News

The University of Botswana (UB) and the Ministry of International Relations (MIR) have entered into a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their collaboration in research, training and capacity building. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing diplomacy and international relations by equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the complexities of global engagement.

Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Richard Tabulawa signed on behalf of UB while Ministry of International Relations Acting Permanent Secretary, Ms Lorato Plaatjie, signed on behalf of the Ministry.

The MoU aims at establishing a formal framework for collaboration in diplomacy and international relations. The agreement sets out clear modalities of cooperation to foster a dynamic partnership that enhances policy development, research capacity and diplomatic training. Furthermore, it aims to formalise collaboration in sharing expertise and experiences in diplomacy and international relations, exploring the establishment of a diplomatic institute and identifying other areas of mutual interest that align with the strategic priorities of both parties.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Professor Tabulawa stated that formalising the relationship would be mutually beneficial besides enhancing collaboration between the two institutions. He noted that while UB possessed extensive academic expertise in areas relevant to the Ministry’s daily operations, the Ministry brought valuable practical experience to the partnership.

Professor Tabulawa further stated that the MoU solidified the longstanding collaboration between UB and the Ministry in the field of diplomacy. He reaffirmed UB’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with industry and the community to drive the development of a knowledge-based economy. He observed that through impactful and strategic networking, collaborations and partnerships, UB aimed to contribute to Botswana’s transformation into a thriving knowledge society.

Professor Tabulawa noted that the MoU represented a deliberate effort to bridge the gap between the University and the society it served. He further highlighted that while institutions of higher learning often prioritised theoretical knowledge, practical experience resided within the community. By strengthening partnerships, UB aimed to provide students with a well-rounded education that integrated both theory and hands-on learning to equip them with real-world skills.

Meanwhile, Ms Plaatjie highlighted that 21st-Century diplomacy was undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by the rise of digitalisation. She noted the increasing use of public diplomacy through social media platforms as a key tool for communication between domestic and foreign policy stakeholders. The shift, she explained, was reshaping how nations promoted their culture, advanced economic interests and navigated evolving geopolitical landscapes.

Ms Plaatjie further underscored the need for UB’s academic programmes to align with the evolving demands of modern diplomacy to equip Botswana diplomats with the confidence and skills to engage effectively with their international counterparts. She also urged both parties to actively collaborate in implementing the MoU to drive meaningful change and strengthen Botswana’s diplomatic capacity.