At the end of that process, State was larger than it had ever been – seven whole bureaus. The first reorganization happened in 1833 under Secretary Louis McLane during the Andrew Jackson presidency. Of course, back in the day, things were a little bit simpler than they may be now. Through wars and conflicts, depressions and pandemics, democracy movements and tech revolutions, our institution has evolved: diplomats and development experts building new expertise, devising new policies, standing up new teams – striving at all times to ensure that American diplomacy is serving our national interests in what is a rapidly changing and increasingly complex world.Īnd secretaries going back nearly 200 years have led reorganizations of the State Department. Throughout its history, the State Department has been in a near-constant state of renewal. This is where the future of American diplomacy is shaped.Īnd that’s why this is a perfect place for today’s conversation about the future of the State Department. Here, many of you have learned new languages, studied the politics, economics and histories of countries and regions where you serve, received management and leadership training, learned how to write reporting cables, issue visas, run assistance programs, and much, much more. We have with us members of Congress, including I think virtually, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Meeks, representatives from employee affinity groups at State, friends of American diplomacy, students here at FSI, including some of our newest diplomats, and other members of the State Department community.Īnd it is a pleasure to be here at the Foreign Service Institute where generations of State Department personnel have trained and studied. To all of you joining us today – please, thank you – whether in person or via video, welcome. It’s also wonderful to see so many of our colleagues in person face to face, or at least mask to mask. And to everyone here today, it’s wonderful to see you.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you all so much, and Julieta, thank you so much for your leadership of this remarkable institution, one that’s increasingly vital to the future of our department, the future of our diplomacy. Secretary, we are delighted that you chose FSI to launch the modernization of American diplomacy initiative. It will house training for department employees in 21st century diplomacy, including on emerging priorities and new issues that we face around the planet.įSI is also excited to help revitalize and modernize our beloved State Department.
As you saw outside, we are in the process – or final stages of constructing a new building here on campus. Secretary Blinken, it’s a pleasure to welcome you back to FSI. My name is Julieta Valls Noyes and I am the acting director of the Foreign Service Institute. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center
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