Diplomats need to rise to skills challenge of new world order

INTERNATIONAL relations have become more complex in a globalised world, which requires skilled management and professionalism, especially on the diplomatic front, President Hifikepunye Pohamba says.

Speaking on Wednesday at State House, where four new ambassadors were sworn in, the Head of State urged the new diplomats – the first he has appointed since becoming President in March 2005 – and those already posted to “fully appreciate the new forces and realities that shape international relations and global trade today”. The traditional divide of East-West and North-South had given way to new alliances among nations, as each country pursued its political and economic interests, the President said.”In the same manner that relations between and among states have continued to evolve, so have the tools of conducting such relations.Thus, diplomacy demands more professionalism.”Namibian diplomats should keep their host countries informed about political, social and economic developments back in Namibia while promoting trade, investment, tourism, technical and cultural exchanges,” Pohamba advised.”Our independence was partly brought about as a result of sustained support from the international community and today we maintain diplomatic relations with virtually all UN member states,” Pohamba continued.”It is against this background that Namibia attaches great importance to its international relations.Our relations with other states and international organisations are critical for peace and security and the promotion of sustainable development.”Namibia’s diplomats further needed a firm understanding of regional and international organisations like the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations.”SADC and the AU are important platforms in the attainment of our regional and continental development objectives.We must seek to translate co-operation between Namibia and regional as well as international organisations into concrete developmental programmes for the enhancement of peace and development,” President Pohamba urged.Namibia faced enormous challenges like poverty, unemployment, HIV-AIDS, dealing with large numbers of orphans and vulnerable children and skills shortages, compounded by a low rate of economic growth, Pohamba emphasised.”Our diplomats are therefore expected to mobilise support from our co-operation and development partners for the implementation of our national development plans and Vision 2030.”The Foreign Affairs Ministry only came up with a foreign diplomacy policy document about three years ago under then Minister Hidipo Hamutenya, who led the ministry from 2002 to 2004.The document is entitled ‘Economic Diplomacy’ and set new targets for diplomats to promote Namibia economically.The traditional divide of East-West and North-South had given way to new alliances among nations, as each country pursued its political and economic interests, the President said.”In the same manner that relations between and among states have continued to evolve, so have the tools of conducting such relations.Thus, diplomacy demands more professionalism.”Namibian diplomats should keep their host countries informed about political, social and economic developments back in Namibia while promoting trade, investment, tourism, technical and cultural exchanges,” Pohamba advised.”Our independence was partly brought about as a result of sustained support from the international community and today we maintain diplomatic relations with virtually all UN member states,” Pohamba continued.”It is against this background that Namibia attaches great importance to its international relations.Our relations with other states and international organisations are critical for peace and security and the promotion of sustainable development.”Namibia’s diplomats further needed a firm understanding of regional and international organisations like the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations.”SADC and the AU are important platforms in the attainment of our regional and continental development objectives.We must seek to translate co-operation between Namibia and regional as well as international organisations into concrete developmental programmes for the enhancement of peace and development,” President Pohamba urged.Namibia faced enormous challenges like poverty, unemployment, HIV-AIDS, dealing with large numbers of orphans and vulnerable children and skills shortages, compounded by a low rate of economic growth, Pohamba emphasised.”Our diplomats are therefore expected to mobilise support from our co-operation and development partners for the implementation of our national development plans and Vision 2030.”The Foreign Affairs Ministry only came up with a foreign diplomacy policy document about three years ago under then Minister Hidipo Hamutenya, who led the ministry from 2002 to 2004. The document is entitled ‘Economic Diplomacy’ and set new targets for diplomats to promote Namibia economically.