The Sunday Mail
The recent election of President Mugabe as Chair of the African Union not only thrust Zimbabwe to the centre of African diplomacy, but global affairs relations at large.
It is a stern test of our diplomatic tact and also presents us a great opportunity to tell our story. However, as Ambassador Odeen Ishmael, Guyana’s representative to Kuwait put it, the task is not easy in these times of globalisation.
“In the international arena at the present time, the speed and intensity of the changes resulting from globalisation and the multiplicity of actions and trading relations and, above all, the extraordinary effects of the communications revolution, has introduced sharp changes in the orientation, design and implementation of international relations.
“In a world that has become ‘tight but diverse’ it is an indisputable fact that diplomacy, as the executor of the State’s foreign policy has acquired primary importance.
“There are now numerous international and even daring opportunities that the State and its people can take advantage of to conduct trade, to co-operate in various fields and to acquire the necessary knowledge to develop harmony with other States,” noted Ambassador Ishmael.
These changes in international relations also present citizens a key role to play. As Zimbabwe celebrate the ascendency of President Mugabe to the AU Chairmanship, it is also imperative to look at our role as Zimbabweans in facilitating good relations with other nations. It is no longer a prerogative of the State alone.
One event that has played a key role in facilitating and promoting diplomacy between Zimbabwe and other nations is the Diplomat of the Year Awards. Founder of the Diplomat of the Year Awards, Mr Reginald Chapfunga, explained the initiative: “The Diplomat of the Year Awards were established in 2011 but the inaugural awards ceremony was held in January 2012. Since then the awards have been held annually, attracting far more ambassadors than any other event in the country.”
“When we mooted the idea of the awards, we always encountered the same questions: who are you to honour diplomats? “Where else in Africa have that happened? “We have always been consistent in our response, you don’t have to be among the who is who to appreciate or celebrate good work. In fact, it is mostly the people on the ground, the peasants, the orphans and the disadvantaged who benefit immensely from the support and initiatives of diplomats representing various governments and nations in Zimbabwe. It is human for us to thank in a small way,” said Mr Chapfunga
He said the Diplomat Awards celebrate the contribution of all diplomats in Zimbabwe to the development of the country and its people and is a unique networking platform.
“This is also a social event where the diplomatic community meets captains of industry and exchange ideas and ideals. In a way, the Diplomat Awards contribute to world peace and tolerance of divergent views.
The late Spanish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mrs Pillar Ferragut, scooped the inaugural Diplomat of the Year Overall Award in 2012. The following year it was scooped by the former EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Aldo Dell’ Arica and last year the award went to Zambia’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mrs Ndiyoi Mutiti.
On the selection criteria Mr Chapfunga said: “Over the last editions, nomination forms were sent to embassies and the winners were selected from the nominations based on popular vote.
“However, this year a nomination committee was established to select the winners from submissions by embassies. The committee is made up of media, UN missions, business and civic society representatives.”
He also said that having realised the important role played by the Diplomat of the Year Awards, Diplomacy Appreciation Trust, was formed to oversee the co-ordination and management of the awards. “To enhance credibility and ensure continuity we established DAT. The trust envisions a world which appreciates the good work done by all diplomats throughout the world, a world where diplomats and citizens regardless of their divergent views, beliefs, interest, race or colour work together for the good of mankind.
“Besides the awards DAT arrange various events that celebrate diplomacy and also provide platforms for interaction between diplomats and the people of host nations like the Embassy Expo, Diplomat Forum and Embassy Chef Challenge. It also promotes cultural diplomacy as a way of fostering mutual understanding through exchange of ideas, information, art and other aspects of culture among nations and their peoples,” said Mr Chapfunga
The 4th edition of the Diplomat of the Year Awards will be held on March 13.
