China Ambassador bags top diplomat Award

Ambassadors, Heads of Missions and International Organizations, the Corporate Sector and Private Individuals converged at Cresta Lodge, Sango Conference Centre for the serene evening of 10 March 2017 to receive Diplomat of the Year Awards 2017 from the Diplomacy Appreciation Trust (DAT).  The event, graced by the EU Head of Delegation to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Philippe Van Damme (Guest of Honour) was to underscore and in a befitting manner the selfless and sterling work done by Members of the Diplomatic Corps and the Corporate Sector in promoting peace, diplomacy and development in Zimbabwe and Africa.

Outstanding diplomats from Africa, Europe, Asia, America and the Middle East scooped the Awards. Flanked with his counterparts, His Excellency Huang Ping, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, was named the overall winner of the Diplomat of the Year Award 2017.

Addressing participants at the ceremony, EU Ambassador, His Excellency Philippe Van Damme, who was the Guest of Honour, underscored the immense contribution Ambassadors and diplomats make to world peace, security and development. The timeless efforts, dedication and selfless endeavours of diplomats have made humanity realize that it is “better to hear the message than to kill the messenger.”

This year’s edition was the biggest ever as it happens in a new political dispensation. The Awards presented an environment where diplomats, regardless of their divergent political views, interests and foreign policies, celebrate in unison.

AWARD WINNERS:

Diplomat of the Year 2018

Winner:

• 2nd Runner Up: His Excellency Enrico De Agostini (Ambassador of Italy)
• 1st Runner Up: Her Excellency Balbina Daes Pienaar (Ambassador of Namibia)
• Winner: His Excellency Huang Ping (Ambassador of China)

Diplomat of the Year from Africa

Winners:

• His Excellency Mphakama Mbete (Ambassador of South Africa)
• Her Excellency Balbina Daes Piennaar (Ambassador of Namibia)
• His Excellency Pedro Hendrick Vaal Neto ( Ambassador of Angola)

Diplomat of the Year from Europe

Winners:

• His Excellency Sergy V. Bakharev (Ambassador of Russsia)
•  His Excellency Enrico De Agostini (Ambassador of Italy)
• Her Excellency Thorsten Hutter (Ambassador of Germany)

Diplomat of the Year from Asia and Oceania

Winners:

• His Excellency Huang Ping (Ambassador of China)
• His Excellency Amarjit S. Signh (Ambassador of Malaysia)
• His Excellency Toshiyuki Iwado (Ambassador of Japan)
• His Excellency Stephanus Yuwo (Ambassador of Indonesia)

Diplomat of the Year from Americas

Winners:

• His Excellency Anna M. P Morales (Ambassador of Brazil)
• His Excellency Rene M. Cremonese (Ambassador of Canada)

Diplomat of the Year from the Middle East

Winners:

• His Excellency Ahmad Arfanian (Ambassador of Iran)
• Her Excellency Taghrid Senour (Ambassador of the State of Palestine)
• His Excellency Nacerdine Sai (Ambassador of Algeria)

Deputy Head of Mission Awards

• Winners:
• Ms Zilipa Chitambo (Embassy of Zambia)
• Mr Andre Neto (Embassy of Angola)
• Mrs Ana Alvarez (Embassy of Spain)

Grassroots Diplomat of the Year

Winner:

• Mr Maimba Mapuranga (Kutting Edge Sports)