Eritrea

Capacity Building in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

BACKGROUND

After three decades of war, Eritrea gained its independence in 1991. At independence, the state of Eritrea inherited a destroyed economic sector and physical infrastructure. Its human resources base was destroyed and there was little or no institutional capacity left. The major challenges upon independence were, therefore, the rehabilitation of the country’s physical infrastructure and laying the foundation for institutional capacity development for sustainable economic growth to achieve Eritrea’s vision of people-oriented development. The Government of Eritrea places a high priority on the development of its human resources. The objectives of the National Human and Resources Development (HDR) strategy stress the need for developing the nation’s intellectual and creative power, equipping every citizen with the necessary skills and ensuring vibrant, highly motivated and dynamic youth ready and efficient to lead the country to progress and development. The present proposal is part of this human resources development strategy and will enhance the capacity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in the areas of international relations, international trade, research, communication, writing skills, Management of change etc.

OBJECTIVES

The overall objective of this project is to enhance Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ operational and research capacity through the provision of training and necessary equipments. UNDP assistance will focus on strengthening the capacity of MoFA to perform its function efficiently, and as appropriate support the Government’s efforts to mobilize resources from donors and partners in support of development and humanitarian interventions.

PROGRAMME DETAILS

The project will assist the MoFA to have competent, outward-looking and service-oriented staff, at the Ministry’s headquarters, Embassies and consulates to render better diplomatic services for the achievement of the country’s objectives, especially of the young university graduates recently engaged in the service of the Ministry. It also will contribute in achieving the Millennium Development Goals, especially Goal 8 - To develop a global partnership for development and to the National Human and Resources Development (HDR) strategy developed by the Government.

RESULTS

•Research and Training Division Strengthened.

• Writing and communication skills of the staff of the MoFA improved

• Negotiation skills of the staff of the MoFA improved

• Understanding of the workings of the UN system improved

• Understanding of various Conventions Enhanced

• Staff with International Relations, Diplomatic Practice and International Organizations, Effective communication Skills, International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution International Law familiarized.