student in FDU’s master of administrative science program with a concentration in diplomacy and international relations, Lila Hanitra Ratsifandrihamanana, a resident of Madagascar, is permanent observer of the African Union (AU) to the United Nations. Previously, she participated in statutory meetings of the United Nations and its organs, of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77 developing countries and China. She also was active in regional organizations like the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Indian Ocean Commission, which she chaired in 2000.

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How did you find out about FDU’s MAS program, and why did you choose it?
I learned about the program from some African diplomats. I expressed my willingness to have more information and was thereafter invited to attend the luncheon devoted to the program, organized in July of last year by FDU at the United Nations. I can definitely say that it met my interests, so I did not hesitate.

What are your experiences like in the program, and how do your experiences serve your professional needs?
Although I am in my second session now, I can say that I have already benefited a lot from this program. The topics of the courses are all equally important, and the program helps me build on my knowledge and sharpen my conceptual and analytical skills as well as my ability to communicate. I also take advantage of interaction with other students and professors. For sure, the program is very demanding, and I have to spend a lot of time and effort — almost all of my evenings and weekends — in reading, writing and conducting research. Added to my already very heavy schedule, obviously there is no rest; but it is a choice that I do not regret since the study is highly rewarding and has a direct link with my professional needs.

How does FDU’s mission of educating world citizens fit in with your work?
The program is closely linked with my work as permanent observer of the African Union to the United Nations. Since the program is exclusively tailored for diplomats working at the United Nations, it gives us the opportunity to enhance our expertise and engage with other world citizens, to exchange our personal experiences and to discuss issues of common interest. I very much appreciate the program’s multidisciplinary approach, as I am required to monitor a wide range of issues of interest to Africans within the United Nations.

When did you realize this was your passion, and what do you find most gratifying about your work?
The most gratifying parts for me are the contact with the world community, the oversight of current problems and issues and the feeling that I can somehow contribute to the progress of world peace and development.

What have been the high points of your career?
I have been in different positions, from the academic to the political and diplomatic. I accumulated a wide range of experiences at university, as a woman activist highly involved in the political arena in my country and as a diplomat taking part in multiple conferences and engaging with notable personalities around the world. I recognize today that working for the sake of Africa is the most important milestone in my career thus far.

What are your priorities for the African Union?
Considering the wide range of challenges the continent is facing, the African Union is now in the process of adopting its strategic plan for 2009– 2012, which is articulated around four pillars. The first pillar, the promotion of durable peace and security in Africa, ranks highly on our list of priorities and efforts. The second pillar concerns continental integration and economic development with the double challenges of establishing a politically and economically integrated Africa and the implementation of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development program. The third pillar is what we call shared values, which include good governance, human rights, social development and empowerment of women. Finally, strengthening the capacity of the AU constitutes the fourth pillar.

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MAS for Diplomats

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