THE ROLE OF DIPLOMACY IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Diplomacy in international Business is essential because it helps to establish and maintain good relationships with foreign governments and other stakeholders. This can help to reduce the risks associated with doing Business in foreign countries, such as political instability, corruption, and other non-commercial factors.

Commercial or Business diplomacy is a type of diplomacy that focuses specifically on promoting trade and investment between countries. It involves developing long-term relationship-building strategies with governments, local communities, and interest groups. Commercial diplomacy is a government service to the business community that aims to develop socially profitable international business ventures. It can help firms improve their performance regarding so-called soft or nonfinancial indicators such as knowledge sharing, reputation, company image, and marketing possibilities. It differs from lobbying or strategic political activity; it implies a strategic and holistic approach of an international business to look at itself as an actor in the international diplomatic arena. Representation, communication, and negotiation are essential in such an approach. Successful negotiations require communication, cooperation, and compromise between countries. Outsiders can bring impartiality and help reach deals by proposing incentives.

How diplomacy is used in international relations and how it can be applied to Business.

Diplomacy is a method that governments use to influence the actions of foreign governments through peaceful tactics such as negotiation and dialogue. It’s typically carried out by a country’s representatives abroad, but a diplomat’s activities will be controlled mainly by the government they serve. In international business, diplomacy can be applied in many ways. For example, it can be used to establish and maintain good relationships with foreign governments and other stakeholders. This can help to reduce the risks associated with doing Business in foreign countries, such as political instability, corruption, and other non-commercial factors.

How can businesses use diplomacy to resolve conflicts with other companies?

Businesses can use diplomacy to resolve conflicts with other companies by engaging in negotiations and dialogues to promote peaceful relations. Diplomacy involves communication, cooperation, and compromise between parties. The success of diplomatic efforts requires parties to agree on the negotiation’s goal and how to achieve it. Businesses can lead the negotiations or enlist outside mediators, such as a neutral third party, to bring impartiality and help reach deals by proposing incentives. For instance, businesses can offer to collaborate on a project or provide a discount on a product or service to resolve a conflict. Businesses should prioritise peaceful negotiations and incentives to resolve conflicts with other companies. By using diplomacy, businesses can promote peaceful relations and obtain an agreement of cooperation in which each side is getting its interest fulfilled.

Examples of successful diplomacy in international Business

One example is the P5+1 Nuclear Agreement between 2006-2015 between the UNSC-Iran, the USA, and Western states. This agreement was finished on July 14, 2015, and aimed to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program would be exclusively peaceful. The agreement resulted from diplomatic negotiations and was seen as a successful example of diplomacy in international Business. The success of the agreement can be attributed to the use of diplomacy. The parties involved engage in dialogue, negotiations, and compromise to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. This helped to avoid the possibility of a military conflict, which would have had severe economic and political implications. The P5+1 Nuclear Agreement demonstrates how diplomacy can help address complex issues in international Business. Countries can create a favourable business environment that promotes growth and development by engaging in dialogue and negotiations. In this case, the agreement lifted sanctions on Iran, which opened up new business opportunities for companies in Western countries.

Another example of successful diplomacy in international Business is summit diplomacy, which involves high-level diplomacy involving the state’s leaders. Diplomatic summits allow leaders to come together and discuss critical issues, build trust and understanding, and reach agreements that benefit their nations. In the 21st century, diplomatic summits have become essential to international Business, as they offer a unique platform for leaders to discuss complex issues and find common ground. One of the most well-known examples of summit diplomacy is the meeting between US President Richard Nixon and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in 1972, which marked the beginning of a new era in US-China relations. Diplomatic summits have also addressed arms control, economic cooperation, environmental protection, and global security issues.

Some of the challenges that can arise in business diplomacy are:

In international business, cultural differences play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of communication and negotiation. Business diplomats must know and respect different countries and regions’ cultural values, norms, and expectations. It is essential to adapt communication and negotiation styles to the cultural context and avoid falling prey to cultural stereotypes and biases that may negatively impact the perception and judgment of others.

Ethical concerns are also important considerations for business diplomats. Upholding high standards of ethical conduct and corporate social responsibility is crucial in dealing with various stakeholders. Business diplomats must be prepared to address the potential ethical dilemmas and conflicts that may arise from their business activities, such as tax avoidance, environmental impact, human rights violations, corruption, and bribery. By doing so, they can build and maintain trust with stakeholders and mitigate reputational and financial risks.

Some possible advice on how to navigate and overcome the challenges of business diplomacy are:

Business diplomacy can be challenging, but there are ways to navigate and overcome the obstacles. One of the most significant challenges is cultural differences, and business diplomats must be aware of and respect the cultural values, norms, and expectations of different countries and regions. They should also adapt their communication and negotiation styles accordingly. It is essential to avoid cultural stereotypes and biases that may affect their perception and judgment of others. Being open-minded and respectful of different perspectives and opinions and seeking common ground and mutual understanding is crucial.

Ethical concerns are also a significant challenge that business diplomats need to address. They should follow the relevant laws and regulations of the countries where they operate and adhere to their organisation’s and industries’ ethical codes and principles. Being transparent and accountable for their actions and decisions is crucial. They should seek to balance the interests of their stakeholders with the social and environmental impacts of their business activities. Addressing potential ethical dilemmas and conflicts arising from their business activities, such as tax avoidance, ecological impact, human rights violations, corruption, and bribery, is vital for successful business diplomacy. 

VIP SPECIAL EDITION

ADVERTISE YOUR COMPANY INTERNATIONALLY IN OUR MAGAZINE GLOBAL MINDSET

PROTOCOLTODAY ACADEMY OF PROTOCOL & SOFT DIPLOMACY 

Share this article
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Written by Eric Muhia, International Studies and Diplomacy Graduate Student and Young Diplomat.

29 May 2023, Kenya

Category: Diplomacy

Reference: EM29052023D  

“Somos una empresa de desarrollo de capacidades que conecta valores, culturas, organizaciones, individuos y sociedades en todo el mundo”

DIPLOMATIC GIFTS

In 1887 a group of local farmers digging in Egypt amongst the ruins of el Amarna, known as Tell el-Amarna (the short-lived ancient capital of Egypt), found by complete accident what is now – The Amarna Letters.  What were these clay tablets with a cuneiform script about?  Curator of the Department of Egyptian and Assyrian Antiquities at the British Museum 1894-1924, Sir Ernest A T Wallis Budge, an Egyptologist, revealed its importance.

The Amarna Letters were found to be copies of the original and intended for royal and governmental internal documents.  It was translated from the Egyptian hieroglyphics of 1360–1332 BC to the cuneiform script for using foreign ambassadors.  In 2016, The President and Fellows of Harvard College said, “That these letters were discovered collected together represents an effort by the Egyptians, similarly to its contemporary rivals, to archive their diplomatic correspondence and international treaties, in a similar vein to modern day governance.”

These documents were housed in an administrative building near the royal palace during Amenhotep IV – Akhenaten and spoke of exchanges of gifts, marriage alliances, arguments and disputes, peace talks, agreements and the trading of resources and investments.

The Met Museum’s essay on The Amarna Letters states, “Arriving in court with messengers in possibly foreign dress and language, and accompanied by tribute or lavish gifts, the reading of a letter was probably an important part of courtly rituals related to diplomacy and provided the Egyptian king an opportunity to demonstrate his power through contacts with the outside world.”  Has much changed today when there is the offering of gifts?  Perhaps the size and value of gifts and how individuals present themselves in front of guests and media.

Exchanges of gifts are given for many reasons.  It is provided by an ambassador or leader when visiting a foreign country and cementing foreign relationships or forging alliances, new or old.  It is a way for a country to showcase its culture, people, history, traditions, and heritage it’s known for.

In 2012, a gift exchange faux pas occurred.  The former British prime minister David Cameron gifted the Barak and Michelle Obama a customised Dunlop ping pong table displaying the best British….made in China!  And Samantha Cameron, a ‘Victoriana’ inspired silk scarf created by Glaswegian Jonathan Saunders…made in Italy!  Where was the protocol officer when these decisions were made?  Conversely, the Obamas sourced a top-of-the-range 100% American BBQ from Engelbrecht Grills and Cookers of Paxton, Illinois and White House-made honey in a crystal honey vase.  A job well done by the Obama administration.

VIP SPECIAL EDITION

ADVERTISE YOUR COMPANY INTERNATIONALLY IN OUR MAGAZINE GLOBAL MINDSET

PROTOCOLTODAY ACADEMY OF PROTOCOL & SOFT DIPLOMACY 

SOURCES

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/amlet/hd_amlet.htm

https://hist1039-16.omeka.fas.harvard.edu/exhibits/show/under-the-guise-of-greatness/the-amarna-letters

Share this article
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Writer by Elizabeth Soos, specialist in Etiquette

 29 May 2023, Australia 

Category: Diplomacy

Reference: ES29052023D

“Somos una empresa de desarrollo de capacidades que conecta valores, culturas, organizaciones, individuos y sociedades en todo el mundo”

THE ROLE OF DIPLOMACY IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Diplomacy in international business is essential because it helps to establish and maintain good relationships with foreign governments and other stakeholders. This can help to reduce the risks associated with doing business in foreign countries, such as political instability, corruption, and other non-commercial factors.

Commercial or business diplomacy is a type of diplomacy that focuses specifically on promoting trade and investment between countries. It involves developing long-term relationship-building strategies with governments, local communities, and interest groups. Commercial diplomacy is a government service to the business community that aims to develop socially profitable international business ventures. It can help firms improve their performance regarding so-called soft or nonfinancial indicators such as knowledge sharing, reputation, company image, and marketing possibilities. It differs from lobbying or strategic political activity; it implies a strategic and holistic approach of an international business to look at itself as an actor in the international diplomatic arena. Representation, communication, and negotiation are essential in such an approach. Successful negotiations require communication, cooperation, and compromise between countries. Outsiders can bring impartiality and help reach deals by proposing incentives.

How diplomacy is used in international relations and how it can be applied to business.

Diplomacy is a method that governments use to influence the actions of foreign governments through peaceful tactics such as negotiation and dialogue. It’s typically carried out by a country’s representatives abroad, but a diplomat’s activities will be controlled mainly by the government they serve. In international business, diplomacy can be applied in many ways. For example, it can be used to establish and maintain good relationships with foreign governments and other stakeholders. This can help to reduce the risks associated with doing business in foreign countries, such as political instability, corruption, and other non-commercial factors.

How can businesses use diplomacy to resolve conflicts with other companies?

Businesses can use diplomacy to resolve conflicts with other companies by engaging in negotiations and dialogues to promote peaceful relations. Diplomacy involves communication, cooperation, and compromise between parties. The success of diplomatic efforts requires parties to agree on the negotiation’s goal and how to achieve it. Businesses can lead the negotiations or enlist outside mediators, such as a neutral third party, to bring impartiality and help reach deals by proposing incentives. For instance, businesses can offer to collaborate on a project or provide a discount on a product or service to resolve a conflict. Businesses should prioritise peaceful negotiations and incentives to resolve disputes with other companies. By using diplomacy, businesses can promote friendly relations and obtain an agreement of cooperation in which each side is getting its interest fulfilled.

Examples of successful diplomacy in international business

One example is the P5+1 Nuclear Agreement between 2006-2015 between the UNSC-Iran, the USA, and Western states. This agreement was finished on July 14, 2015, and aimed to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program would be exclusively peaceful. The deal resulted from diplomatic negotiations and was seen as a successful example of diplomacy in international business. The success of the agreement can be attributed to the use of diplomacy. The parties involved engage in dialogue, negotiations, and compromise to reach a mutually beneficial arrangement. This helped to avoid the possibility of a military conflict, which would have had severe economic and political implications. The P5+1 Nuclear Agreement demonstrates how diplomacy can help address complex issues in international business. Countries can create a favourable business environment that promotes growth and development by engaging in dialogue and negotiations. In this case, the agreement lifted sanctions on Iran, which opened up new business opportunities for companies in Western countries.

Another example of successful diplomacy in international business is summit diplomacy, which involves high-level diplomacy involving the state’s leaders. Diplomatic summits allow leaders to come together and discuss critical issues, build trust and understanding, and reach agreements that benefit their nations. In the 21st century, diplomatic summits have become an essential part of international business, as they offer a unique platform for leaders to discuss complex issues and find common ground. One of the most well-known examples of summit diplomacy is the meeting between US President Richard Nixon and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in 1972, which marked the beginning of a new era in US-China relations. Diplomatic summits have also addressed arms control, economic cooperation, environmental protection, and global security issues.

Some of the challenges that can arise in business diplomacy are:

In international business, cultural differences play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of communication and negotiation. Business diplomats must know and respect different countries and regions’ cultural values, norms, and expectations. Therefore, it is essential to adapt communication and negotiation styles to the cultural context and avoid falling prey to cultural stereotypes and biases that may negatively impact the perception and judgment of others.

Ethical concerns are also important considerations for business diplomats. Upholding high standards of ethical conduct and corporate social responsibility is crucial in dealing with various stakeholders. Accordingly, business diplomats must be prepared to address the potential ethical dilemmas and conflicts that may arise from their business activities, such as tax avoidance, environmental impact, human rights violations, corruption, and bribery. By doing so, they can build and maintain trust with stakeholders and mitigate reputational and financial risks.

Some possible advice on how to navigate and overcome the challenges of business diplomacy are:

Business diplomacy can be challenging, but there are ways to navigate and overcome the obstacles. One of the most significant challenges is cultural differences, and business diplomats must be aware of and respect the cultural values, norms, and expectations of different countries and regions. They should also adapt their communication and negotiation styles accordingly. It is essential to avoid cultural stereotypes and biases that may affect their perception and judgment of others. Being open-minded and respectful of different perspectives and opinions and seeking common ground and mutual understanding is crucial.

Ethical concerns are also a significant challenge that business diplomats need to address. They should follow the relevant laws and regulations of the countries where they operate and adhere to their organisations and industries’ ethical codes and principles. Being transparent and accountable for their actions and decisions is crucial. They should seek to balance the interests of their stakeholders with the social and environmental impacts of their business activities. Addressing potential ethical dilemmas and conflicts arising from their business activities, such as tax avoidance, ecological impact, human rights violations, corruption, and bribery, is vital for successful business diplomacy.

VIP SPECIAL EDITION

ADVERTISE YOUR COMPANY INTERNATIONALLY IN OUR MAGAZINE GLOBAL MINDSET

PROTOCOLTODAY ACADEMY OF PROTOCOL & SOFT DIPLOMACY 

Share this article
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Writer by Eric Muhia, International Studies and Diplomacy Graduate Student and Young Diplomat.

28th May 2023, Kenia

Category: Diplomacy

Reference: EM280423D

“Somos una empresa de desarrollo de capacidades que conecta valores, culturas, organizaciones, individuos y sociedades en todo el mundo”

RESILIENCE, INSPIRATION AND DETERMINATION

International Women’s Day Conference – Embracing Equity “Global Mindset”

Authentic resilience, inspiration and determination are truly one of the most challenging qualities one can hope to come by. These qualities, which take years and decades to acquire and distil to their purest form, are the driving force of people who not only dream of change but also make it happen.

This year’s International Women’s Day Conference, organised and hosted by the honourable Adriana Flores, Executive Director of  ProtocolToday Consulting and Academy, brought together some of the most distinguished speakers in Diplomacy and Business. The event, in essence, was a unique and open platform to the global membership of The ProtocolToday family as it commemorated International Women’s Day by focusing on the central theme of Embracing Equity. Adriana and her core team created something more than a conventional webinar or Q&A session. The conference provided a deep insight into the role of a female leader and role model from various perspectives, socially and professionally, on an intense and moving personal level. The integral factor that made this conference genuinely exceptional was the warmth and relatability of the speakers and their stories. Each speaker brought a new perspective into the discussion, shared their personal stories and experiences and gave invaluable advice to the audience.

The remarkable speakers, amongst who was the Ambassador of Tanzania – H.E. Irene Kasyanju (Rte) and Isabelle Niekrake– an Economic Affairs Councillor at the Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands to Mexico, Stéphanie Kasereka, a Student of International Relations in Spain gave the audience a unique blend of inspiration and determination to succeed through their warm aura and professional yet friendly delivery. Each speaker distinctively engaged the audience by explaining their outlook on female equity within the business and diplomatic echelons while highlighting the most influential female roles within society worldwide- mother, daughter and sister. It was unanimously agreed that women are unquestionably the building blocks of a more progressive and prosperous world, which must be seen and recognised across all parts of a modern global society. 

With outstanding input from Adriana, part of the conference they discussed the combination of family and business worlds in a modern woman’s life and the many ways this merger is already taking place. As there is still a strong resistance and conventional belief that a woman should choose one or another whilst strongly favouring family life over work, business or any other professional endeavour, Adriana and the team of speakers showed that both could be successfully combined. Any woman can excel in both family life and the business world. The vast audience followed each speaker with several follow-up questions, which depicted an enormous drive to celebrate and take part in this new and promising future for women, especially when real-life success stories were told right in from each attendee. The conference was impactful because each speaker made each attendee feel that if there were a wish, there would be a way.

Unsettling conventional structures and ways of life was never for the fainthearted. Change requires hard work and bravery for each woman in the world who demands not only equality and closure of the gender pay gap but also equity. Recognition and a level playing field is not a privilege; it is a necessity that has to be propelled and embraced at an alarming rate if we were to truly explore a whole realm of creativity and sheer talent of women across the world, which make up the half of the global working force. The conference was ultimately a living and breathing example that this could be done, achieved, and success can be attained as women around the world spark this change by inspiring, supporting and raising each other.

VIP SPECIAL EDITION

ADVERTISE YOUR COMPANY INTERNATIONALLY IN OUR MAGAZINE GLOBAL MINDSET

PROTOCOLTODAY ACADEMY OF PROTOCOL & SOFT DIPLOMACY 

Share this article
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Writer by Anastasia Martel, Etiquette and Protocol Specialist

17 April 2023, United Kingdom

Category: Diplomacy 

Reference: AM1704202D 

 

“Somos una empresa de desarrollo de capacidades que conecta valores, culturas, organizaciones, individuos y sociedades en todo el mundo”

EMBRACING EQUITY WITH A GLOBAL MINDSET, INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE WOMEN’S DAY

On Saturday, March 11, commemorating “International Women’s Day”, PROTOCOLTODAY held another successful online meeting in the English and Spanish sessions. Organized by ProtocolToday The Netherlands and Iberoamericanas FHCI.

Women from various nations were willing to extend their arms and hearts in the desire to embrace equity in this globalised world that demands a cohesive society capable of advancing with the power that women have represented throughout history.

It was an event with multiple and enriching presentations by women with character, engaging, transparent and motivating projections.

Below is a summary of what was documented in these presentations that will make history through the doors opened to achieve achievements with social and labour approaches.

The program session in Spanish began with the presentation of the President of the FHCI, Dr Marco Tardelli, who spoke of the importance of the event.

Her Excellency Elizabeth Ward Neiman, Ambassador of Panama to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with a notable diplomatic and political career, began by addressing her presentation “Connecting experiences to achieve success” in a kind of storytelling of her diverse professional career full of challenges; from teaching to managing a farm; as an investment promoter and even as an architecture student that took her to the furniture store, later to a training centre in Port and Logistics and finally, in International Cooperation issues; all this, forging in it, leadership skills, discipline, compliance, organisation, communication, administration, respect for diversity, compassion, adaptation, initiative, determination, power of conviction, among others.

With her experience in official work, she affirms that skills translate into the ability to work as a team because ambassadors change, but the team remains. That team requires leadership that instils trust, respect, and commitment. She showed the importance of a flexible leadership that adapts to historical, political, religious, ethnic, linguistic, and gastronomic connotations… so many differences between countries such as Panama and the Netherlands. She placed special emphasis on the soft skills required by her position since, when attending official business as a hostess or guest, she must have a country position (where personal opinions do not count) and does not neglect regional and personal representation. Also, taking care of its image both in person and online, adapting said dignified representation to the corresponding situation with creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit, promoting education, bilateral cooperation, culture, tourism, historical heritage and exports. Finally, she closed with the wonderful phrase, “The title does not make the person, the person makes the title”, promoting a humble attitude down to earth; Since protocol knowledge is essential, but the attitude will prevail at all times and, indeed, this closure inspires those women willing to risk how she achieved her achievements.

The Federal Deputy of the LXV Legislature of Mexico, Blanca Alcalá Ruiz, addressed the topic: “Advances in the empowerment of equity for the first woman” showing statistics depicting the reality of most women in the world, especially in Latin America. , shed light on “where we are” and the challenges that lie ahead with a global perspective focusing on three points: 1. Political Participation: Seeking equality in sectors showing disparity. Although there were significant legal advances with the EU, she clarified that political participation is not enough if there is no impact on living conditions. 2. Economic Participation: Closing the gaps has taken years, and wage gaps remain wide, So much so that if women want equality on this issue, we should work 52 more hours. Therefore, she called for continuing to fight to break the “Glass ceiling.” 3. Violence: Both physically and digitally, no further progress has been made, and this issue cannot be put in black and white. He proposed working on a “SUBSTANTIVE EQUALITY” to mainstream the gender perspective, with planning, programming and budget allocation, generating real statistics by gender and age for the elaboration of egalitarian public policies with public budget allocation.

In the end, she asked the question: What are parity and equality for, what has it cost, and where do you want to go? She closed with Simone de Beauvoir’s motivational phrase: “Let nothing define us. Let nothing hold us. Let freedom be our substance”.

Leticia Gammill gave the third presentation, President & Founder of WOMCY, asked about the meaning of “Cybersecurity” to change the misconception we have of a hooded danger in the networks. The title “The importance of attracting diversity in Cybersecurity” opened an unexpected door of employability for women who probably do not have a profession or title but who have natural abilities to work in this sector that for many are unexplored; being a niche in high demand throughout the world to undertake a career that offers great opportunities, based on skills that she highlighted, they are part of the innate female ability to solve problems, have a spirit of collaboration within and outside teams, skills communication, multitasking, intuition, diversity and other characteristics that make women necessary and adaptable in areas of governance, legal, commercial and sales. The requirement? Knowing English to be trained with practical experiences through alliances amid communities with a series of links to contact. The call to be part of this NGO that develops programs to minimise the knowledge gap and increase the existence of cybersecurity talent was clear, and it is a new door for development.

Subsequently, Dr Raquel Bessudo, FHCI Vice-President, presented under the theme “Today’s women, an advance in their empowerment through the rescue of ancient traditions” the business work carried out through Women’s Magic hands to empower artisan women from all over the world with millennial traditions to be “ambassadors” generating a social impact with e-commerce business strategies to undertake digital marketing and storytelling projects, especially with the United States, on a fair trade platform, together with Kickstarter – Crowdfunding that shows the art, beauty and cultural significance of the works with a logistics of direct contact between the artisan and the clients in order to change the social and economic problems. She invited the network of artisans to leave their mark with this “value proposition” that has the mission of being a tool for artisan empowerment and the promotion of culture worldwide.

Mónica Muñoz, Executive Director of Diálogo Visual, who consults in PR, Marketing and Strategic Communication, specializes in Business in Technology, Health and Vertical Markets; through her presentation “Capitalize soft skills to be CEO”, she spoke about the 16 years of her company and her work to position it in the market. In her conclusions, she advised taking advantage of soft skills to fulfil personal and business objectives, giving importance to the five people we have in our social environment; that we women have to feed ourselves through our eyes and ears to learn, create criteria, translate ourselves under ethical and moral parameters; that all the knowledge acquired must be applied daily and be shared under an evolutionary chain made up of innovating, undertaking, learning and teaching to produce and multiply with others; take care of the networking that you have and serve to learn and add; grow at the pace of the economy and technology and take care of our actions. Additionally, he expressed that although starting a business is not easy, over 30 years of age is a good stage to do so and that it is feasible together with a company that helps with contests, business laboratories, networking, and other means that reduce entrepreneurship gaps.

Elizabeth Enriquez, a young businesswoman, was invited to participate in the world of new technology in the METAVERSE, with the collaboration of her company Konector personalised spaces, with unique experiences and with the possibility of accessing from a computer, cell phone or glasses of virtual reality. She also mentioned that there are many possibilities to support ventures and projects, and she is available to collaborate with the people who contact her.

Gabriela Brouwer de Koning, National Representative for the province of Córdoba, spoke of Argentina’s role in fighting for gender equality. She gave thanks to the other women who opened spaces for us and proceeded to present her paper “Advances in the empowerment of women’s equity”, reflecting on International Day and the importance of their role in society, exposing a similar reality worldwide. as concrete, real and painful facts in percentages that make the disparity evident. With this, she reinforced the need for women for an opportunity for economic independence. Focused on the women of her land, she used the phrase: “In Argentina, poverty has the face of a woman” and alluded to the legislative achievements of 1847 with laws that, until today seek to prevent, eradicate and punish violence in addition, to violence. Voluntary termination of pregnancy. She reminded us of the movement that brought together 1,500,000 people in 2015 to proclaim “Not one less”, setting an agenda for other countries in the world.

And although progress has been made in Argentina, more is needed. As in most countries, there is an enormous challenge to generate public policies that help women enter the labour and have comprehensive assistance that improves the conditions raised by congress. It is necessary to dismantle structures and prejudices to change the culture in which women are subordinated to men. Her call: “let’s make synergy for a cultural change that will be achieved with everyone’s commitment because that way, it will be possible to leap at change with new challenges.” With a unique brooch, her closure was shocking and defiant: a video that shows that it is NOT about helping. “Don’t help me” because when you say you help, it is assumed that it is my responsibility. We must do it together – 50/50.

Finally, the Executive Director of ProtocolToday, Adriana Flores, closed the event, emotionally highlighting the scope of this online meeting that satisfied all those who participated thanks to the connection via zoom and the people who were able to share thanks to the transmission; of radio Kscad of Ecuador and TV Compyme of Peru.

The wide call registered was emotional for all the attendees, between men and women, who were part of an event that once again demonstrated that we are committed to what we do and what we hope to achieve, all making and promoting changes that generate both individual and social growth.

WOMEN FROM 40 COUNTRIES GATHERED TO EMPOWER THEMSELVES AS ENTREPRENEURS

VIP SPECIAL EDITION

ADVERTISE YOUR COMPANY INTERNATIONALLY IN OUR MAGAZINE GLOBAL MINDSET

PROTOCOLTODAY ACADEMY OF PROTOCOL & SOFT DIPLOMACY 

Share this article
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Writer by: Claudia STOHMANN R. de A. Communicator, speaker, writer, etiquette, and protocol expert. 

21 March 2022, Bolivia 

Category: Diplomacy

Reference: CS22032023D  

“Somos una empresa de desarrollo de capacidades que conecta valores, culturas, organizaciones, individuos y sociedades en todo el mundo”

INSPIRING WOMEN, EMPOWERED WOMEN “EMBRACING EQUITY”

International Women’s Day Conference – Embracing Equity “Global Mindset” March 11, 2023, from the Netherlands.

They talked about the role that women play in the different spaces that were previously considered untouchable for them and that were only intended for men to be able to highlight the achievements they have achieved with effort and dedication.

Within the framework of the commemoration of International Women’s Day, which has been taking place worldwide, the event organised by the ProtocolToday Academy, an organization established in the Netherlands (The Hague) and Iberomericanas FHCI, was held today.

This organisation is dedicated to training and sharing knowledge of protocol, etiquette, diplomatic skills, and other issues related to the personal and business growth of women, who, day by day, overcome challenges within a society that is still unequal in terms of gender.

The conference was called “EMBRACE EQUITY WITH A GLOBAL MIND” and was divided into two sessions; the first in English, where there were excellent participants of many carats and worth such as Stefanie Kasereca from the Republic of the Congo, a student of International Relations, Isabelle Niekrake from the Netherlands, Counselor for Economic Affairs of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Mexico, Adriana Flores from Holland, an expert in Protocol and Soft Skills, H.E. Irene Kasyanju of Tanzania, Ambassador of Tanzania.

Those who spoke on different topics related to the role of women in today’s world each focused on the particularities of their respective countries. However, they all reached a common denominator, where inequality still exists in the world of work was especially highlighted.

After 2 hours of presentations, the session in English ended, and a one-hour break was given to start the session in Spanish.

Session in Spanish

At noon the session began in Spanish, where there were a good number of attendees in addition to the live transmission by the prestigious radio station Kscad from Ecuador and TV COMPYME from Peru, who brought the incidents of the event to their respective listeners.

The ambassador of Panama in the Netherlands, H.E. Elizabeth Ward Neiman, was in charge of starting this event in Spanish; she highlighted, among other things, the role of women in the diplomatic sphere and the different actions that she has carried out throughout her professional life, in favour of the female gender.

It also had the participation of Dr Raquel Besudo from Mexico, President of the FHCI, who explained how her organisation is providing spaces so that Mexican artisans who do not have the opportunity to display their products can do so and highlighted the role they play in today’s women in society.

The journalist Mónica Muñoz from Mexico gave a magisterial talk on how her beginnings as a communicator were and what she had to do to adapt to technology to combine it with communication, in addition to encouraging women not to give up and more If they encounter obstacles, they must be overcome.

Gabriela Brouwer de Koning, an Argentine deputy, put her finger on the sore spot on the labour inequality gap that exists in Latin America and mainly in Argentina, where only 25% of the economically active female population has rights equal to those of men, and mentioned that the public policies that are dictated still do not cover the entire conglomerate that still has to stay at home to take care of the children and that function is not recognised.

The closure was in charge of Adriana Flores, Executive Director of ProtocolToday Academy, who, among other things, highlighted the potential and knowledge of the speakers who made known the realities of their respective countries and also expressed her gratitude to the organisations that were part of the event as media partners, strategic partner, golden sponsor and distinguished participants.

Undoubtedly, a class conference where it was possible to meet, feed and clear up doubts about what still needs to be achieved by gender to be on an equal footing in a globalised world that still minimises the value of women.

VIP SPECIAL EDITION

ADVERTISE YOUR COMPANY INTERNATIONALLY IN OUR MAGAZINE GLOBAL MINDSET

PROTOCOLTODAY ACADEMY OF PROTOCOL & SOFT DIPLOMACY 

Share this article
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Writer by: Rosendo Villavicencio, Bachelor of Communication and radio presenter.

19 March 2023, Ecuador

Category: Diplomacy  

Reference: RV19032023D    

“Somos una empresa de desarrollo de capacidades que conecta valores, culturas, organizaciones, individuos y sociedades en todo el mundo”

TOURISM DIPLOMACY

Introduction

Tourism diplomacy is promoting tourism resources and resolving a specific destination’s crisis or problem through peaceful negotiation between two or more nations or among nations using tourism’s soft power. Its peaceful discourse and adaptable approach enrich the theory of diplomacy and international relations, as well as the value and functions of tourism. Tourism diplomacy has long been practised in the international community; however, it emerged as an independent official concept following a proposal by the Chinese government in 2015. Currently, most research in China and abroad focus on tourism diplomacy as a form of public diplomacy to promote cross-cultural communication and national image; research should pay more attention to tourism diplomacy’s multilevel nature.

Tourism diplomacy began at the official level and spread to semi-official and civil groups. As forms of non-traditional diplomacy (public diplomacy), semi-official and civil levels of diplomacy have become increasingly important in today’s international arena; as a result, many studies have focused solely on public diplomacy, ignoring official tourism diplomacy. Tourism diplomacy’s functions have become more diverse as its depth and breadth have grown. That diversity is most visible in bridging gaps and fortifying alliances, boosting the economy and neo-colonialism, cultural exchanges and image building, and diplomatic retaliation and understanding.

Chinese Tourism Diplomacy

China has surpassed the United States as a tourism powerhouse. Notably, it has become a source of outbound tourists, with its visitors sought after by countries worldwide. COVID-19’s emergence has slowed current growth, but this is likely only temporary until the pandemic is contained. With this backdrop, it is unavoidable that the number of Chinese tourists and their economic impact will remain a major topic of discussion. The recent growth of tourism has resulted in the almost inevitable emergence of China’s tourism diplomacy as an evident and unavoidable intervention in statecraft. Chinese outbound tourists have become ambassadors for the country, its people, and its governing policies. In China’s tourism development history, the former China National Tourism Administration officially proposed the term “tourism diplomacy” in light of two factors. First, the Chinese government pursues an independent foreign policy of peace, which differs from previous international expositions of tourism politics from a power standpoint. Second, the sheer volume of Chinese outbound tourists and their enormous purchasing power form a solid practical foundation for China’s tourism diplomacy. With the concept of tourism diplomacy proposed and approved by government documents, tourism diplomacy has gained increasing attention from diplomatic, tourism, and academic circles.

The U.S. State Department on Tourism Diplomacy

Tourism is recognised by the United States State Department as “soft diplomacy,” exposing American culture’s vast and unique components to populations worldwide (including within the United States itself) and promoting greater cultural understanding. This cultural cross-pollination reflects both growing cultural enlightenment among destinations and a reaction to the sharp decline in international market share during the “lost decade” following 2001. In short, the industry recognised the importance of quickly reaching out to new and emerging markets. The arts were and continue to be an essential part of that outreach. This approach can take various forms, most notably appealing to/about ethnic and racial target audiences or marketing a diverse menu of tourism products and cultural themes that resonate with traveller demographics. The tourist of the future seeks authentic experiences that allow for personal involvement and highlight the diverse narratives that define the character of communities across America. Understanding the fundamental nature of each destination is only possible with the artist’s voice. In urban America, there is a continuing arts and culture renaissance, the focus of which is nurturing indigenous communities’ talents.

Diplomacy by tourism pillars 

This factor is associated with ensuring long-term development in terms of environmental, economic, political, technological, and social aspects, which are the primary influencers in establishing and improving a country’s tourism sector. A country’s national image is a synthesis of perceptions held by international citizens in their minds and hearts. It may include cultural activities, political etiquette, environmental policy, and the state’s history. Organising activities that will bring together all stakeholders, including state officials, community members, representatives, bureaucrats, diplomats, spokespeople, public figures, athletes, culture-oriented individuals, and academicians, is necessary. It promotes tourism resources, attracts more tourists and foreign direct investors, and solves specific problems or crises through peaceful negotiation between or among countries. Furthermore, increased awareness of and interest in cultural differences will usher in a period when much tourism will be centred on domestic and international tourists interested in learning about other cultural traditions.

Conclusion

Given the role of cultural diplomacy in tourism and the number of conflict zones has decreased dramatically over the last half-century, the question of whether tourism is a tool for peace or merely a byproduct of it arises. Tourism is widely acknowledged for promoting understanding, tolerance, and cross-cultural relationships. Politicians from Mahatma Gandhi to John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan have cited tourism’s ability to foster a more cooperative global environment. On the other hand, tourism can contribute to peace if we recognise that not all conflicts are destructive; some can be considered constructive if they help transform societies from tension and toward mutual understanding. For cultural tourism to reach its full potential in promoting peace, the industry must be willing to address some of the other negative externalities that have arisen due to its rapid growth.

VIP SPECIAL EDITION

ADVERTISE YOUR COMPANY INTERNATIONALLY IN OUR MAGAZINE GLOBAL MINDSET

PROTOCOLTODAY ACADEMY OF PROTOCOL & SOFT DIPLOMACY 

Share this article
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Writer by Erik MUHIA, International Studies and Diplomacy Graduate Student and Young Diplomat

02 January 2023, Kenya

Category: Diplomacy 

Reference: EM102012023D   

“Somos una empresa de desarrollo de capacidades que conecta valores, culturas, organizaciones, individuos y sociedades en todo el mundo”

THE NATURE OF LAW IN JUDICIAL DIPLOMACY

Judicial diplomacy is a set of practices planned and organised by an international court to represent itself and claim authority through nonadjudicative interaction with external actors. It has four main characteristics—judicial diplomacy results from a court decision (not an individual judge). The court plans and organises it and is carried out on its behalf. Even though individual judges and administrators are the faces of judicial diplomacy, it is intended to represent the court (rather than the judges themselves). Not a single judge decides to attend a conference, interact with lawyers, the press, and so on.

For several reasons, judicial diplomacy is perplexing. First, as part of their regular professional lives, judges undoubtedly interact with other legal professionals, as they have long-term interests in maintaining active engagement with academia or professional associations. However, it is still being determined why a court would organise these interactions or how they would serve the court’s interests. Second, these activities require many resources. By engaging in judicial diplomacy, ICs may divert scarce monetary and human resources away from their core functions. Third, judicial diplomacy has the potential to politicise the institution and make judges appear to be politicians. Visits with current heads of state, national parliamentarians, or special interest groups may feed a reputation for independence and impartiality or for being above the fray of politics.

Role of International courts in Diplomacy

According to existing literature, judicial diplomacy reflects International court efforts to mobilise constituencies or socialise actors to adopt international norms. According to these accounts, judicial diplomacy is directed at public officials, legal communities, and civil society, focusing on procedural and substantive legal provisions. However, judicial diplomacy frequently addresses the general public and conveys value-laden narratives about the courts. When constitutional courts demonstrate mastery of foreign law or host foreign judges, their goals may be more than, if at all, to write stronger opinions or win over domestic audiences. They could also be competing for international influence or pursuing foreign policy goals like promoting the rule of law and judicial independence in other countries. The concept of judicial diplomacy helps to explain why constitutional law is so important.

The use of ad hoc or standing arbitral tribunals to resolve international conflicts has been a fascinating development in recent years. Since the Permanent Court of International Justice was established in 1922, which the International Court of Justice succeeded in 1945, it has been customary to distinguish between judicial and arbitral settlement. But, by 1922, there had been enough of the judicial quality in arbitration, and there was still enough of the arbitral in contemporary adjudication to make the distinction meaningless. We have a very long development process in which arbitration has taken on more of the characteristics of judicial proceedings over the last century.

Judges’ engagement in Diplomatic explanations.

Judges occasionally engage with foreign law and courts for reasons unrelated to the performance of legal or adjudication duties. Instead, their motivations may be more diplomatic than personal. Scholars may disagree on the normative desirability of diplomacy, but judicial diplomacy is taking place empirically. And it is happening because constitutional courts have both the opportunity and the incentive to do so. Diplomacy may not be the courts’ primary responsibility, but it was not entirely foreign to them previously.

Judicial diplomacy is an ambiguous term that could refer to several conceptually distinct types of behaviour, the last of which requires special attention. First, ordinary diplomats may use or seek to influence courts in conducting otherwise conventional diplomacy. The work of the courts may be used as a selling point in the quest for international leadership or acceptance, as in the case of State Department publications that educate international audiences about the United States Supreme Court or Israeli mailings of prominent Israeli Supreme Court decisions to American legal academics. Similarly, diplomats may seek to persuade courts to consider foreign policy considerations in their choices, as when officials repeatedly drew the Supreme Court’s attention to the negative impact of racial segregation on international perceptions of the United States during the Cold War. Judicial diplomacy may refer to how courts interact with one another. When dealing with foreign counterparts, courts may employ stereotypical diplomatic tactics and instruments for reasons ranging from jurisdictional to geopolitical. Negotiation and agreement, rather than adjudication and enforcement, are the buzzwords for this behaviour, as are tact and secrecy rather than transparency and justification. This type of judicial diplomacy can be triggered by multinational litigation: inter-court agreements for resolving global bankruptcies, for example, have been described as the equivalent of “case-specific, private international insolvency treaties.” The use of international law to justify decisions is a widely recognised distinction between good offices, mediation, or conciliation on the one hand and arbitration on the other.

Conclusion

Diplomacy is, first and foremost, a social activity. It links a public language to state business, providing meaning, reasons, and explanations for state action. As a result, it is embedded in a social context of reasons, rules, and meanings that existed before the interaction. When states use international law to justify their actions, they help to rewrite and enforce the rules. Diplomacy has a productive effect because it generates the public, social, and legal resources with which future state behaviour is understood, justified, and debated. Because the content of international law at any point in time is a function of how actors have deployed it in the past, this provides one dynamic for change in international law and international relations.

VIP SPECIAL EDITION

ADVERTISE YOUR COMPANY INTERNATIONALLY IN OUR MAGAZINE GLOBAL MINDSET

PROTOCOLTODAY ACADEMY OF PROTOCOL & SOFT DIPLOMACY 

Share this article
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Writer by Erik MUHIA, International Studies and Diplomacy Graduate Student and Young Diplomat

10 October 2022, Kenya

Category: Diplomacy 

Reference: EM10102022D    

“Somos una empresa de desarrollo de capacidades que conecta valores, culturas, organizaciones, individuos y sociedades en todo el mundo”

QUEEN ELIZABETH II ROLE IN DIPLOMACY

Her late Majesty served as monarch for the most extended period in British history—70 years and 214 days—and served as a role model for consistency and unwavering dedication to the people of the UK, the Commonwealth, and the rest of the world. She came to the throne as the British Empire ended and was buried as war broke out in Europe and the UK started a new chapter in its international relations outside of the EU. Many people found comfort in her constant presence during years of upsetting social and political change. She was regarded as one of the most powerful symbols of British diplomacy and was addressed simply as “The Queen” outside of her official spheres.

Queen Elizabeth was a reliable confidante in the eyes of her Prime Ministers. She did not express her opinions on political issues, but several former prime ministers attested to the insightful counsel she provided them during their weekly meetings. Some of them noted that their meetings were the only times they could ensure confidentiality, so they knew they could rely on her discretion. She could benefit from her extensive experience with political affairs and frequent acquaintance with several generations of foreign leaders, especially in her later years. As a constitutional monarch with limited political authority, the Queen had an unquantifiable but undeniable background influence.

Reign in Diplomacy

The Queen supported the work of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office both at home and abroad in her capacity as Head of State, playing a crucial role in UK diplomacy. The Queen and other members of the Royal Family hosted the annual Diplomatic Reception in the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace, where they welcomed more than 500 members of the diplomatic corps. The Queen maintained regular contact with officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), representing British interests abroad and fostering diplomatic relations with other countries. The FCDO recommends which foreign heads of state should be invited to the United Kingdom for State Visits. The Queen and the Royal Family were/are in charge of welcoming the Head of State and their party with a ceremonial arrival and a State Banquet.

Queen Elizabeth II served as Britain’s lead ambassador, visiting 117 countries and hosting numerous high-level visitors. Power is essential in global politics. Soft power, or the power of attraction, is an important foreign policy tool, as political scientist Joseph S. Nye famously stated. The Queen and the Royal Family have played critical roles in ensuring the nation’s relevance. While the monarchy is known for its mystique, Britain’s soft power and outsized relevance as a significant player in global affairs are due in no small part to Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip. Her unique position, experience, and skill enabled her to strengthen strong friendships and emphasise long-term relationships with countries and peoples, even when politics became difficult. These distinct abilities contributed significantly to the UK’s “soft power,” allowing the country to frequently “punch above its weight” diplomatically.

The Queen’s diplomacy undoubtedly influenced transatlantic relations at critical junctures. Margaret Thatcher’s friendly relationship with Ronald Reagan didn’t hurt her bid to gain US support for her campaign in the Falkland Islands. Furthermore, by extending only the second invitation to a State Visit to Barack Obama in 2011, the Queen laid the groundwork for an amicable US welcome for then-Prime Minister David Cameron in 2012. During Queen Elizabeth II’s reign as Commonwealth Head, she witnessed gravitational shifts in many of the Commonwealth’s member states and a widespread movement toward independence. She was only 14 years old when she died as Head of State. However, the Commonwealth survived the transition to independence, and the Queen, as its Head, did much to protect and nurture the Commonwealth family, to the point where some of its now 54 members chose to join despite having never been subject to British rule. Her late majesty visited every Commonwealth country except two, making nearly 200 trips worldwide.

Without a doubt, Queen Elizabeth II travelled more than any other head of state. She had a reputation for taking on demanding intercontinental tours until her later years, which included the 1952 tour where she attained monarchy. By 2019, she had also welcomed numerous high-level diplomatic visits and 112 state visits. State visits have actual political and economic consequences rather than merely ceremonial show business, as a growing body of literature demonstrates. Public diplomacy of this kind can change public opinion, increase other leaders’ terms in office, and enhance bilateral trade.

Diplomatic Visits

For example, in the 1970s, British officials had to balance the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s desire to host Soviet Premier Leonid Brezhnev for a state visit to Britain with the queen’s reluctance to visit the Soviet Union. Indeed, the queen did not visit Russia until 1994, several years after the Cold War ended. That visit was deemed a huge success for British foreign policy, largely thanks to the queen’s efforts to establish a warm rapport with Russian President Boris Yeltsin. The Queen was instrumental in arranging the visit to South Africa in 1995, just a year after elections inaugurated the country’s new democratic government. According to biographer Robert Hardman, who quotes former Royal Yacht Britannia commander Sir Robert Woodard, “the Foreign Secretary was concerned [about the visit], and the Queen overruled him.” ‘Mr. Mandela is getting advice from many people, but no one is helping him,’ she said. He requires physical assistance as well as entertainment.

In 2011, The Queen paid an unprecedented state visit to Ireland. Former British Prime Minister David Cameron later stated that his government’s efforts to improve relations with Ireland “were nothing compared to the brave gesture that was the Queen’s groundbreaking visit to the Republic in 2011.” Cameron’s memoirs also mention the queen as a factor in his ability to work with the US during his time as prime minister: But it was the Queen whom I needed to thank. Except for Lyndon Johnson, she has met every US president who has served during her reign — a quarter of all presidents in history. Only two presidents have had the honour of an entire state visit to the United Kingdom: George W. Bush and Barack Obama. When Barack and Michelle arrived in May 2011, they loved it, and I knew how much of that was due to their friendship with our president. The success of their London trip, I felt, contributed significantly to the warmth of my March 2012 visit to Washington.

Diplomatic Audiences during the Queen’s role in Diplomacy

At any given time, there are over 170 Ambassadors and High Commissioners based in London, and each of them will have an Audience with The Queen shortly after taking up their role. High Commissioners and Ambassadors perform the same functions: representing their country’s interests in the UK by forging diplomatic ties. The only distinction is in their titles, which indicate their country’s relationship to the Commonwealth: High Commissioners are from Commonwealth countries, whereas Ambassadors are not. Diplomatic audiences haven’t changed much since the Victorian era and still include some uniquely Royal touches. Diplomats are picked up from their embassy or residence in a state landau (a ceremonial horse-drawn carriage) and led through the streets of London by a second carriage led by the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps. Diplomats present their Letters of Credence (for Ambassadors) or Letters of High Commission at the start of the Audience (for High Commissioners). This is a formal letter from the diplomat’s Head of State to The Queen, requesting that she give ‘credence’ to the new Ambassador or High Commissioner. In other words, Her Majesty can rely on the new appointment to speak for their country.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Queen’s death ended one of the world’s most active and influential diplomatic careers. Still, it also leaves an invaluable legacy for the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and many others. For much of her reign, she was aided in her work in the Commonwealth and worldwide by the now-King, whose international presence and connections are a significant asset.

VIP SPECIAL EDITION

ADVERTISE YOUR COMPANY INTERNATIONALLY IN OUR MAGAZINE GLOBAL MINDSET

PROTOCOLTODAY ACADEMY OF PROTOCOL & SOFT DIPLOMACY 

Share this article
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Writer by Eric Muhia, International Studies and Diplomacy Graduate Student and Young Diplomat.

04 October 2022, Kenya

Category: Diplomacy

Reference: EM04102022D    

“Somos una empresa de desarrollo de capacidades que conecta valores, culturas, organizaciones, individuos y sociedades en todo el mundo”

HUMANITARIAN DIPLOMACY: The Craft and Art

Humanitarian crises captivate the public’s attention. Images on television and in newspapers depict civilians fleeing violence or the devastating and indiscriminate impact of natural disasters, as well as the life-saving interventions of health professionals. An estimated 250,000 humanitarian workers are involved in these operations, many of which take place in dangerous locations such as Ukraine, Syria/Iraq, South Sudan, the Central African Republic [CAR], and Eastern Congo.

We need to look more closely at the role of humanitarian workers in negotiating access and other humanitarian issues with combatants and other actors in conflict zones. There is some truth to the assertion that negotiations pursuing humanitarian goals must necessarily differ from purely political deals resulting from traditional negotiation processes. Humanitarian principles must, once again, set the agenda for humanitarian actors’ negotiations. As a result, it is critical that those working in the international field recognize and respect their humanitarian colleagues.

Humanitarian Diplomacy Defined

Humanitarian diplomacy is effective in persuading decision-makers and opinion leaders to act in the best interests of vulnerable people and in accordance with fundamental humanitarian principles at all times. Humanitarian diplomacy seeks to mobilize public and governmental support and resources for humanitarian operations and programs, as well as to facilitate effective partnerships for meeting vulnerable people’s needs. Advocacy, negotiation, communication, formal agreements, and other measures are all part of humanitarian diplomacy. It is a crowded field with many players, including governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the private sector, and individuals.

Health diplomacy as an aspect in humanitarian diplomacy

Humanitarian action, including health assistance, is characterized by a variety of diplomacy levels. Global norms and international humanitarian law govern international humanitarian action, which includes principles outlined in United Nations General Assembly Resolutions, agreements reached in multilateral forums such as the Inter-Agency Standing Committee, and the Geneva Conventions, which govern humanitarian action in war-torn countries. The rapid growth in the number of humanitarian actors working for or with governments at all levels, often in complex situations, has increased the importance of humanitarian diplomacy.

During humanitarian operations, a variety of people engage in health diplomacy at various levels. Negotiations determine the amount of assistance, how that assistance is delivered, who is involved in delivering it, and how to reach crisis-affected populations. This diplomacy occurs in multilateral, bilateral, and local settings, and it involves both state and non-state actors. Diplomacy plays a role at the global level in determining resource allocation and scale, as well as technical standards for health interventions. Negotiations at the local level determine how assistance is coordinated, the extent to which technical standards and international humanitarian law are followed, military engagement, and the role of national governments and other national stakeholders.

Approaches of Diplomacy in Humanitarian Aid.

Diplomacy is a specialized function performed by a specific group of people. The duties and obligations of official diplomats, as well as their performance of their duties, are clearly defined by international law and custom. Behind humanitarian officials’ discomfort with the term diplomacy is the fact that diplomacy entails regular interactions with host political officials, whether state or non-state actors. Whereas diplomats’ portfolios are overwhelmingly political, humanitarian organizations strive to establish and maintain their non-political credentials.

Diplomats in a given crisis-affected country form a “community.” They collaborate on issues of mutual interest to their respective governments, which were previously political and military in nature but are now increasingly economic and, in some cases, humanitarian in nature. Humanitarian diplomacy, on the other hand, is not framed by such a well-established regime. To be sure, international humanitarian, human rights, and refugee law provide a framework for governments to agree on. In recent years, significant progress has been made in clarifying and compelling such obligations, particularly in the areas of human rights and internally displaced persons.

International Committee of the Red Cross concept of Humanitarian  Diplomacy

For example, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has developed its own definition of humanitarian diplomacy to reflect its specific mandate. Meanwhile, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has had a new division dedicated to promoting humanitarian diplomacy since 2010. The ICRC’s access diplomacy is based on a continuous process of negotiation to establish its presence in these areas, stay close to the affected people and communities, and seek the consent of the relevant parties to allow humanitarian operations to take place. Principled humanitarian action and diplomacy are concerned with preserving this neutral, impartial, and independent space: an embodiment of our shared humanity that endures even in the most difficult circumstances of tomorrow’s armed conflicts and natural disasters.

CASE STUDY

IRAQ

Humanitarian diplomacy helped non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Iraq overcome operational constraints caused by limited humanitarian space. The Coalition 108 occupation and rule in Iraq; the resulting insecurity in the country; the humanitarian impact of the war; and the role of the various humanitarian actors present before and after the war were the four contextual factors that determined international NGOs’ efforts at humanitarian diplomacy in Iraq after the second Gulf War. The post-war humanitarian situation in Iraq must be understood in light of Saddam Hussein’s government’s years of punishing economic sanctions and domestic repression.The effects of the war, as well as the subsequent destabilization of the country after the occupation was established, exacerbated the problem. Following the war, the number of actors involved in humanitarian assistance and reconstruction increased dramatically. Over 100 international NGOs and UN agencies had prepared to respond to what was expected to be a major humanitarian disaster. A small group of NGOs formed the NGO Coordination Committee in Iraq (NCCI) in April 2003 in response to growing concerns about preserving humanitarian space and ensuring the neutrality, impartiality, and operational independence of humanitarian activity within the framework of the occupation. The NCCI’s humanitarian diplomacy alternated between two levels: seeking concrete, case-by-case solutions to NGOs’ main operational constraints, and pursuing a more process-oriented engagement with various players for broader, more sustainable, and more principled goals.

SUDAN

There were large-scale interventions by the World Food Programme and the role of humanitarian diplomacy in the pursuit of operational humanitarian objectives in Sudan, which had an impact on operational issues. First, humanitarian diplomacy operates in an environment characterized by multiple or ambiguous political objectives. In Sudan, the government’s other priorities determined the priority given to humanitarian work, and the exigencies of the civil war took precedence over humanitarian concerns. Given the operational constraints, negotiating for humanitarian space is a never-ending struggle. It will be argued here that humanitarian diplomacy can be viewed as a type of policy implementation activity carried out in an adverse political and physical environment.

WFP and its sister UN aid agencies conduct humanitarian diplomacy in the absence of the ultimate sanction of force. Similarly, the promise of free assistance does not guarantee an unconditional welcome. Negotiations are necessary at all stages of a humanitarian operation, but not all of them are diplomatic in nature.

Conclusion

 To ensure that humanitarian practitioners’ voices are heard in global humanitarian decision-making, these practitioners must learn how to engage in and influence diplomatic processes at both the global and local levels. Training in negotiation and advocacy is required to influence multilateral organizations’ decision-making among donor and recipient states, as well as among local communities. Humanitarian diplomacy is a new concept. Its definition differs from that of traditional diplomacy, which seeks to manage states’ international relations through negotiation. Instead, humanitarian diplomacy focuses on “maximizing support for operations and programs, and building the partnerships required to achieve humanitarian objectives.

VIP SPECIAL EDITION

ADVERTISE YOUR COMPANY INTERNATIONALLY IN OUR MAGAZINE GLOBAL MINDSET

PROTOCOLTODAY ACADEMY OF PROTOCOL & SOFT DIPLOMACY 

Share this article
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Writer by Eric Muhia, International Studies and Diplomacy Graduate Student and Young Diplomat.

21 September 2022, Kenya

Category: Diplomacy

Reference: EM21092022D    

“Somos una empresa de desarrollo de capacidades que conecta valores, culturas, organizaciones, individuos y sociedades en todo el mundo”