The Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy (ZID) recently delivered a two-day training programme on Diplomacy, Protocol and Professional Etiquette for staff of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), aimed at strengthening professionalism and effective engagement in today’s global environment.
Mr. Ben Mulenga, Acting Director General, delivered the opening remarks on behalf of the Director General, highlighting the importance of professionalism, protocol and effective representation in advancing ARIPO’s mandate.
The training was facilitated by Mr. Vova A. Chikanda, a Diplomacy and Protocol Consultant and Former Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations, who shared practical insights and real-world perspectives drawn from extensive diplomatic experience at the highest levels of international engagement.
Day One focused on non-managerial staff, covering diplomatic skills, protocol awareness, professional conduct and effective communication, including correspondence and email etiquette. Day Two was tailored for managerial and executive staff, emphasizing strategic diplomacy, high-level representation, diplomatic protocol and cross-cultural engagement.
The programme also incorporated key soft skills such as stress management, business etiquette and interpersonal engagement. Overall, the initiative enhanced ARIPO’s institutional capacity and strengthened staff readiness to represent the organization confidently and professionally on both regional and international platforms.
