MONROVIA, Liberia — As global diplomacy increasingly extends beyond ministries and embassies into parliamentary chambers, questions are emerging about whether lawmakers possess the skills necessary to effectively represent national interests in an increasingly interconnected world.
Against that backdrop, 61 Liberians, including nine members of the House of Representatives and four legislative staff members, have completed specialized training in Foreign Service and Diplomacy aimed at strengthening Liberia’s institutional and international engagement capacity.
The certificates were awarded by the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute during a graduation ceremony held at the C. Cecil Dennis Memorial Auditorium at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Monrovia.
According to legislative authorities, the six-week refresher and orientation program was designed to build professional competence among participants while reinforcing the connection between Liberia’s foreign policy objectives and the role of lawmakers in shaping international engagement.
Officials said the initiative reflects growing recognition that foreign relations are no longer limited to executive institutions, but increasingly require legislative participation through parliamentary diplomacy and international cooperation.
Among lawmakers who completed the program were P. Mike Jurry, Foday E. Fahnbulleh, Alfred H. Flomo, Dorwohn T. Gleekia, Pricilia A. Cooper, Rugie Y. Barry, Ellen Attoh A. Wreh, Moima Briggs Mensah, and Ivar K. Jones.
During the ceremony, senior government officials emphasized the growing importance of diplomacy in national development and international cooperation.
House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, who served as keynote speaker, highlighted the increasing role legislatures play in global affairs.
He noted that modern legislatures are becoming more actively involved in strengthening democratic institutions, promoting international partnerships, and contributing to peace-building efforts across regions.
Speaker Koon described the training as an investment in institutional development and pledged stronger collaboration between the Legislature and the Foreign Service Institute.
According to him, future cooperation may include advanced diplomatic studies, leadership seminars, policy dialogues, exchange initiatives, and specialized programs in international negotiations and foreign policy.
The graduating participants formed two categories: the “Executive Class of 2025,” consisting of 29 individuals including the nine lawmakers, and the “Noble Class of 2026,” comprising 32 participants.
The six-week training covered key areas including diplomacy, international relations, foreign policy development, and global affairs management. Organizers said participants received practical knowledge intended to deepen their understanding of Liberia’s international priorities and engagement strategies.
Established in the 1950s under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute serves as Liberia’s primary institution for diplomatic training and research. The institute focuses on developing expertise in global affairs, conflict resolution, cultural diversity, and international policy implementation.
As Liberia continues to expand its engagement on regional and global platforms, the latest training initiative raises broader questions about whether capacity-building efforts can translate into stronger representation and more effective leadership beyond the country’s borders.
