UN Women conducts first protocol training in West Africa region

This is among a series of trainings targeting senior drivers in the organization

Date: Tuesday, 26 June 2018

Participants pose for a photo after the Senior Drivers' Protocol training conducted in Dakar, Senegal. Photo: UN Women/ Ababacar Khalifa

UN Women Regional Office for West and Central Africa recently held the first senior drivers’ diplomatic and etiquette course, the first of its kind in the region. In her opening remarks read by Florence Hamimi,the regional director, Diana Ofwona applauded the drivers for being selected to attend the training encouraging them to abide by the UN system values and competencies which include professionalism and respect; and communication and commitment to continuous learning, respectively, among others.

She stated that it was vital that the drivers portray a professional positive image of UN Women and the UN system as a whole as they are UN Women’s ambassadors on the ground. This is the main objective of the training.

Some aspects covered in the training include protocol, dining etiquette, communication and Human Resources. “The aim of this training is to better equip our drivers to better perform their tasks. We are also keen on improving staff capacity as UN Women” commented Zachariah Atozo, the training coordinator.

Esther Massah follows the discussions during the just concluded diplomatic training

Esther Massah follows the discussions during the just concluded training. Photo: UN Women/ Faith Bwibo

“This training has equipped me with skills that will enable me be a better professional driver” remarked Massah Esther, Senior Driver from Sierra Leone.

In her closing remarks, the Deputy Regional Director WACARO, Oulimata Sarr reiterated that the training was a first of its kind and UN Women is proud of its drivers who are invaluable to the organization. Every single person in the organization plays a crucial role in helping UN Women reach its mandate, and the drivers are not an exception. That is why the organization has invested in building their capacities. “I am grateful to the UN Women leadership for granting our colleagues this opportunity”, she concluded.

“After this training, I am sure that I will be able to better perform my duties, having gained better understanding of communication, and appreciating its role in my work” Edoukou Richmond, a participant from Ivory coast.

UN Women is keen on building capacities of its staff members and is hopeful that this diplomatic and etiquette training will be replicated throughout the continent among all drivers in UN Women and the wider UN system.