Diplomatic Skills Programme for Academics at BIDTI

The IRU and Staff Development Centre (SDC) of the OUSL together with the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) joined hands to organize an exclusive 2-day workshop on “Diplomatic Skills Programme for Academics” which was held on the 6th & 7th June at BIDTI. Programme objectives were that academics develop their capacity to deal with foreign counterparts in a manner productive for the personal and institutional development. They become more conversant of international protocols relevant to their field and become outstanding performers in international events.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An array of subjects which included an Introduction to Diplomacy, Diplomatic protocol, Etiquette & Correspondence, Communicating Skills, Negotiating Skills (both bilateral and multilateral), Organizing and attending international conferences and Techniques in developing partnership were covered. These topics were presented by highly skillful and dynamic resource persons with years of experience within the field. They were able to share their knowledge gained at first hand, while catering to the needs and occasions befitting that of an academic.

Nominees representing the Faculties of OUSL, CETMe, and academics invited from the Universities of Kelaniya, Moratuwa, Sri Jayawardenepura and Wayamba University of Sri Lanka were among the participants of this event. Without doubt, the insight gained through the participation of this workshop will be of fundamental importance for all the participants engaging in and forging partnerships with overseas individuals or institutes, and especially in organizing international events, including conferences.

At the end of the 2-day workshop, all participants were awarded a certificate by Ms. Pamela J. Dean, the Director General of BIDTI. The IRU is hopeful of continuing their partnership with the BIDTI in conducting this programme again, in the future.