The Foreign Service Institute (FSI), operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will convene its 71st Graduation Exercise on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town. The event is scheduled to begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. and will bring together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and international partners.

The ceremony will be graced by His Excellency Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, who will deliver the keynote address. Also expected in attendance are Mme.. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, other cabinet officials, and a special delegation from the Sierra Leone Foreign Service Academy, symbolizing growing regional cooperation in diplomatic education and professional training.

This year’s graduation marks the completion of two specialized training programs aimed at enhancing Liberia’s governance and diplomatic effectiveness. The first is a six-week refresher program designed for public officials and designated staff across various ministries and agencies. The module provided a deep dive into governance particularly the governance of Liberia and foreign affairs, equipping participants with essential knowledge and skills to navigate international engagements with confidence and professionalism.

The second program is FSI’s ten-month flagship regular course, which offers an intensive curriculum in diplomacy, international relations, and global governance. More than 100 students will graduate from this rigorous academic program, emerging with both theoretical and practical expertise to serve as Liberia’s next generation of diplomatic leaders.

Under the visionary leadership of Hon. Reginald B. Goodridge, Director General of the Foreign Service Institute, the institution has experienced a remarkable transformation. Over the past years, FSI has expanded its academic offerings, modernized its training modules, and forged stronger regional and international partnerships. Initiatives such as the Madam Suakoko Training Program for aspiring female diplomats reflect a deliberate push toward gender inclusion and empowerment within Liberia’s foreign service architecture.

Hon. Goodridge’s leadership has elevated FSI’s stature as a center of excellence, while the sustained support of Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti has further reinforced its mandate. Minister Nyanti’s commitment to institutional capacity building, accountability, and inclusive governance continues to drive the Ministry’s broader vision of revitalizing Liberia’s diplomatic service and strengthening its global presence.

Established in 1951, the Foreign Service Institute has long served as the Republic’s premier training ground for diplomats, ambassadors, and foreign service professionals. Initially created to prepare envoys for service in newly independent African states and global organizations, the Institute has since evolved into a strategic institution for advancing national governance, foreign policy formulation, and international cooperation.

Over seven decades, FSI has produced generations of Liberian diplomats whose service has reflected professionalism, integrity, and patriotism. Alumni of the Institute have gone on to represent Liberia with distinction in key multilateral institutions, embassies, and regional bodies, enhancing the country’s voice in global affairs.

As Liberia continues to reposition itself on the international stage, the Foreign Service Institute remains steadfast in its mission to equip professionals with the tools, knowledge, and values necessary for effective global representation. Its ongoing efforts in curriculum modernization, gender inclusion, and regional collaboration reaffirm its role as a cornerstone of Liberia’s diplomatic renewal and capacity building.