials from nine Pacific countries for training in Wellington, Port Moresby and Suva.

Pacific diplomats attending a three-week training programme in Wellington meet New Zealand Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Bede Corry (front row, centre) to strengthen regional cooperation and diplomatic ties. Photo/Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.

In its latest annual report, MFAT says 32 officials from across the Pacific completed diplomatic training during the 2025–26 reporting year.

The initiative supports the wider ambitions of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which identifies regional cooperation, security and resilience as priorities for Pacific governments.

Among those taking part are three officers from Fiji's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade: Daniel Savua, Nikhil Chand and Iliavi Bose.

In a statement, the ministry says their participation reflects the strengthening of Fiji–New Zealand relations, particularly in diplomatic training and institutional cooperation.

Nikhil Chand (from the left to rignt), Iliavi Bose and Daniel Savua during their visit to Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Photo/Fiji's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade

It says the programme provides opportunities to strengthen professional relationships across the region and reaffirms the two countries' "shared commitment to building a competent, connected and resilient Pacific foreign service".

Beyond formal training, the programme provides opportunities for diplomats to exchange experiences, develop professional networks and strengthen relationships that could support future cooperation between their countries.

The programme is delivered through the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Thematic Short Term Training Scholarships, supported by MFAT and administered by Education New Zealand in collaboration with Kāpuhipuhi Wellington Uni-Professional and Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.