Suriname’s Foreign Minister Melvin Bouva has issued a compelling mandate for diplomatic reform, declaring that diplomacy must transcend ceremonial functions to deliver concrete policy results and measurable societal benefits. The declaration came during the closing ceremony of the Suriname Diplomatic Course 2025, where certificates were awarded to 60 participants—35 attending physically and 25 via online platforms.
Minister Bouva, overseeing Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation, articulated a vision where diplomatic missions must actively serve as instruments for economic growth, investment attraction, climate financing, and regional stability. The minister emphasized that in an evolving global landscape, diplomats must pivot from traditional protocol duties to becoming active agents of national development.
The comprehensive training program, administered by the Suriname Diplomatic Institute (SDI), equipped participants with essential skills in diplomatic protocol, negotiation techniques, economic diplomacy, and cultural relations. Dean Silochana Achthoven-Bhaghoe confirmed the curriculum addressed Suriname’s strategic positioning within international organizations.
Foreign Affairs Director Miriam Mac Intosh characterized the course as an intensive preparation for diplomatic service, urging graduates to continuously invest in professional development. Trainer Rose-Ann Franklin highlighted critical competencies including protocol adherence, analytical capabilities, professional presentation, and precise reporting—emphasizing that diplomats serve as Suriname’s eyes and ears abroad.
Minister Bouva concluded with a performance-oriented challenge: certification represents not an endpoint but a commitment to project initiation and execution. The new diplomatic corps must bridge the gap between international engagement and tangible national progress.