An effective cultural diversity training programme for South African diplomats could contribute to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, since it could build an effective, accountable and inclusive public administration to increase public service delivery. Diplomats deployed abroad are expected by their employer to work effectively in a cross-cultural environment. The effects of culture shock on a diplomat deployed abroad should not be underestimated. Therefore, cultural diversity training has been defined by various authors as one aspect that can assist to reduce the negative psychological effects of culture shock. In line with the above, this article is based on research that was conducted to determine the defining attributes that are/should be included in a cultural diversity training programme presented to SA diplomats in order to potentially reduce culture shock. A quantitative research and normative app