By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The African delegates to the Best Diplomat Conference, in Türkiye, has made the continent proud, as a Zimbabwean, Mr. Mutsawashe, and Nigerian, Ms. Amina Jamil Sarham, won the prestigious Overall Best Diplomat Award, and Best Diplomatic Negotiation Award respectively.
In a statement jointly signed by the Nigerian delegation, the young leaders said, the just concluded conference in Türkiye, focused on addressing the crisis in the Middle East.
Mrs.Valentina Ofi Amiebi-Uchegbu, head of Nigerian delegation, said the conference formed three main blocs to develop a resolution, which provided valuable insights and highlighted the importance of diplomatic approaches and simulations.
She also explained that the Best Diplomat Conference serves as a platform for young leaders and professionals worldwide to engage in discussions and dialogues on pertinent global issues through diplomatic relations and simulations.
According to her, “Our participation in the just concluded Best Diplomat Conference, alongside delegates from various African nations, was significant, contributing to the conference’s success. We shared experiences and insights, emphasizing the challenges facing the Middle East as a central agenda. Meanwhile, the prestigious Overall Best Diplomat Award was bestowed upon a young African gentleman from Zimbabwe, Mr Mutsawashe Ngulube, while the accolade for the Best Diplomatic Negotiation was rightfully claimed by a talented young lady representing Nigeria, Ms Amina Jamil Sarham, both exemplary members of our blocs.
“During the conference, African delegates convened for a side meeting to discuss collaboration and initiate a platform to address pressing continental issues through diplomatic dialogue, engagement, and simulation. This led to the inception of “Africa Young Diplomats and Changemakers”.
This platform, the statement said, equips young individuals with skills, knowledge, and networks to navigate diplomacy’s complexities and foster cross-cultural understanding, with core pillars including peacebuilding, sustainable development, and youth empowerment.
The aim of the platform, Mrs. Amiebi-Uchegbu, is to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Africa Young Diplomats and Changemakers, she added, is tailored for African youths aspiring to become changemakers and diplomats in leadership and governance.
The statement further stressed that it offers transformative opportunities for collaboration and innovation, addressing shared challenges across the continent.
“Our goal is to nurture a new generation of African leaders capable of driving positive change through collaboration and innovation. Our mission is to advance comprehensive frameworks for responsive leadership, good governance, and sustainable economies, while our vision is to enhance sustainable development and performance in Africa through youth empowerment and diplomatic interventions.
Henceforth, our focus is directed towards cultivating a sustainable resolution, as we propose the inception of the inaugural Africa Young Diplomats and Changemakers Conference within the continent, capitalizing on our demonstrated performance and triumphs. Through this endeavor, we endeavor to convene young professionals and youth leaders from diverse corners of Africa for a purposeful Diplomatic dialogue and Simulation, with the aim of generating significant and constructive solutions for our continent,” the statement disclosed.
The group also intend to secure a consultative status with the African Union (AU) and pertinent Regional Bodies, to further the cause and trajectory of change across Africa.
Anticipating a constructive and supportive dialogue with African leaders and governments, the group look forward to elaborating on their plans and strategies to realize the inaugural edition of the Africa Young Diplomats and Changemakers conference.
