Dr. Margret Verwijk, the Netherlands Ambassador to Zimbabwe, received the title of Overall Diplomat of the Year at the prestigious Diplomat of the Year Awards last night at Golden Conifer.
This annual event, organized by Diplomat Media and The Diplomat Business Networking Club, gathered diplomats, business leaders, and notable guests to honor excellence in diplomacy and international collaboration.
The event featured Mr. Muchakanakirwa Mukanganwi, Chairperson of Stanbic Bank, as the Guest of Honor, who emphasized the significance of diplomacy in promoting economic development and global partnerships. This year’s theme was “Empowering Women, Removing Barriers.”
Hosted by Chief Godfrey Koti, the ceremony opened with an engaging performance by Ngoma Yekwedu, an all-women traditional dance group, setting a festive mood for the evening dedicated to cultural appreciation and diplomatic achievements.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Verwijk expressed heartfelt gratitude, recognizing the efforts of her small yet dedicated team. “Receiving the Overall Diplomat of the Year award is truly an honor, especially in the company of such esteemed colleagues who are doing exceptional work during these challenging times,” she stated.
She highlighted several key contributions from the Netherlands to Zimbabwe, including:
– The Skills2Live program, which recently celebrated the graduation of 660 students at Young Africa’s Chitungwiza campus.
– Support for the growth of Zimbabwe’s private sector, particularly in enhancing exports to the Netherlands and the EU, focusing on SMEs and women-led businesses.
– The Dutch Good Growth Fund, which offers long-term, affordable financing for Zimbabwean companies in sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, and infrastructure.
– A collaborative effort involving PUM, ZimTrade, and the Netherlands Embassy, which has enabled over 100 retired Dutch experts to assist local businesses in achieving international standards.
Dr. Verwijk also shared personal insights from her experience in Zimbabwe, appreciating the country’s resilience, humor, and rich culinary traditions.
“Diplomacy resembles hosting a dinner party where every guest has unique preferences, potential allergies, and strong opinions on the meal. The goal is to ensure everyone leaves satisfied,” she humorously remarked, prompting laughter from the audience.
She expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming Ambassadors’ Cookoff in April, where she intends to feature her roadrunner chickens and homegrown vegetables.
Since its inception in 2012, the Diplomat of the Year Awards has honored over 200 ambassadors for their dedication to fostering international cooperation.
Reginald Chapfunga, the founder of Diplomat Media and the Diplomat Business Networking Club, highlighted the initiative’s broader vision:
“Our narrative embodies passion, determination, and selflessness. We strive to build bridges across cultures and sectors, sparking innovation and promoting sustainable development. Our networking efforts have established a network of connections that transcend borders.”
As the evening concluded with dinner, attendees celebrated the power of diplomacy, collaboration, and the ongoing mission to strengthen global relationships for a brighter future.
