The Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute (FSI) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), have formally entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance diplomatic training and institutional collaboration.
The signing ceremony was held at UNITAR Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, May 13, 2025.
According to a press release, the agreement was signed by the Director General of the Foreign Service Institute, Reginald B. Goodridge, Sr. and the United Nations Assistant Secretary General and Executive Director of UNITAR, Michelle Gyles-McDonnough.
In his remarks, Director General Goodridge highlighted the mission of the FSI and outlined several flagship programs of the Institute, including:
The foundational academic curriculum for prospective diplomats; A 6-week refresher program for foreign service officers and newly appointed ambassadors designated by the President of Liberia.
The other programs include; a 10-month All-Female Diplomatic Training Program, the first of its kind in Africa, aimed at promoting women’s leadership in diplomacy.
Director General Goodridge further noted that the dialogue leading to this partnership agreement between the FSI and UNITAR was initiated by Charles Allen, whose efforts were instrumental in establishing this collaboration.
He also shared that he is reviewing a number of agreements signed by his predecessors—including those with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Cameroon, Morocco, Guinea and Egypt—with a view to developing a distinctly African framework for diplomacy rooted in inter-African cooperation.
Speaking on behalf of UNITAR, the Assistant UN Secretary General and Executive Director of UNITAR, Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, welcomed the partnership and reaffirmed UNITAR’s commitment to a robust and impactful collaboration with the FSI, particularly in co-developing relevant and responsive foreign service training programs tailored to Liberia’s needs.
Mr. Philippe Aubert, Senior Program Specialist in the Division for Multilateral Diplomacy, presented an overview of UNITAR’s offerings, including: an 18-month Master’s Program delivered in hybrid and online formats for diplomats; targeted training linked to the national priorities of host countries; and various fellowship opportunities, some open to all applicants and others coordinated with academic institutions.
Director Goodridge also highlighted UNITAR’s long-standing relationships with countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and mentioned Qatar’s recent proposal to establish a UNITAR Academy.
Also forming part of the Liberian delegation were Permanent Representatives (Amb.) Paul Wolokollie Tate and Cllr Abraham Kamara, representatives of the Permanent Mission of Liberia to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva.
This landmark MOU, the release concluded, represents a critical step forward in enhancing the professional development of Liberian diplomats and reaffirms Liberia’s commitment to global standards in foreign service training and diplomacy.
