On the 6th of November 2023, the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) hosted a distinguished delegation from the Zimbabwe Foreign Service Institute (ZFSI). The delegation, led by Ambassador Dr. M.M. Muchada, Major (Rtd) Dr. A. Mutambudzi, Ambassador Dr. M. Mapuranga, Mrs. B. Murasiranwa, Ms. P.S. Chivandire, and Mr. lsheanopa Fanuel Rufu, arrived with a specific purpose in mind - to benchmark the operations of IDFR.
The objectives of the benchmark visit were clearly defined, encompassing a broad spectrum of areas. The ZFSI delegation expressed keen interest in understanding the intricacies of IDFR's curriculum and faculty setup and delving into matters related to administration, registry, and human resources. Their curiosity extended to exploring the regulatory framework, peer review mechanisms, library resources, and the academic and professional qualifications upheld by IDFR.
The activities conducted during the benchmark visit were structured to provide a comprehensive overview of IDFR's operations. Delegates received detailed briefings from various IDFR centres, including the Management Services Division (MSD), Centre for Leadership, Negotiation and Public Diplomacy (LNPD), Competency Enhancement Centre (CEC), Centre for Political Studies and Economic Diplomacy (PSED), and Centre for Languages and Cultural Diplomacy (CLCD).
A crucial part of the visit was the open discussion session, where the ZFSI delegation could pose questions and engage in meaningful dialogue with IDFR representatives. The visit also included a walkabout of the IDFR premises and an insightful tour of the library as well as in-house studio resources.
The benchmark visit concluded on a positive note, marked by a networking dinner hosted by YBhg. Dato’ Syed Mohamad Bakri Syed Abdul Rahman, the Director General of IDFR in Kuala Lumpur. This visit not only served as a platform for knowledge exchange but also significantly strengthened the diplomatic ties between IDFR and ZFSI.
Prepared by:
Corporate Affairs Section (CAS)
