The French Embassy in Uganda has carried out a two-day workshop on communication for Ugandan diplomats and students of International Relations and diplomatic studies as part of the technical cooperation between France and Uganda.
The workshop which commenced on Friday was in collaboration with Victoria University and French National School of Administration (ENA).
The function was held at the fast-growing Victoria University in Kampala.
Participants included diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Uganda as well as International relations students at Victoria University.
They reflected on new communication skills for diplomats such as being able to communicate and control the spread of information including in situations of emergency.
Deputy Director of Communications and Press at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development, Mr Alessandro Giorgini conducted the sessions which aimed at enhancing the capacity of students in public administration and diplomacy.
He informed diplomats that the use of new digital technology is a game changer in diplomacy.
Giorgini shared with diplomats the communication models and best approaches used by France with its missions abroad so as to disseminate statements from key government officials.
The discussion was aimed at imparting modern communication skills to diplomats and students of international relations
Tools
“Some of the systems we have adopted are; the use of the intranet to post updates of statements issued by the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister and the spokesperson. We also hold daily press conferences both live and via the web to answer queries from the media. Coherence in whatever you communicate is essential,” Giorgini told diplomats who attended the workshop on Friday.
HE Sophie Makame, the Ambassador of France in Uganda, welcomed the training saying it will go a long way in providing Ugandan youth and cadres with relevant skills and reflections appropriate for today’s globalized world.
Currently, France is supporting a number of initiatives in Uganda including; French teaching methods, tourism, agronomy, international business, public administration, public health and multimedia technology.
This year the Embassy also launched its new scholarship program for Ugandan young professionals allowing talented Ugandans to attend free French courses at Alliance Francaise as well as business trips to France.