The Sunday Mail
Extra Reporter
Preparations for the fifth edition of the Diplomat of the Year Awards which will be held in Harare early March have gathered momentum.
The founder of the Diplomat of the Year Awards, Reginald Chapfunga said this year’s edition will not only celebrate the work of diplomats in Zimbabwe, but it will also impact positively on the country’s relations with other nations.
“We have set the ball rolling for the fifth edition and fifth anniversary celebrations of the Diplomat of the Year Awards, which this year is running under the theme ‘Tourism as a driver for economic growth and diplomacy’.
“If the excitement shown by most stakeholders is anything to go by, then this year’s edition will not only celebrate the contribution of all diplomats in Zimbabwe to the social development of the country but also impact positively on the country’s economy and engagement with the rest of the world,” said Chapfunga.
Expounding on this year’s theme and quoting the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Chapfunga said, “Over the decades, tourism has experienced continued growth and deepening diversification to become one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world. Modern tourism is closely linked to development and encompasses a growing number of new destinations.
“These dynamics have turned tourism into a key driver for socio-economic progress. Tourism has become one of the major players in international commerce, and represents at the same time one of the main income sources for many developing countries. Even in Zimbabwe, tourism contributes a lot to our economy. Tourism also plays an important role in bringing diverse people together, hence our theme.”
Chapfunga the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Eng Walter Mzembi, who is also UNWTO CAF chairman will be the guest of honour at the event.
He said 10 diplomats will walk away with prizes.
“Unlike last year where we presented three awards per category, this year we will only recognise two diplomats per category. However, the categories remain the same. Awards will be presented to Diplomat of the Year Overall, and Diplomat of the Year from Africa, Europe, Middle East, Americas and Asia and the Oceania,” he said.
Besides honouring outstanding envoys and embassies and celebrating the contribution of all the diplomats and their representive governments to the development of Zimbabwe and its people, the awards ceremony also presents a unique networking platform for diplomats, business leaders, Government, NGO and UN missions.
“We established the Diplomat of the Year Awards in 2011 but held the inaugural awards ceremony in January 2012.
‘‘Since then, the awards have been held annually and they have become one of the biggest diplomatic events, attracting more ambassadors than any other event in the country. We are ready for the biggest ceremony ever,” concluded Chapfunga.
