Dubai: The 6th International Day of Diplomats was celebrated here on October 24, 2022, when people from various walks of life shared their appreciation for the critical role played by the diplomats of all countries in making the world a better place. In Dubai diplomats from over 190 countries participated in an event to celebrate the day.
The idea of celebrating an International Day was conceived by Bihar-born Ambassador Abhay Kumar who first hosted it in Brasilia on October 24, 2017. The celebration aims to raise awareness about the vital role that diplomats play as daily peacemakers, disbursing development aid, and exchanging information among others.
Speaking on the occasion through a video message in Dubai, Ambassador Abhay Kumar said: “… a country which has skilful diplomats does not have to go to war. Diplomats play a crucial role in keeping our world going and that’s why it is important to remember the sacrifice made by them and their families.”
He also sent a congratulatory tweet on this occasion- “Wishing all the #Diplomats around the world a very happy #InternationalDiplomatsDay from #India today! Thank you for #ServingPeopleGlobally and making our planet 🌍 a better place.”
Consul General of India in Dubai, Dr Aman Puri speaking at an event to mark the occasion attended by top diplomats of various missions in Dubai, said—“People have very different interpretations and perceptions about diplomats. In some cases, we feel that mostly, they are wining and dining. And that is perhaps something which they do most of the time. Sometimes people also confuse them with Double O Seven (the secret service code of James Bond’s character). And they believe that we perhaps end up doing extraordinary, magical feats. But I must say that the truth lies somewhere in the middle.” He added – “Diplomats, by their serious work, try to build bridges, try to connect peoples in different countries, creating the economic connections, the cultural connections, the academic connections, and of course, supporting the people-to-people contact, which is truly the bedrock of bringing countries and governments closer to each other.”
Dr Shashi Tharoor, a former under-secretary-general of the United Nations, said in a tweet – “In the busy-ness of Diwali I forgot #InternationalDiplomatsDay . Belated good wishes to our diplomats on the front lines across the globe, carrying India’s message to the world.@AmbassadorAbhay”.
– global bihari bureau
