The European Union Embassy’s Program Assistants in Zimbabwe have just completed an engaging training session, equipping them with vital skills in Diplomacy, Protocol, Business Etiquette and Professional Branding. The training, facilitated by the Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy, sought to enhance their professional edge.

EU Delegation Programme Assistants, Support and Local Staff interface with State, Heads of State, Government Officials, Local Governments, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, International Organisations, Stakeholders and Bodies Corporate. As such it is therefore requisite that the officers are availed with an accelerated Executive Certificate in Diplomacy, Protocol, Diplomatic Practice, Diplomatic Etiquettes, Grooming and Professional Branding to help them cope and adapt to the excessive demand for apt performance in Diplomacy, Diplomatic Protocol and Diplomatic Practice. This Training is tailor-made as a professional polishing tool geared to provide guidelines for Diplomatic Practice and Engagements to Diplomats and international civil servants. They are aimed at enhancing predictability in mission acclimatization and diplomatic settling and debriefing on the host station.

Topics covered during the 5 day program included but not limited to,  Diplomatic Cooperate and Social Protocol, Grooming and Deportment, Business and Social Etiquette, Diplomatic Negotiation Skills, Diplomatic Practice and Statecraft, Foreign Policy Analysis, International Relations, International Law, Diplomatic Communication Skills, Event Management Skills, Customer Service Etiquette, Dealing  with Difficult People, Leadership Skills, Media and Diplomacy and Professional Branding. The training is essential for Embassy Staff, Civil Servants, International Organizations, Politicians, College Students , Entrepreneurs and ordinary individuals. Mr. V. A. Chikanda, a Diplomacy, Business Etiquettes and Professional Grooming Academic at the Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy facilitated the coaching.