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Society Reporter
As Zimbabwe ramps up its re-engagement efforts with the international community, the recently held Diplomatic Awards have been hailed as an effective tool in re-connecting with the world.
Speaking at the event, held at a Harare hotel, the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mrs Prisca Mupfumira, represented by Mr Douglas Runyowa, said: “Allow me to express from the onset my sincere appreciation to the organisers of this event, which is aimed at bringing together diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe in recognition of their important role in the development of our country.”
The Swedish ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mrs Sofia Calltorp, walked away with the Diplomat of the Year gong. She dedicated her award to the people of Sweden and the Swedish embassy in Zimbabwe.
“I feel extremely honoured and proud. The award is not only for me personally but for Sweden and the whole embassy. I think the Embassy of Sweden is trying all we can to promote good relationship between our two countries and to contribute to the development work in Zimbabwe. So we are really honoured to receive this award.”
Other diplomats who won include Mrs Barbara Van Hellemond (The Netherlands) and German ambassador Dr Thornsten Hutter who won in the Diplomat of the Year (Europe category). The Diplomat of the Year (Africa) went to Mr Mawampanga Mwana Nanga of DRC and Mrs Balbina Piennar of Namibia respectively.
Korean ambassador, Mr Cho Jai Chel, Indian ambassador Mr Rungsung Masakui and Mr Amarjit Singh of Malaysia scooped awards in the Diplomat of the Year (Asia).
Diplomat of the Year Awards (Middle East and the Mediterranean) went to Mr Hakan Kivanc of Turkey and Ms Taghrid Senouar of Palestine. Dr Oliver Mtukudzi and Africa Albida chief executive, Mr Ross Kennedy won the Outstanding Contribution to Diplomacy by non-diplomats.
Commenting on the selection criterion for this year’s edition of the Diplomat Awards, Diplomacy Appreciation Trust chairperson, Mrs Anora Sibanda said: “Our nomination committee looked at the diplomat’s performance in three areas: how well the ambassador represented his or her country, relations with other diplomats and the ambassador’s impact on the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans.”
Mrs Sibanda said the winners are selected by a nomination committee chaired by Mr Vova Chikanda of the Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy, which comprises of representatives of the media, civic society and former diplomats.
The colourful event, hosted by the Diplomacy Appreciation Trust and Diplomat Magazine, attracted guests from the diplomatic community, UN agencies, government, civic society and the corporate world. This Awards ran under the theme, “Equity, Equality and Development”.
Online Reporter