All is now set for the annual Diplomat of the Year Awards scheduled for Sango Conference Centre at Cresta Lodge in Harare on March 4, whose theme is Tourism as a Driver for Economic Development and Diplomacy.
SILENCE CHARUMBIRA
Diplomacy Appreciation Trust chairperson, Anorah Sibanda said more than 30 diplomats had so far confirmed attendance, with most of the requirements now in place for the day.
Sibanda said 10 heads of mission and two deputies would walk away with the coveted awards at an event, where Tourism minister Walter Mzembi (pictured) is expected to be the guest of honour.
Now in their fifth year, the awards celebrate the contribution of diplomats in Zimbabwe to the country’s development.
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Sibanda said this was a rare platform, where diplomats, regardless of their divergent political views, interest and foreign policies, celebrated together.
“It is also a social event where the diplomatic community meets captains of industry and exchange ideas and ideals. In a way, diplomat awards contribute to world peace and tolerance of divergent views,” she said.
“It is this conviction to make a change in our continent, contribute towards a peaceful world and appreciate good leadership that has propelled us to work hard and hold the wards annually since 2012.”
The awards were established by Diplomat Magazine, but after an overwhelming endorsement of the third edition, an independent trust, the Diplomacy Appreciation Trust was established, which now runs and manages the event.
Sibanda said unlike the previous four editions, where three diplomats from each continent were awarded, this year, only nine overall winners would be rewarded.
“The winners were selected by the nomination committee comprising former ambassadors, journalists and civic society representatives,” she said.
Previous winners include the late Spanish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pillar Feragut, who won the inaugural Diplomat of the Year Award, former European Union Ambassador to Zimbabwe Aldo Dell’Ariccia, Ndiyoi Mutiti of Zambia, who won in 2014, and Gerdine Sneller of Netherlands, who scooped the award last year.
Sibanda said the awards “were solely funded by the corporate world and not embassies or the donor community”.
“This year, they are being supported by Stanbic Bank, Safeguard Security, Toyota Zimbabwe, SG Apartments, Optinova, MBCA Bank, Premier Coloursel, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Danai Wines and African Hanger.”
Our sister paper the Standard is the official media partner of the event.