2021

BASIC DIPLOMACY TRAINING PROGRAMME (BDTP) 2021 CLASS #14 SATURDAY, 11 DECEMBER 2021. MINDFULNESS WORKSHOP.

Fittingly, the final, in-class session conducted as part of the Basic Diplomacy Training Programme 2021 was led by the President of UNA Fiji, Mr. Akmal Ali, who discussed the relationship between mindfulness and diplomacy through a Mindfulness Workshop.

This week’s session was extremely reflective and taught us how to be present in the moment and be more mindful of our words. This involved a meditation class starting with breathing exercises to teach how mindfulness begins with silence and the ability to reflect which plays an important part in diplomacy and the ability to say the right thing at the right time and act in a calm and collected manner, free of hostility, always remembering our purpose in life and speaking with class, dignity, and elegance.

“To be mindful is to be conscious or aware of something and focusing our awareness on the present moment”, reiterated Mr. Ali. To add, he emphasized on the importance of acknowledging our triggers in order to be more mindful of others – but more specifically, ourselves. When negative thoughts and emotions arise, we must acknowledge and notice them, take the time to breathe and let them pass to focus on the moment and be present in it.

Furthermore, being mindful means being at peace. As mentioned by Mr. Ali, one can truly be at peace with others if they are at peace with themselves. In other words: Accept yourself, realise your flaws, be true to yourself and never stoop to the level of those who wrong you because “the truth may be bitter, but it is always sweet in the end.” Being grateful, showing gratitude, exercising our minds by reading and meditating etc. and voicing positive self-affirmations helps us exude and attract the like in others, thus setting a stable platform for open dialogue and good communication – which ultimately helps us to anchor ourselves better, be more mindful and present in the moment, and practice diplomatic mindfulness as “the blood of diplomacy is communication”.

Finally, the workshop concluded with a grounding session to strengthen everyone’s mindfulness using the 5,4,3,2,1 method which involves the 5 senses (i.e., sight, touch, hearing, smell, and taste), followed by a trust exercise to liberate and free us of our own bonds. The day ended with much contemplation, but most importantly, newfound perspectives and perceptions for all those present, simply by teaching that “In order to make peace, we need to be at peace.”

With Class, Dignity, and Elegance-

#UNAFiji

#ActiveFijianCitizen

#GlobalCitizenshipEducation

BASIC DIPLOMACY TRAINING PROGRAMME (BDTP) 2021 CLASS #13 SATURDAY, 4 DECEMBER 2021. GUEST LECTURE #9, AND ADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP, VOLUNTEERISM AND DRAFT RESOLUTIONS

Today, we were pleased to have Ms. Emeline Siale Ilolahia, Executive Director of @Pacific Islands’ Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO Pacific 2030 ), who took the trainees through the tenets of ‘Adaptive Leadership.’

Adaptive leadership is the process of mobilising people to tackle tough challenges and thrive with a specific emphasis on positive change. In contrast to a technical challenge, whereby we need to follow strict guidelines to reach a goal e.g., cooking a dish or assembling an IKEA wardrobe, an adaptive challenge demands flexibility and an outlook which is intuitive and gets the job done no matter how dysfunctional a situation may seem. As highlighted, the biggest challenge is when individuals treat adaptive challenges with a technical approach. Hence, it is imperative that young individuals understand adaptive leadership to practise active citizenry.

As a matter of solution, we need to connect to our purpose and figure out why we do what we do. By ‘getting on the balcony’ where we become objective and produce a mindset shift, can we only learn to be adaptive and treat each challenge as an opportunity to do and be better, rather than giving up on the climb.

Furthermore, we also had an early celebration for International Volunteers’ Day (#IVD2022) and Ms. Ilolahia constructed upon our foundations of self-lessness, kindness, helpfulness, and satisfaction to reflect on our perception of volunteerism. This ties back to how we need to be adaptive leaders to be effective volunteers and do good for our target communities.

Ms. Setaita Lomani expressed her gratitude to Ms. Iloiahia especially for dissecting adaptive leadership and highlighting the importance of safeguarding the spirit of volunteerism as people of Pasifika and not being blinded by western influences.

In the second session, we talked about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how it is relevant to every global citizen regardless of profession or personality. UNA Fiji is particularly passionate about SDG 4.7 which focuses on global citizenship education and bases its programmes to achieve this goal amongst others such as condemning nuclear testing in the Pacific, advocating, and creating awareness for Climate Change (SDG 13) and Gender Equality.

Ultimately, we took the trainees through the process of drafting resolutions in UN committees, and the special language and register used to solidify it as a means of achieving common international goals.

With Class, Dignity, and Elegance-

BASIC DIPLOMACY TRAINING PROGRAMME (BDTP) 2021 CLASS #12 SATURDAY, 27 NOVEMBER 2021. GUEST LECTURE #8, AND NEGOTIATIONS AND AGENDA

In an informative and interactive session, Mr. Josaia Tokoni, Team Leader-Research at Fiji Council Of Social Services (FCOSS) took us through Public Finance Management (#PFM) which focused on well-being and livelihoods in post- #COVID19 Fiji.

Trainees learnt about budget tools and resources needed in making submissions to the government when constructing the national annual budget. In mock exercises, trainees were able to simulate issues such as lack of sanitary pads in evacuation centres, roads in settlements and water tanks in schools at times of water cuts.

We were also taken through the Citizens’ Budget Guide developed by FCOSS with support of United Nations Development Programme - UNDP and PIANGO Pacific 2030 thanks to funding by the European Union in the Pacific which is supposed to be a laymen’s guide to the budget process, hence, opening prospects of greater participation in the auditing process by common people leading to profound active citizenry. It improves perception of budgets, promotes transparency, and encourages Fijians to take an active part in the budgeting process.

In hearty thanks, Ms. Kini Sovanivalu expressed in her vote of thanks, “as trainees coming from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, we appreciate the wisdom and knowledge from your area of expertise as we are always willing to learn new things.”

Furthermore, in preparation of the trainees’ first Model UN conference, Mr. Ali outlined the need for being concise in the works of the UN and daily life. This ties to the act of negotiation which is needed in any diplomatic arena. We also talked about the concept of Pacific Diplomacy which has always existed, thus alluding to the uniqueness of Pacific society and culture. To be able to represent our delegated nations, we need to research country profiles, learn about a country’s allies and adversaries, and follow cultural protocols practised in the countries. This would include dressing formally up to cultural standards and refraining from cultural appropriation.

“… to negotiate know yourself, your needs and wants, and understand your weaknesses and strengths. Look for opportunities, identify threats and be mindful” was a strong piece of advice imparted by Mr. Ali to make negotiation more efficient and efficacious.

In a nutshell, a negotiator is someone who can understand and is understood by people.

With Class, Dignity, and Elegance-

BASIC DIPLOMACY TRAINING PROGRAMME (BDTP) 2021 CLASS #11 SATURDAY, 20 NOVEMBER 2021. GUEST LECTURE #7, AND MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE.

Today we welcomed Mr. Aneet Kumar, Deputy Secretary-General of the University of South Pacific Students’ Association (USPSA), who is also a fervent youth advocate in the Pacific region. Having represented Fiji and the Pacific internationally, he shared some inspiring words with the BDTP 2021 trainees. In a talanoa session facilitated by the Hon. President of UNA Fiji, Mr. Kumar highlighted the importance of making hard sacrifices to balance work and studies.

“… Stay on the path to a fixed goal and never give up. Keep your eyes cemented it and walk towards it with honesty and integrity” answered Mr. Kumar when asked how he balances working a 40-hour week while studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in international relations and politics. He was recently admitted to the bar and accredited his success to admitting his flaws to propel himself forward, treating friends and family as scaffolding that ameliorates individuals, embracing your uniqueness, and acknowledging those who have helped you endure hardships. A few years back, Mr. Kumar received diplomacy training at New York University (NYU) and learnt the importance of commerce and national security in the world of diplomacy. As someone who specialises in advocating for issues such as nuclear testing and climate change (major controversial issues affecting the Pacific), he advised being professional and honourable in the face of any hostility or underestimation which comes with representing smaller island states as we need to have our voices heard even if it means stepping out of our comfort zones.

As expressed in her vote of thanks, Ms. Rashna Chand, a trainee stated: “... your story on the obstacles you faced in life on your way to success has proven that nothing is impossible and to never give up on what we dream of.”

To sum up, he highlighted the need to build onto our relationships in any sphere of life: professional or personal, and to spend time with people who are more knowledgeable and thus have our thoughts challenged to the point of metamorphosis into constantly-improving individuals.

The other sessions of the day focused on Active Citizenry. “Turn to your local leaders for inspiration rather than looking outside- that is what will hold us firmly to our roots and heritage” …this was a piece of advice shared by the Hon. President of UNA Fiji as we embarked on a day of flipping through the pages of our socio-political history, and asking how this shapes the identity of our youths today.

Hence, we discussed the importance of a constitution and the need to practise active citizenry by familiarising ourselves with it and voting to have our voices heard. In a highly interactive fashion, we learnt about how the people of Fiji, regardless of race, religion or creed have shaped our modern oasis of a nation whereby under the 2013 constitution we enjoy rights such as equality, justice and quality education.

Later on in the class, we talked about UN rules of procedure, types of discussion at UN, and the flow of debate. In essence, it encompasses values such as accommodating fairness, democracy, addressing issues with facts while refraining from personal attacks, and sticking to relevant and concise information when researching for their first model UN summation where the trainees will be delegated countries to represent.

With Class, Dignity, and Elegance-

#UNAFiji

#ActiveFijianCitizen

#GlobalCitizenshipEducation

BASIC DIPLOMACY TRAINING PROGRAMME (BDTP) 2021 CLASS #10 SATURDAY, 6 NOVEMBER 2021. GUEST LECTURE #6, AND MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE.

Today’s class marked another successful training session for the trainees of UNA Fiji, the guest speaker being the Legal Adviser of United Nations Association of Fiji, Honourable Mr. Vikrant Chandra, and was introduced to the class by Ms. Sera Dau, who is a trainee of UNA Fiji.

Mr. Chandra described some of the qualities in his address, which was classified as the ‘Leaders Toolkit’ namely, integrity, empathy, genuineness, and humility. This was explained by taking a real-life case study of the court proceedings and giving points on the above characteristics as a lawyer and a considerate person.

Furthermore, Mr. Chandra added that humility comes from not being too proud of ‘yourself’ but being humble, otherwise “you” will be humbled. Moreover, he gave a brief session over the Fijian Constitution and gave insights on the ‘No Jab No Job Policy’ with reference to sections, 11(3), 20(1), and 20(5). Adding on, he explained the use of effective reading, which is based on the relevancy of the information and requirements, as a person must not garner irrelevant and abundance of information, as a person will be wasting his time; by using his time wisely, as he was also able to be a 4-time Amateur Golf Champion while studying and practicing law.

To show our appreciation to Mr. Chandra for being in today’s class a gift was presented to him by the UNA Fiji Trainee, Ms. Salasini Fong. The morning session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by trainee member, Mr. Alipate Wara, to thank Mr. Chandra for taking his time out of his busy schedule all the way from Ba to impart extensive knowledge on leadership and insight on the constitution to the future leaders of Fiji. Mr. Wara acknowledged the leadership tools that Mr. Chandra had shared of integrity, empathy, genuineness, and humility, and how these were correlated to the 3 Principles of UNA Fiji which were Class, Dignity, and Elegance. Moreover, Mr. Wawa ended his speech with these words, “The cost of your traveling and accommodation in Suva, a few hundred dollars, the cost of hosting the whole UNA Fiji program, a few thousand dollars, the cost of the project at Navua, a few thousand dollars but the cost of the class you conducted today, it was PRICELESS”

Moving on, the trainees continued with their learning on points of motion from Class# 9 with Hon. Mr. Shivnesh Ram and Hon. Mr. Shivneet Kumar in accordance with the D’MUN Handbook by which they were directed to follow the UN diplomatic session.

Furthermore, the trainees then followed the teachings of the previous BDTP sessions by conducting a mock diplomatic conference under the guidance of the Hon President, Mr. Akmal Ali, so the trainees can understand the procedures of a UN Conference by directly practicing the procedures.

On the behalf of UNA Fiji, we seize this opportunity to appreciate and thank Mr. Chandra for making the tenth class of the BDTP a high-yielding and intellectual session. This was accomplished within the protocols set by the Hon. Fijian Government.

With Class, Dignity, and Elegance-

#UNAFiji

#ActiveFijianCitizen

#GlobalCitizenshipEducation

Basic Diplomacy Training Programme (BDTP) 2021 Class #9 Saturday, 6 November 2021. Guest Lecture #5 , and Model United Nations Conference.

This class marked another successful training session for the trainees of UNA Fiji, The guest speaker, The Permanent Secretary for Forestry, and the Acting Permanent Secretary for Fisheries in Fiji, His Excellency Mr. Pene Nonu Baleinabuli, and was introduced by Ms. Stephanie Ali, who is a trainee of UNA Fiji.

In His Excellency’s address, he shared his views and the objectives and composition of the Ministries of Fisheries and Forestry. This included the plans for the management, conservation, and sustainable development of the nation’s resources in partnership with the various sectors involved.

Mr. Baleinabuli made strong points on the importance of having leadership skills and an in-depth understanding of the country’s demographics and demand and supply chain. He also added that the ability to analyze (i.e., to be able to contextualize, read, write and decipher) is vital when marketing your country for business. To be a good diplomat, one must be culturally sensitive to other nations, whilst researching and understanding his own nation’s socio-economic and political background, in order to be tactful and assertive when acting as a representative for their country in the international arena. He ended off by saying that, as a Fijian diplomat, “You [We] have to be a Fijian champion in order to protect our assets and resources.”

The morning session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by trainee member, Ms. Laisani Sema thanked Mr. Baleinabuli for taking time out of his busy schedule to impart extensive knowledge and insight to the future leaders of Fiji.

Moving on, the trainees continued with their learning on points of motion from Class# 8 with Hon. Mr. Shivnesh Ram and Hon. Mr. Shivneet Kumar in accordance with the D’MUN Handbook by which they learned how to raise a motion such as ‘motion to adjourn the debate’ properly and concisely similar to a UN conference.

Furthermore, they obtained information on being a diplomat, submitting position papers, and, the roles of the committee chair, rapporteur, timekeeper, and guide on how to perform note passing. Lastly, the trainees were then divided into groups to practice a sample dialogue of a diplomatic session in an ordered and proper manner so that they could get the idea on how a UN conference works.

On the behalf of UNA Fiji, we seize this opportunity to appreciate and thank Mr. Baleinabuli for making the ninth class of the BDTP a very yielding and knowledgeable session. This was accomplished with the protocols set by the Hon. Fijian Government.

With Class, Dignity, and Elegance-

#UNAFiji

#ActiveFijianCitizen

#GlobalCitizenshipEducation

BASIC DIPLOMACY TRAINING PROGRAMME (BDTP) 2021 Class #8. Saturday, 30 October 2021. Model United Nations Conference.

Classes have commenced once again, with the first class post-Covid19 lockdown in Fiji being a fruitful one, with formal, classroom-based learning and long-awaited discussions led by none other than the President of UNAFiji himself - Hon. Mr. Akmal Ali.

From the start of the training session, an air of optimism filled the room. As the last seven months had been noted to be quite an unfortunate time for many, the class was asked to reflect on their more positive outcomes throughout the period. Many trainees mentioned personal goals being met, and prime achievements being independence, self-reflection, and personal growth during the discussion.

Mr. Akmal then stressed the significance of conversational skills and being prepared in any given situation, emphasizing that these qualities are what make good, credible leaders and stating: “Leaders hear and get heard.”

Moving towards the afternoon, the class had their first Munning session where they first learnt what was MUN (Model United Nations), where students would assume the roles of countries and organizations represented in the United Nations to debate on issues concerning the world.

Furthermore, the participants also learnt the general history of the UN, its six (6) governing UN bodies, and its committees which was taught by our Hon. Executive Member Mr. Shivnesh Ram. Moreover, they also absorbed the information on how delegates speak in UN assembly, MUN conference and in their respective committees, through the usage of several Points of Procedures such as Point of Information to the Speaker which is one of many conveyed by our Hon. Vice-President Mr. Shivneet Kumar from the _d'MUN JUNIOR HANDBOOK_.

Finally, today's session concluded with the participants in groups having an interactive session with the facilitators on how to respectfully raise a Point in the MUN conference and in a committee, with the above activities done while following the COVID-19 protocol issued by our Hon. Fijian Government.

On behalf of UNA Fiji, we would like to thank Dudely High School for providing a venue for our team after a long break, to help the team provide an everlasting impact on our leaders of tomorrow. Thank you, Vinaka vakalevu, and Shukriya.

With Class, Dignity and Elegance-