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Herald Correspondent
A ZIMBABWEAN student based in the United Kingdom has scooped the Outstanding Negotiator Award at the 2024 Best Diplomats Simulation Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Ashley Munyaradzi Bandiki (20), a dental technology student based in Leicester, England, took home one of the five awards on offer at the Diplomatic Conference Simulation awards held at the Double Tree by Hilton on M Square in Dubai.
The event, held last weekend, was attended by over 170 simulation delegates from all over the world, with 44 simulation countries and many simulation companies represented at the conference held under the topic, “Addressing the digital divide in developing nations: Focusing on SDGs 4, 8 and 9”.
The 2024 Best Diplomats Dubai Conference sought to address the many challenges brought about by unequal access to the internet and the resultant consequences, mainly in developing countries.
Over three days, all the simulation delegates were expected to write a diplomatic stance, provide an opening speech, form negotiation blocks and adopt a diplomatic stance concerning the challenges perpetuated by the digital divide as per the simulation exercise guidelines.
During the simulation exercises, moderators scored the delegates on their negotiation, leadership and organisational skills.
Among the 10 Zimbabwean delegates in attendance, including Zimpapers Television Network producer, Happymore Chayira, Bandiki stood tall through his negotiation skills to be crowned the Outstanding Negotiator, among other awards that included the outstanding diplomat, outstanding leadership, outstanding negotiator and best diplomatic stance.
Speaking after receiving his award, Bandiki expressed gratitude to his fellow compatriots who supported him.
“I am very much elated to win this award and I wish to dedicate it to my country, Zimbabwe, as well as the other Zimbabwean delegates who cheered me on at this simulation event,” he said.
The award once again puts Zimbabwe on the diplomatic map, with many other Zimbabweans having previously scooped similar awards at previous events held under the Best Diplomats banner and have been hosted in countries such as Turkey, Thailand and the United States.
Best Diplomats, a New York-based organisation, specialises in conducting diplomatic simulations of prestigious international bodies such as the United Nations, the European Union and the African Union.
With a primary focus on training and developing future diplomats, Best Diplomats uses the simulations as a powerful platform for young leaders and change-makers to engage in constructive dialogue and address the most pressing global issues.
Online Reporter