As part of the technical cooperation between France and Uganda, a two-day training workshop for Ugandan diplomats and students of International Relations and Diplomatic studies, organised in association with the prestigious French National School of Administration (ENA), took place at the Victoria University Kampala from 19th to 20th May 2016.
The sessions were conducted by Mr. Alessandro GIORGINI, Deputy Director of Communication and Press at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development. The aim was to enhance the capacity of the students in public administration and diplomacy and to discuss with diplomats on the use of new digital technology as game-changer in diplomacy.
The participants included Ugandan diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and students enrolled for International Relations and Diplomatic studies at the Victoria University Kampala. They reflected on new communication skills for diplomats such as being able to communicate and control the spread of information, including in situations of emergency.
According to Mr. Alessandro GIORGINI, the aim of the meeting was to provide the students with concrete and practical information about the main challenges of diplomatic communication and to share French and Ugandan experience with the diplomats.
“We have common challenges and common solutions to find and our task is to facilitate the work of journalists giving them proper information about foreign policy and diplomatic initiatives,” said Mr. Alessandro GIORGINI.
H.E Sophie Makame, Ambassador of France to Uganda, thanked Victoria University for accepting to host this valuable training and Mr. GIORGINI for sharing his experience with the students and diplomats. She said this training was made possible with the support of the French National School of Administration, the highest institution in France for training civil servants, including diplomats.
Dr. Stephen Robert Isabalija, Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, expressed his gratitude for this training opportunity and said the University looks forward to further collaboration with the French government in enhancing practical skills development for which the university is deeply committed.
The diplomats from the various departments of the Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked the French government for the timely hands on workshop that Ms Margaret Kafeero, Counsellor in charge of public diplomacy described as insightful, interesting and thought provoking.
“It is a practical experience in the benefits of cooperation framework between countries. We have had a frank exchange of ideas and experiences. It is something we would gladly repeat,” she said.
France in Uganda also supports the training in other fields, including French teaching methods, tourism, agronomy, international business, public administration, public health and multimedia technology and launched this year its new scholarship program for Ugandan Young Professionals, allowing talented Ugandans to win free French courses at the Alliance Française, and, for the best candidate, a business trip to France.