Minister Melvin Bouva of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation installed a Supervisory Board at the Suriname Diplomaten Instituut (SDI) on Friday, October 9. The board is to oversee the quality, development and strategic direction of the institute, which provides training for Suriname’s foreign service.
Robert Peneux has been appointed chair and Shaista Nabibaks vice-chair. Richenel Trustfull serves as secretary. Rose-Ann Franklin and Abigael Daal are members of the board.
During the installation, Bouva stated that the SDI must grow into a fully fledged knowledge and training centre. According to the minister, the institute must contribute to the development of competent, ethical and professional diplomats.
The minister also called for attention to continuous training and new developments, including technology and artificial intelligence. This knowledge must help Surinamese diplomacy prepare for a changing international environment.
Director of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Miriam Mac Intosh, stressed the importance of continued capacity strengthening prior to the installation. According to her, the SDI plays an essential role in training diplomats, consular staff and other government officials who represent Suriname at home and abroad.
Speaking on behalf of the board, Peneux said attention will be focused on quality assurance, the development of training programmes and strengthening international partnerships. The board aims to contribute in this way to the further professionalisation of the SDI.
