Brasilia: The second International Day of Diplomats was recently celebrated in Brasilia to highlight the contributions of diplomats as everyday peacemakers.
Diplomats from over a dozen countries including Austria, India, Brazil, Egypt, Netherlands and Zimbabwe on October 24 came together to mark the day dedicated to all diplomats, no matter where do they come from or which country they represent.
Speaking on the occasion, the Charge de affaires of Zimbabwe Kossam Mupezeni said, “As diplomats, we are like nomads and it’s important that once in a while we celebrate our uniqueness, our nomadic way of life. The work that we do is very challenging, demanding, sensitive and at times very dangerous. We need to sit down and reflect about the work we do, our contributions to humanity, so it’s important that this day is commemorated.”
Peter Rodrigues from the World Food Programme of the United Nations said, “It’s a good celebration because the work of the diplomats is very important. Their performance is not recognized in the countries they work at. Many countries have their own day of diplomats but the International Day of Diplomats is a good initiative. I believe in a few years more countries will start celebrating this day and it’s a recognition of his work and also a day we all can celebrate together.”
Isabella Tomas, the Deputy Chief of Mission of Austria in Brazil said, “I believe it’s another good occasion we can meet our good friends and there is already an international day for almost everything so I think having an International Day of Diplomats is a very good thing. I heard that this celebration started last year and it’s working so far. People don’t really know what a diplomat does so this date would be a good occasion to explain the profession.”
Wellington Bujokas from DPLP, Itamaraty, the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also commented, “It’s a good date to show people that diplomats are normal people and that the profession is not that glamorous as it is shown and that diplomats have a lot of obstacles to reach their goals.”
Hoeck Miranda, the diplomatic coordinator of the Bahai community in Brasilia said, “It’s an extremely important day. I see the work of a diplomat, the work of fundamental importance in the globalised world. The globalisation has brought close different communities and they exchange both good and bad things. A diplomat is a person who must know not just how to create peace but to keep peace. The profession of a diplomat is very important for world peace.”
Leandro Estevao Zenni, Head of DESET at Itamaraty said, “It’s important to recognize the importance of diplomats and show their efforts to keep peace and make the world a better place. The celebration of the Diplomats Day on 24th of October is symbolically important as it is the also the UN Day.”
The celebration of International Day of Diplomats was started in Brasilia last year by Indian diplomat Abhay K on October 24.
Speaking on the occasion, he elucidated, “It is heartening to see the idea of celebrating International Day of Diplomats turning into a reality. It is growing fast. This year more diplomats participated in the event in Brasilia. The day was also marked in Mexico City, Washington DC and Dhaka. I hope that it will grow rapidly and will be celebrated across the world along with the UN Day.”
[source_without_link]ANI[/source_without_link]