Joint Media Release
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer, and the Australian National University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Chubb AO
Monday, 13 January 2003
Asia Pacific School of Diplomacy to Train the Leaders of Tomorrow
The Federal Government and the Australian National University have joined forces to establish the Asia Pacific School of Diplomacy, the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer praised the establishment of the school at ANU, which he believes will reinforce the Government's strategy of engaging our region.
"Enhanced understanding of cultural complexity, strategic thought and international relationships is vital to the future of the region."
Mr Downer said he expected that a number of students from developing countries in the region would attend on Australian Government scholarships.
The Asia Pacific School of Diplomacy, which is expected to take enrolments from mid-2003, will provide intensive double-degree courses which will equip diplomats for the advanced stages of their careers, ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Chubb said.
"The establishment of this School has significant ramifications for the entire Asia Pacific region," Professor Chubb said.
"The ANU has an international reputation for its research and education excellence and the school will provide an exciting opportunity for mid-career diplomats from across the Asia Pacific region to train and talk to each other, studying in one location."
Students who enrol in the School will undertake two masters degrees – one in International Diplomacy, and one in a specific area of interest such as Strategic and Defence Studies or International Affairs.
"The Asia Pacific School of Diplomacy fills a long-standing gap in the education and training of career diplomats," Mr Downer said.
"The Federal Government welcomes the establishment of the school and I am sure diplomats from other countries will also be interested in the targeted education program the school has to offer."
Professor Chubb said the School would capitalise on the internationally-recognised strengths of the ANU in international relations – offering a program that would be unmatched in the region.
"This School draws together the intellectual leadership of ANU staff in international relations, strategic and defence studies, Asia and Pacific studies and related areas, to deliver a world-class diplomatic program," he said.
Media inquiries: Andrew Park (Minister's Office) +61 02 6277 7500 / Tim Winkler (ANU Media Relations) +61 02 6125 5001