LONDON, UK, May 17, 2011 - Heads of Mission from over 85
countries attended Diplomat magazine’s 2011 annual Awards Ceremony
at the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill in Portman Square on Monday 16 May. Diplomat
presented 12 awards to some of the most influential diplomats based in the
UK. Guests were treated to a champagne reception and delicious canapés prepared
by the chefs at the hotel.
Host of the
event, Diplomat’s Publisher Hugo de Blocq van Kuffeler, stated in
his introductory speech: ‘Despite the conveniences of modern technology, the
tact, persuasiveness, influence and guile of a great diplomat is far more
powerful and effective than an e-mail or a letter. Diplomacy is the brain of a
nation. It has been said that the quality of a nation’s diplomacy gives it
direction and weight. And so it is important that we appreciate the great
conductors of diplomacy this evening.’
The popular award
of the evening was the winner for ‘Diplomat of the Year from the Americas’
(Canada, USA, Central America & Caribbean), which went to High Commissioner
for Belize, Her Excellency Ms Kamela Palma. The Japanese Ambassador accepted
his award for ‘Diplomat of the Year from Asia’ on behalf of the people of Japan
in the wake of one of the world’s worst natural disasters since the end of
World War II. Winners thanked Diplomat magazine for recognizing the
achievements of overseas Heads of Mission based in London.
The evening was
sponsored by Jaguar Landrover who had the new Jaguar XJ and Range Rover
greeting all guests as they arrived outside the hotel, BMG Foundation, BUPA and
Worley Parsons. Cleave and Co produced the unique awards for the winners and
International Diplomatic Supplies provided the drinks for the evening. Mr de
Blocq van Kuffeler thanked all the sponsors for their continued support of the
magazine.
Winners from the
evening are as follows:
Distinguished Contribution to
Diplomacy in London
Wilton Park
This forum for
democracy building, post-conflict reconciliation and international dialogue is
crucial for progress on global issues. Wilton Park offers a unique opportunity
for opinion-formers and policy-makers from across the world to calmly address
issues of dispute and conflict.
Diplomat of the Year
from the Middle East
Dr Afnan Al-Shuaiby
Secretary-General and
Chief Executive Arab-British Chamber of Commerce
Dr Al-Shuaiby has
tirelessly worked to create a forum to protect and develop the interests of the
Middle East in the UK. She is also the leading voice in championing the
advancement of women in business and government in the region, which has
resulted in Arab women participating at the highest levels of international
business and policymaking forums.
Diplomat of the Year
from Africa
HRH Prince Seeiso
Bereng Seeiso
High Commissioner for
Lesotho
For such a small
country Prince Seeiso has achieved extraordinary success in gaining recognition
from the world media and raising funds for his charity Sentebale. The
organisation has transformed the lives of his country’s orphans and vulnerable
children - the forgotten victims of poverty and of the HIV/AIDS epidemic
ravaging his country and the region.
Diplomat of the Year
from Asia
His Excellency Mr
Keiichi Hayashi
Ambassador of Japan
This award is not
simply demonstrating solidarity for and support of this nation but it is
recognition that this diplomat has conveyed the message of a country that has
immediately got back on its feet following one of the most traumatic natural
disasters in modern history.
Diplomat of the Year
from Eurasia
His Excellency Mr
Otabek Akbarov
Ambassador of
Uzbekistan
Mr Akbarov has made
enormous strides to increase the understanding of his country in the UK and EU
by working tirelessly to promote some transparency of the workings of his
government and the offerings of his country while promoting the respect and
care of women in Central Asia.
Diplomat of the Year
from Europe
His Excellency Mr
Johan Verbeke
Ambassador of Belgium
Mr Verbeke has gone
beyond the responsibility of bilateral agreements and into predicting the future
of diplomacy. He is the leading voice and considered a visionary on the future
of modern diplomacy.
Diplomat of the Year
from the Americas
(Canada, USA, Mexico,
Central America & Caribbean)
Her Excellency Ms
Kamela Palma
High Commissioner for
Belize
Despite representing a
small country Ms Palma reflects her country’s efforts to modernise internally
and engage globally through constantly promoting the issues of her country as
well as the region.
Diplomat of the Year
from South America
Mr Roberto Jaguaribe
Ambassador of Brazil
Promoting his country
as one of the new economic leaders and superpowers of the future, Mr Jaguaribe
represents a nation that has emerged as a confident and mature leader on the
world stage, driving the creation of a union of South American nations.
Deputy Head of
Mission of the Year
Ms Klára Breuer-Rudas
Embassy of Hungary
Ms Rudas has
demonstrated exceptional leadership at a time when her Embassy most needed it.
She stepped into the role of Chargé d’Affaires, admirably running the embassy
at a time while her country presided over the EU.
Outstanding
Contribution to Women in Diplomacy
Her Excellency Ms Ruth
Elizabeth Rouse
High Commissioner for
Grenada
Ms Rouse’s ‘no
nonsense’ attitude commands great respect among her fellow male counterparts as
the driving force behind Women in Diplomatic Service (WDS), a vibrant group within
the diplomatic corps which has established a scholarship to bring talented
young female diplomats to London, encouraging women to enter into the
diplomatic profession.
Outstanding
Contribution to the Consular Corps
Mr Bogdan Kolarov
Embassy of Bulgaria
Mr Kolarov has been
the driving force behind the revival of the Consular Corps of London and for
establishing vital partnerships for the future of the organisation which has
affected a positive change in their development and the future of their home countries.
Young Diplomat of the
Year
Mr Marwan Francis
Embassy of Lebanon
As one of the most
active and visible members of the diplomatic community, Mr Francis is the
welcoming figure for new younger diplomats arriving in London, whose confidence
and exceptional presentation is reflected in this award.
Photo:
George Hassell LVO,
Director, Royal and Diplomatic Affairs for Jaguar/Landrover
Presents Award
(Contribution to Women in Diplomatic Service) to High Commissioner for Grenada
HE Ruth Elizabeth Rouse
at Diplomat of the Year
Awards Ceremony on Monday May 16th 2011 in London.
In Photo - Publisher of
Diplomat Magazine, Hugo de Blocq van Kuffeler
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