Language is not merely a tool for communication but a bridge to understanding and collaboration. For a diplomat, proficiency in multiple languages not only facilitates direct engagement with diverse stakeholders but also conveys respect and cultural awareness. It is therefore every country’s desire to have a critical mass of Foreign Service officers with a significant level of proficiency in a foreign language, particularly in the official languages of the United Nations (UN).
With over half a billion speakers and being the official language for over twenty countries, Spanish is one of the most important official languages of UN in the world. Its importance to Kenyan diplomats, therefore, cannot be overemphasized. As such, the Academy has been partnering and getting support, from the Embassies of Colombia and Spain in rolling out Spanish language trainings for officers of the Ministry.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia has, for the past years, been sending a Spanish language expert to the Academy to train officers of the Ministry. To date, nearly one hundred officers benefitted from the trainings which are conducted in-person at the Academy. Currently, forty officers are undertaking the course at different levels.
Photo of Amb. Pedro Ruiz of Colombia with the course participants during the opening of the course.
The Spanish government, too, graciously sponsored thirty-five officers this year to take Spanish classes at the UN Office at Nairobi. The virtual trainings, currently in its final term, was conducted at times convenient for the participants.
As a result of the foregoing support, Spanish is now the third most spoken language in the Ministry. It highlights how targeted initiatives can yield long-term benefits for diplomatic practice and sets a precedence for similar partnerships in other equally important foreign languages. It ensures that Kenya’s Foreign Service remains at the forefront of global engagement.
The Academy appreciates the opportunities for the officers of the Ministry and looks forward to continued collaboration with the Embassies of Colombia and Spain in Nairobi.
Muchas gracias
