Ambassadors and High Commissioners from over 60 countries (and diplomats from over 80 countries) attended the DIPLOMAT magazine 2023 annual Awards Ceremony at the Royal Over-Seas League (ROSL) in St James’s on Monday 24 April. DIPLOMAT presented 10 awards to some of the most influential diplomats based in the UK. The 150-plus guests were treated to a reception and canapés prepared by ROSL’s chefs.

In its thirteenth year, the awards ceremony recognises the outstanding work and achievements of London’s diplomatic community who are trying to better their nations’ well-being. DIPLOMAT magazine identified 10 categories that recognise different levels of diplomacy, and winners were nominated by their peers.  The evening welcomed the massed ranks of London’s diplomatic corps, at what has become a key date in the capital’s diplomatic calendar. BBC Diplomatic Correspondent James Landale was the Master of Ceremonies, who performed with immense slickness and wit.

Sponsors were International Hospitals Group, VFS Global, International Diplomatic Supplies and the Royal Over-Seas League. Royal warrant holders’ Cleave & Co. produced the unique awards for the winners.

With over 180 diplomatic missions, a posting in London remains one of the highlights of any diplomat’s career. DIPLOMAT’s Editor, Venetia de Blocq van Kuffeler, said: “As the global centre for diplomacy, London has become more important than ever. This is an award ceremony for diplomats, with winners chosen by diplomats. This evening is about hard work and technique. It’s about people and professionalism.”

2023 DIPLOMAT OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS:

2023 Diplomat of the Year from the Middle East & North Africa

His Excellency Mr Hakim Hajoui

Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco

2023 Diplomat of the Year from Europe

Her Excellency Mrs Laura Popescu

Ambassador of Romania

2023 Diplomat of the Year from Asia & Oceania

Her Excellency Mrs Saroja Sirisena

High Commissioner for Sri Lanka

2023 Diplomat of the Year from Africa

Her Excellency Ms Agnes Oswaha

Ambassador of the Republic of South Sudan

2023 Diplomat of the Year from Eurasia & the Western Balkans

Her Excellency Ms Sophie Katsarava MBE

Ambassador of Georgia

2023 Diplomat of the Year from North America & the Caribbean

Her Excellency Ms Karen-Mae Hill OBE

High Commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda

2023 Diplomat of the Year from Central & South America

His Excellency Mr Juan Carlos Gamarra Skeels

Ambassador of Peru

2023 Deputy Head of Mission of the Year

Mr Polad Mammadov

Deputy Head of Mission & Counsellor (Political Affairs)

Embassy of Azerbaijan

2023 Young Diplomat of the Year

Ms Rawan Al-Faqir

First Secretary, Embassy of Jordan & YDL President

2023 Outstanding Contribution to Diplomacy in London

His Excellency Mr Vadym Prystaiko

Ambassador of Ukraine

ABOUT THE SPONSORS:

International Hospitals Group: Founded in 1972 IHG has successfully completed over 480 healthcare projects in 55 countries for private and public sector clients including 24 national governments, the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation. It is one of the leading healthcare services companies in the world. https://ihg.co.uk/

VFS Global: VFS Global is the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions. VFS Global is the trusted partner of 67 client governments, operating a global network with more than 3,400 Application Centres in 145 countries. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, enabling them to focus entirely on the critical assessment task. https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/governments/index.html

The Royal Over-Seas League: A not-for-profit private members’ club, The Royal Over-Seas League is dedicated to championing international friendship and understanding throughout the Commonwealth and beyond. It has been bringing like-minded people together since its launch in 1910, and today, offers its members a warm welcome centred on its grand clubhouse in St James’s. www.rosl.org.uk/

International Diplomatic Supplies: With 25 years of experience with customers in 75 countries, IDS is the world’s only dedicated diplomatic supply company. https://www.i-d-s.com/

Cleave & Co: Court Jewellers Cleave & Company design and create some of the world’s most exceptional bespoke jewellery, Objet D’Art, pens, insignia, orders, decorations and medals by appointment. https://cleave.com/

For enquiries contact Diplomat magazine Editor, Venetia van Kuffeler on

E: vvk@diplomatmagazine.com www.diplomatmagazine.com