Diplomatic awards set for March 13

More than 30 ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe are expected to grace the fourth edition of the Diplomat of the Year Awards set for March 13, 2015 at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare.

Diplomat of the Year Awards founder, Reginald Chapfunga, said the event has grown over the years and they are expecting most of the diplomats to attend.

“This is one of the biggest events on the diplomatic calendar attracting far more ambassadors and embassy representatives than any other event. Judging by the response we are getting from the diplomatic community over 30 ambassadors are expected to attend the awards dinner and ceremony,” said Chapfunga

The awards are running under the theme, “Embracing trade promotion and economic diplomacy”.

“Globalisation has increased the importance of economic inter-dependency among nations and also unveiled a lot of opportunities in world trade, so Zimbabwe and Africa at large should take advantage of these opportunities to promote trade, attract investments, and stimulate economic growth, hence the theme ‘Embracing trade promotion and economic diplomacy’,” explained Chapfunga. “We are presenting a platform for diplomats, government representatives, captains of industry and UN missions to meet and communicate ideas on trade promotion and economic diplomacy outside embassy walls. This is also a rare event where diplomats regardless of their divergent political views, interest and foreign policies celebrate in unison,” he said

The inaugural edition of the Diplomat of the Year Awards was held in January 2012 and since then the awards have been held annually.

“The awards celebrate the contribution of all diplomats in Zimbabwe to the development of the country and its people and also honour outstanding envoys each year. As citizens of Zimbabwe this our appreciation in a small way. In fact it is mostly the people on the ground who benefit immensely from the support and initiatives of diplomats representing various governments and nations in Zimbabwe. It is human for us to appreciate their efforts,” he said.

Chapfunga said the changes in international relations also present citizens with a key role to play. “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 Government alone.”

The late Spanish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ms Pillar Feragut won the inaugural Diplomat of the Year Award. Her runners-up were the former Chinese and Kuwait ambassadors to Zimbabwe, Mr Xin Shunkang and Abdudllah Jumaa Al-Sharhan respectively.

In 2013 the award was scooped by the former EU ambassador to Zimbabwe, Aldo Dell’Ariccia. His runners-up were Ambassador Yeetendra Kumar Tripathi of India and Ndiyoi Mutiti of Zambia. Last year, Ambassador Mutiti rose from runner in 2013 to scoop the Diplomat of the Year. Her runners-up were Ambassador Stefano Lavizzari of Switzerland and Ambassador Marcia Maro dasilva of Brazil.

On the selection criteria 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.”