Empowerment - Inclusion - Participation
Vision
To be the torch-bearer of inclusion and professionalism by enhancing the International Relations profession
Mission
To enhance inclusion, training and professionalism among formal actors of Zambia’s International Relations and Diplomacy.
Core values
In achieving the ‘Vision’ and the ‘Mission’, the Association commits itself to upholding the following core values:
EMPLOYABILITY
Given the official definition of unemployment, Zambia’s actual unemployment rate stands at 12.20% implying that over 466,526 people out of a labor force of about 5,966,199 are completely jobless. The Association finds means to create paying opportunities for its qualified IR members.
PROFESSIONALISM
It is in Zambia’s national interest that the country’s international relations are characterized by excellence and professionalism. Therefore, the Association facilitates the development of new ideas, relationships and skill sets for members of the profession on how to advance Zambia’s global leadership and interests.
UNITY OF PURPOSE
One may imagine that diplomats are primarily professional men in pinstriped suits, sitting with other government officials in formal meeting rooms. Today anyone — male and female, young and old, and from all backgrounds work tirelessly representing their countries in both informal and formal settings. To protect and serve the shared vision, interests and values of the country, the Association serves as a central hub for IR practitioners, active duty diplomats, retired diplomats, and other persons engaged in representing Zambia internationally
SERVICE
International Relations practitioners exist to support Zambia’s international relations. The association encourages retired, active duty and other IR members to engage in activities that advocate for Zambia’s global leadership and national interest.
Organizational Objectives
- Facilitate activities that strengthen Zambia’s relations and effectively promotes the country’s image at a global stage through the involvement of international relations academia, policy experts, private sector workers, students and independent actors among many.
- Broadening the employment scope beyond Ministry of foreign Affairs & Zambian Foreign Service by engaging private sector on behalf of members for possible employment opportunities and professional networking.
- Create a platform were experienced diplomats & upcoming diplomats can collectively contribute towards Zambia’s development.
- To promote the education of practitioners at all stages and levels with particular emphasis on the broadening of such education.
- To promote research in all matters touching on and ancillary or incidental to International relations.
- To protect and assist the public in all matters touching on and ancillary or incidental to International relations.
Publications
Stay informed with our comprehensive publications that cover a wide range of topics including international diplomacy, geopolitical trends, and global economic policies. Our expert contributors provide in-depth articles, research papers, and policy briefs that offer valuable insights into the complexities of international relations.
Join us in promoting knowledge, dialogue, and cooperation in the field of international relations. Together, we can make a difference.
MEMBERSHIP
Your membership with IRAZ helps to support the activities of the organization and the advancement of our core values and objectives. IRAZ also offers a range of services and opportunities for members including online access to interesting webinars, professional networking programs and a variety of other professional opportunities.
ORDINARY MEMBERSHIP
• ANNUAL AMOUNT : K350.00
(i)Ordinary membership : open to any person who is ordinarily resident in Zambia and who-
(a) is qualified to practice as an International Relations Practitioner; or
(b) Has been awarded the degree of Bachelor of International Relations at a reputable university in Zambia or has obtained a degree or other qualifications acceptable to the Association for purposes of membership.
package includes:
- IRAZ Membership Certificate
- IRAZ Career Engagement Advisor
- IRAZ Professional Networking Event
- IRAZ Virtual learning
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
ANNUAL AMOUNT : K400.00
Associate membership, open to any person who:
• Does not necessarily possess relevant qualifications in International Relations but has some experience in the field or has interest in joining the profession.
package includes:
- IRAZ Membership Certificate
- IRAZ Career Engagement Advisor
- IRAZ Professional Networking Event
- IRAZ Virtual learning
STUDENT MEMBERSHIP
Annual amount : K250.00
Student Membership, open to any person who:
Is a student of International Relations at certificate, diploma and undergraduate level or engaged in a program of study acceptable to the Association for the purpose of membership
package includes:
- IRAZ Membership Certificate
- IRAZ Career Engagement Advisor
- IRAZ Professional Networking Event
- IRAZ Virtual learning
CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP
Annual amount K2500.00
Corporate Membership, open to:
Organizations, institutions and universities with dealings related or acceptable to the Association for membership.
Amount covers only up to 5 members per organization.
package includes:
- IRAZ Certificate
- IRAZ Professional Networking Event
- Free Advertising(if needed)
EXECUTIVE MEMBERSHIP
Annual amount K1000.00
Executive Membership shall be open to:
- Former heads, deputy heads of missions and officials of the Zambian diplomatic service
package includes:
- IRAZ Certificate
- IRAZ Professional Networking Event
- IRAZ Foreign Affairs correspondent
- IRAZ Research Consultant
Portfolio
Organizational Challenges
- Lack of Funds: Not having enough funds has not only posed difficulties in accomplishing Association projects, but it has also put the Association in jeopardy given that there are also many operational costs.
- Absence of Local and International Networking Opportunities: Unfortunately, very few relevant institutions within and outside the country are willing to open up new networking spaces and platforms with professional Associations.
- The lack of Private Offices: Given the limited resources and funding sources for the association, the association is unable to offer a conducive environment for remote activities such as roundtable meetings, book clubs, press conferences e.t.c
- The lack of Media Visibility: Conditions, particularly the technology and infrastructure of communications, have radically changed. Thus the lack of proper media channels such as social media TVs e.t.c negatively affects social interactions, IRAZ awareness programs and communication systems.
