The IRIC serves African and world diplomacy and advocates excellence, a philosophy otherwise underpinning its own overall performances.

The IRIC takes pride on its status as the oldest school of diplomacy south of Sahara, and brings the perceptions and the experiences of countries of the southern hemisphere to the world community.

Observer Status means that the IRIC has full diplomatic and delegate rights accorded to a member state of the African Union, with the exception that it may not cast votes Daniel Urbain Ndongo was appointed Director of the IRIC on 16 July 2020 by President Paul Biya,[2] replacing Salomon Eheth, who became Cameroon's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva.

Training is carried out at IRIC through three autonomous cycles of study: The Diplomatic Refresher courses for senior staff and agents of Ministries of External Relations, based on a combination of theoretical lectures and practical professional tutorials, enables students to be fully abreast with realities of their futures careers.

Any candidates who is willing to apply for the competitive entrance examination at IRIC must be at least a holder of a first degree from a recognized university or similar institutions or an Advance level Certificate or equivalent (since 2007).