The University of Fiji’s Centre for International and Regional Affairs (CIRA) launched its inaugural Postgraduate programme in International Relations earlier this week at the University’s Suva Campus in Samabula. The new programme of study was officially launched by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Civil Aviation, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola.
Unifiji’s Postgraduate programme in International Relations is designed to prepare graduates to utilize their academic studies in practical career applications. Both the Postgraduate Certificate and the Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations are structured to assist the professional development of diplomats, public servants, political analysts, military professionals, journalists, NGO reps and others requiring sophisticated analytical skills to interpret and assess the implications of global and regional issues. The programme also assists those hoping to prepare themselves for careers with Government, industry, media, international organisations and NGOs where a thorough grounding in international relations is essential. CIRA uses highly qualified experts and practitioners in the field of International and Regional Affairs.
While launching the programme, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Civil Aviation, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola talked about the history of International Relations and how it had evolved over centuries. “International Relations and its precepts and practices are as old as the history of mankind,” he said.
Ratu Kubuabola further added that he would like to see graduates of politics, economics, law and foreign languages enrolling in the International Relations course. “These fields are the cornerstones of International Relations and Diplomacy,” he said.
In his opening speech, The Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the University Council, Pundit Bhuwan Dutt said that the University has taken a leading edge in innovation through relevant courses to increase Fiji’s technical capacity through the establishment of Centres of Excellence, such as Fiji’s and the Pacific Islands’ only Centre for International and Regional Affairs and Fiji’s first Centre for Indigenous Studies.
The Honorary Director of CIRA, Mr. Robin Nair said that CIRA has been offering courses in diplomacy as well as organising seminars and workshops in International Relations since its launch in 2005. The University of Fiji has decided to move further in providing postgraduate studies in International Relations since there are no other institutions in any of the Pacific Island Countries catering to the discipline of International Relations. “The enrolment numbers for our first course has been very encouraging,” he added.
The University of Fiji through its Centre, CIRA aims to generate new ideas and promote dialogue on regional and international developments of particular relevance to Fiji and their impact on Fiji. Its mandate is totally non-partisan and it promotes objective, challenging and rigorous thinking and responses.
Click here to view the Minister's Speech
Click here to view the Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council's Speech
