The annual Commonwealth Diplomats Induction Programme (CDIP) is a masterclass in the Commonwealth, organised for senior diplomats from member countries
The Commonwealth Secretariat was delighted to welcome more than 50 diplomats for its 38th edition of the Commonwealth Diplomats Induction Programme (CDIP), which ran from 8– 10 March 2022. This year marked the return of in-person training at Marlborough House, the Commonwealth’s headquarters in London, following two years of COVID restrictions, and was also the first time the programme was run in a hybrid format allowing diplomats outside of the UK to take part virtually.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, welcomed the new cohort of diplomats with an opening address highlighting the importance of the induction and how it will better equip diplomats in their service to their countries and the Commonwealth.
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“During this programme, you will hear about the challenges facing the Commonwealth…and about all the work being done to help our member states achieve the Sustainable Development Goals… you will hear about the Commonwealth’s wider family – our networks of partners and accredited organisations – who can offer so much to each of our member states, and who enrich the Commonwealth with their knowledge, passion and commitment…By going the extra mile through this induction, you are giving yourselves the best chance to succeed. And your success will be our success.”
The annual programme is a masterclass of the Commonwealth which allows newly-arrived diplomats to learn more about the Commonwealth as an international and unique organisation, its work and history, its relationship with the rest of the world, its network and platform for 54 member states, 86 accredited organisations and 2.5 billion people.
In a series of engaging and interactive sessions over three days designed to nurture critical thinking and in-depth, practical knowledge about the Commonwealth, participants of the programme had the opportunity to hear from a distinguished panel of speakers and experts from member states including the High Commissioners from St Kitts and Nevis, Australia, The Bahamas, and Nigeria, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Rwanda, the incoming Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Chair, and the Minister of Environment for the Maldives.
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In his address to participants, the Bahamas High Commissioner, H.E. Ellison E. Greenslade QPM said:
“[By coming here today], you have made a good decision at the very start of your careers here in London, in this very important diplomatic footprint. You have taken the decision to apply yourself and your knowledge to learn more about this wonderful family that you are a part of…Please visit the Secretariat website and familiarise yourself with the important work that the Secretariat is doing on behalf of its members. As a member of the Board of Governors and as a former Chair of the Executive Committee, my firm opinion is that the Secretariat is doing, and continues to do, an extremely good job on behalf of its members, and is making significant progress in its reforms.”
Other speakers included Senior Directors and Advisers from the Secretariat, Director Generals from Commonwealth Foundation and Commonwealth of Learning, and other leading experts from around the Commonwealth covering topics such as climate change and the environment, health, education, trade, and governance.
At the conclusion of the programme, the Commonwealth Secretary-General thanked the diplomats for their active participation and encouraged them to work together to help strengthen the Commonwealth and enhance the capacity of the Commonwealth family to be a force for good in the world.
Some of the diplomats noted that the orientation was important as it offered an insight into the Commonwealth’s operations both within the Commonwealth and on the global stage, and also provided an opportunity to network with diplomats from other countries.
“Prior to this, I only knew a few details of the Commonwealth, but now I can say that I can be an Ambassador for the Commonwealth. Anything that anyone wants to know, from the little I have learnt here over the last few days, I can say it on behalf of the Commonwealth. There are so many things that I did not know that the Commonwealth is doing in terms of helping member states deal with some of the biggest challenges including climate change. All I say is that the Commonwealth should continue with the good work it is doing.” ~ Muhammad-Kabir Nasidi, Nigerian High Commission
“This training has been really important for me because I recently joined the high commission, and it has opened my eyes more to the work of the Commonwealth. Usually, The Maldives focuses on priority areas which include environment and climate change, so I have always had information about the programmes that the Commonwealth runs in these areas. So, this has given me a wider look into what can be done and I hope I can use this to utilise my work in the future.” ~ Fathika Fayaz, Maldives High Commission
“The 38th Commonwealth Diplomats Induction Programme was indeed an eye-opener as I have never actually studied the Commonwealth, though I have done work on the Commonwealth before. It gave me more of an insight into how member states work with the Commonwealth, how member states can benefit from the Commonwealth, and the importance of the Commonwealth, particularly how the Charter of the Commonwealth is used to manage the works and the affairs of the Commonwealth in ensuring that there is transparency, accountability, and good governance. The Commonwealth works as an institution for all and represents every geographic region.” ~ Shannica Plummer-Antoine, Saint Lucia High Commission
Each participant received a certificate recognising their contribution to the programme as well as a course pack. This year’s intake included diplomats from 29 countries spanning all regions of the Commonwealth including Belize, Canada, Malawi, Maldives, New Zealand and Saint Lucia.
Since its inception in 1977, more than 900 diplomats including High Commissioners and Ambassadors have benefitted from the programme and have gone on to serve at senior posts in missions, public offices, and other international organisations. The exclusive programme is developed and run by the Commonwealth Secretariat in collaboration with the Commonwealth Foundation and Commonwealth of Learning. Participation is usually secured through government nomination.
To find out more about the Commonwealth Diplomats Induction programme, please email [email protected].
Media contact
- Angela Kolongo Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
- E-mail | +44 7587 881503
