Former Deputy Ambassador to the UN Assures Support to the UZ Young Ambassadors Forum

Mr Vova A Chikanda, Founding member and current Chair of the the Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy delivered a wide-ranging lecture on the functions of Ambassadors and Diplomats in the Contemporary World to the University of Zimbabwe Young Ambassadors Forum at the UZ on Friday 24 March 2017.  

Mr Chikanda commended the UZ students for coming up with the Young Ambassadors Forum saying that the enthusiasm shown by the Young Ambassadors shows that Zimbabwe’s diplomatic future was bright with newer and brighter minds. His lecture defined the Ambassador, diplomat and their functions in promoting and maintaining good interstate relations and the maintenance of global peace, security and development.

He said that “Diplomacy started when the first human race realized that it was better to hear the message than to eat the messenger”. Mr Chikanda bemoaned what this world would be without diplomacy. “For what is a human being without diplomacy, protocol and etiquette…..without these a human being is but a mere reasoning savage!” he said.

To sum it up Mr Chikanda said that functions of a diplomat included  representation, negotiation of treaties, agreements and protocols; the protection of national interests; conducting consular and quasi legal functions and the protection of nationals, bodies corporate and business interests of the sending state.  

Mr Chikanda exhorted the Forum to continue to research on means and mechanisms to develop Zimbabwe;   embrace diplomacy for peace; peaceful transformation and sustainable development for Africa and the Developing World. He enthused the young people to be committed and dedicated to the quest for a new and strong Africa known for best practices. He availed his Institution and assured the participants doors were open for the Young Ambassadors to receive further training at the Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy.