The Foreign Service Academy has held the inaugural session of 37th Specialised Diplomatic Course here on Wednesday, in which a group of 26 Foreign Service probationers from 44th Common Training Programme were participating.
The current batch has 50pc female representation, which is the highest in the history of the foreign service of Pakistan, the Foreign Office said in a statement.
Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq Fatemi gave the inaugural talk at the course, which is a nine-month long intensive graduate-level programme designed for new entrants into the foreign service.
He shared with the probationers the historical perspective of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy and the challenges confronting the nation in the 21st century.
He also underlined the remarkable promise that this century holds for Pakistan, in terms of opportunities for economic growth and development, while urging the trainees to work diligently to realise those promises.
He emphasised that as representatives of a modern, moderate, democratic Islamic state, it was incumbent upon them to promote a culture of moderation, tolerance, and compassion.
He also advised them to understand the nuances of various developments taking place in the region and beyond, and to appreciate their significance.
The Specialised Diplomatic Course is the signature training programme of the Foreign Service Academy, aimed at broadening the knowledge and intellectual base of trainees, promoting cross-cultural understanding and developing their analytical and public relations skills.
Since its establishment in September 1981, the academy has been imparting diplomatic training to Pakistani, as well as diplomats from friendly countries. In addition to training of Pakistani diplomats, the academy has trained 1277 diplomats from 101 countries; many of them are now serving in senior positions in their respective countries.