The 35 young winners of this year’s recruitment competition for the diplomatic service are revitalising the Farnesina. Secretary General Michele Valensise met the first 24 winners of the 2013 competition at the Foreign Ministry today, 18 November, with the other 11 winners due to start in early 2014.
In his welcome address, Valensise reminded the new recruits that the complexity and interdependence of today’s international relations require more diplomacy, not less. Diplomats must be able to analyse information and messages from a range of sources and represent Italy effectively at the bilateral, European and multilateral levels.
“Promoting ‘System Italy’ from the Diplomacy for Growth perspective, formulating options for political action and for defending Italian interests worldwide. These are the principal challenges facing new diplomats”, said Valensise. “The Farnesina is delighted to welcome you to its ranks today and is counting on your commitment, your input and the abilities you have shown in passing the rigorous selection process”.
The average age of the new recruits, 27 years and six months, is testimony to the appeal that the diplomatic profession holds for young people. And over one third of the new entrants are women, thus confirming the trend seen in recent years, with growing numbers of young female graduates successfully completing the recruitment process. A process that remains one of the Italian Government’s most demanding and meritocratic.
The new recruits are now embarking on a 9-month training programme at the Diplomatic Institute, at the end of which they will be confirmed in their new positions.
