WOMEN AS CULTURAL AMBASSADOR ENGLISH SESSION

28th March 2024, ENGLISH SESSION

The “Women as Cultural Ambassador” International Seminar, hosted by Protocol Today and Ibera Benicana’s Foundation, brought together distinguished speakers to explore women’s role in cultural diplomacy. The seminar aimed to highlight the importance of cultural exchange, communication, and collaboration in building bridges and fostering positive relationships on a global scale.

The seminar featured a lineup of distinguished speakers who shared their expertise and experiences on the vital role of women as cultural bridge-builders, drivers of change, and engines of economic growth.

Haifa Al-Kailani, the President and Founder of the Arab International Women’s Forum spoke about the importance of cultural competency, communication, collaboration, and coalition building as a development economist and advocate for women’s leadership and economic empowerment. Sabine van Dijk-Schuizen, a female empowerment advocate and G100 country chair for the Netherlands, discussed the concept of “cyclic leadership” and the value of embracing feminine qualities like sensitivity and soft skills in today’s dynamic environment. Dr Cherin Jallis, a distinguished specialist in etiquette and business protocol in the United Arab Emirates, emphasised the significance of protocol, etiquette, and mutual respect in cross-cultural interactions and the need for women to take a more dominant role. Elsa Wilkin Armister,  the Minister-Counselor at the Sanctus Kids and Nevis High Commission in the United Kingdom, delved into the theme of the positive impact of cultural diplomacy. Drawing on her expertise in cultural diplomacy, country branding, and international marketing, Elsa shared how cultural exchange can foster mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation for diverse cultures.

Key Takeaways from the Seminar:

Building Bridges through Cultural Exchange: Haifa Al Kaylani, President & Founder of the Arab International Women’s Forum, shared her experiences promoting women’s leadership and economic growth globally. She underscored the value of cultural exchange, communication, and collaboration in bridging gaps between Arab and international communities, emphasising the pivotal role of these elements in achieving sustainable development and more robust international partnerships. Sabine van Dijk-Schuizen, a female empowerment advocate, spoke about embracing “cyclic leadership” and the feminine qualities of sensitivity, soft skills, and the ability to explain values and culture more understandably. She encouraged the audience to take on the role of cultural ambassadors, as “women are much more sensitive” and can make “others feel comfortable with them.” Embracing “cyclic leadership” and feminine qualities like sensitivity, empathy, and the ability to explain values and culture understandably is essential in today’s dynamic environment. Women can make their people and others feel more comfortable through their cultural competence and soft skills.

Cultural Diplomacy for Positive Impact: Elsa Wilkin-Armbrister, Minister Counsellor, emphasised the positive impact of cultural diplomacy in promoting international cooperation and understanding. She showcased how cultural exchange can lead to mutual respect and appreciation for diverse cultures, fostering a more harmonious global community. The speakers emphasised the importance of cultural competency, communication, and collaboration in promoting greater understanding between communities, businesses, and nations. Haifa Al-Kailani, President and Founder of the Arab International Women’s Forum, shared her experience of how “communication, collaboration, cultural exchange, and coalition building have been pivotal” to her achievements and the forum’s success. Effective communication, collaboration, cultural exchange, and coalition building are vital for fostering greater understanding between communities, businesses, and nations.

Women as Engines of Economic Growth: Sabine Van Ditzhuijzen, G100 Country Chair, delved into cyclic leadership, guiding female leaders through insightful journeys and breaking taboos in leadership roles. She highlighted the importance of empowering women and fostering diversity in leadership positions to drive positive change across all organisational levels. The speakers highlighted how cultural diplomacy can be an “engine of economic growth” as it helps build stronger bonds of friendship, diversify economies, and advance a country’s political and cultural position. Elsa Wilkin-Armister, Minister-Counselor at the St. Kitts and Nevis High Commission, shared how a hot sauce competition at Expo 2020 Dubai led to a memorandum of understanding between St. Kitts and Nevis and the UAE, demonstrating the power of cultural exchange. Women can leverage their artistic competence, sensitivity, and soft skills to dominate as cultural ambassadors and bridge-builders.

Protocol, Etiquette, and Respect: Dr. Cherin Jallis, a specialist in etiquette and business protocol in the UAE, emphasized the significance of protocol, etiquette, and mutual respect in cross-cultural interactions. She stated that “it’s not enough” to have a historically male-dominated world and that “it’s time that women should take over this role, or at least to play a more dominant role in this setting of the world today.” Protocol, etiquette, and mutual respect are crucial in cross-cultural interactions and diplomacy. Women should take on a more dominant role in this area, as they are generally more sensitive and better at mastering soft skills than men.

Quotes for Modern-Day Women in Diplomacy:

Elsa Wilkin-Armbrister: “Cultural diplomacy is the language of understanding that transcends borders and fosters mutual respect.”

Sabine Van Ditzhuijzen: “Empowering women in leadership is not just a choice, but a necessity for driving meaningful change and inclusivity.”

Haifa Al Kaylani: “In a world interconnected by diversity, communication, collaboration, and cultural exchange are the pillars of building lasting bridges and successful partnerships.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, the “Women as Cultural Ambassadors” International Seminar provided a powerful platform to celebrate the contributions of women as cultural diplomats and to inspire participants to take on the mantle of cultural ambassadorship in their spheres of influence. Through the expertise shared by distinguished speakers, we have gained valuable lessons on leveraging cultural exchanges to build bridges, foster international cooperation, and strengthen relationships between nations. As we reflect on the significance of embracing diversity, communicating values, and fostering understanding across cultures, we are reminded of the positive impact that cultural diplomacy can have in shaping a more interconnected, harmonious world. The recognition of the contributions of individuals and nations in promoting cultural relations and international cooperation paves the way for a future built on mutual respect, collaboration, and shared prosperity. Let us continue to champion the role of women as cultural ambassadors, celebrate our cultural heritage, and work towards a more inclusive and interconnected global community. The lessons and perspectives shared will continue to resonate and guide women in pursuing greater cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.

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