FSI Convenes Retreat of ASEAN Diplomatic Academies

DFA Undersecretary Antonio A. Morales, (first row, center) with heads of diplomatic academies in Southeast Asia during the Retreat of Diplomatic Academies in Southeast Asia hosted by FSI in Manila.

MANILA 06 September 2024 – The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) gathered last Friday, 23 August 2023, senior representatives of diplomatic academies in Southeast Asia in a retreat to strengthen regional cooperation in shaping the future of diplomacy within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). FSI hosted a conference of diplomatic academies in the region from 24 to 28 April 1984 where joint programs were adopted by representatives from the then member states of ASEAN of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. Last Friday, the number of delegations expanded to include the current membership of ASEAN with officials from Cambodia, Lao P.D.R., Myanmar, and Viet Nam participating.

The full-day event provided a platform for strategic discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaborative initiatives. Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Antonio Morales welcomed the participants and expressed the hope that their gathering will contribute towards the strengthening of ASEAN solidarity.

Throughout the day, representatives from diplomatic academies in Southeast shared best practices and identified their respective programs created to enhance interaction among ASEAN diplomats. The participants were in agreement that the activity should continue, the format and frequency of which will now be the subject of their discussion. 

The day’s activity concluded with dinner where the participants were joined by FSI Board Member Dr. Maja-Leah V. Ravago, President and CEO of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), heads of mission of ASEAN embassies in Manila, and representatives of the academe. The participants were serenaded by vocalists from FSI and Thai Ambassador Tull Traisorat.

FSI is the research and training office of DFA. It was established under Presidential Decree No. 1060 on 9 December 1976 and its remit was expanded by Republic Act No. 7157 by incorporating a new research unit in the Institute, i.e., the Center for International Relations and Strategic Studies (CIRSS). The FSI Board is chaired by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs with the Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), Director General of the FSI, President of the University of the Philippines (UP), and President of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) as members. END

DFA Undersecretary for Administration Antonio A. Morales welcomes the delegates to the Retreat of Diplomatic Academies in Southeast Asia.

Participants and guests at the Dinner for the Retreat of Diplomatic Academies in Southeast Asia