6th Annual Diplomat Magazine Awards

On Monday 29th April 2013, Grassroot Diplomat had the pleasure to attend the 6th Annual Diplomat Magazine Awards ceremony at The Langham, London. The awards recognises the achievements of London’s diplomatic community and is one of the most highly anticipated events of the diplomatic calendar.

The Awards were presented by Sir Christopher Meyer KCMG, our highly witty former UK Ambassador to Washington, who provided warmth and laughter into the ornate dining room. This year, Diplomat Magazine proudly announced the following Ambassadors and High Commissioners for their annual award.

Distinguished Contribution to Diplomacy in London 
Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Diplomat of the Year from the Middle East 
HE Ms Alice Thomas Samaan, Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain

Diplomat of the Year from Africa 
HE Dr Carlos dos Santos, High Commissioner of Mozambique

Diplomat of the Year from Asia 
HE Mr Teuku Thayeb, Ambassador of Indonesia

Diplomat of the Year from Eurasia 
Ms Karine Gazinyan, Late Ambassador of Armenia

Diplomat of the Year from Europe 
HE Mr Georg Boomgaarden, Ambassador of Germany 

Diplomat of the Year from the Americas 
HE Mr Garvin Nicholas, High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago

Diplomat of the Year from South America 
HE Mr Roberto Jaguaribe, Ambassador of Brazil

It was a pleasure to see so many familiar faces among the crowd, including the Ambassador of Moldova HE Iztok Jarc, HE Ruth Elizabeth Rouse of Grenada and diplomats from the Nepalese embassy.

We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to the winners and look forward to getting in touch with embassies for the 2nd Grassroot Diplomat Initiative Award for 2014.

Grassroot Diplomat Director wins Channel S Award for Graduate Excellence

London, UK. April 23, 2013 – Last night, Talyn Rahman-Figueroa, director and founder of diplomatic consultancy Grassroot Diplomat, won the Channel S Award 2013 for Graduate Excellence. Presented by Mayor of Tower Hamlets Mr Lufter Rahman, the Channel S Awards has become one of the most prestigious awards of recognition within the Bangladeshi community of Britain and Europe. Over the last 6 years, the Channel S Awards has sought out the most worthy recipients for awards and accolades to mark the significant progress of a relatively young community in Britain.

In her acceptance speech live on TV, Talyn said: “I hope that by winning this award, I will become a better role model for women and for the Bengali community by showing the world what we can do.” She closed off the speech by dedicating the award to her mother Sherin, who has shown “ever-lasting love and support” of her ambitions.

The Bengali community in Britain has many distinguished dignitaries including British diplomat Anwar Choudhury, Rushnara Ali MP, and Labour party politician Murad Qureshi. Talyn was personally chosen by Baroness Pola Uddin, a member of the judging committee, who sees big potential in the young diplomatic director.

Acknowledged for ‘Graduate Excellence’, Talyn’s education included a Bachelor's degree in Japanese and Management from the School of Oriental and African Studies, where she participated in further language training at the Kyoto University of Foreign Studies in Kyoto, Japan. She was later awarded the Diplomatic Academy of London scholarship in 2010 to pursue a postgraduate degree in Diplomatic Studies at the University of Westminster, where she gained a Distinction award. During her postgraduate study, Talyn raised funds for supplementary training in Morocco, the European Union Commission, and the United Nations Headquarters in New York where she attained two further certificates in International Relations and Diplomacy.

Congratulations to the Director - it was well-deserved.

Grassroot Diplomat Honours Six Politicians and Diplomats for Selfless Acts

LONDON, January 31, 2013 – The winners of the inaugural Grassroot Diplomat Initiative Awards were announced last night at a ceremony in London. Over 120 distinguished guests from embassies, political offices, universities and non-government organisations gathered to celebrate the achievements of outstanding diplomats and politicians representing the people’s interest at the highest level.

Host and director of Grassroot Diplomat Talyn Rahman-Figueroa described the nominees as “worthy examples for all others... committed to listening and respecting the needs of the people”. The competition was stiff with over 30 government officials shortlisted for this honour but there could only be six winners. Winners were judged on the quality and outreach of their campaign, level of support within the community and results of their direct actions.

The full list of winners:

• Robert Buckland, MP for South Swindon 
        Policy Driver Winner for Special Educational Needs
• HE Mauricio Rodriguez Munera, Embassy of Colombia 
        Policy Driver Winner for Evaluating International Drug Trade
• Baroness May Blood MBE, House of Lords
        Social Driver Winner for Integrated Education in Northern Ireland
• HE Ivan Romero-Martinez, Embassy of Honduras 
        Social Driver Winner for Supporting Street Children
• Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth 
        Business Driver Winner for Pay on Time Campaign
• HE Dr Suresh Chandra Chalise, Embassy of Nepal 
        Business Driver Winner for Business Integration of the Gurkhas

Honourees

• Tom Watson, MP for West Bromwich East
• HE Ruth Elizabeth Rouse, High Commission of Grenada
• Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria, London
• Jeremy Corbyn, MP for North Islington
• Councillor Chris Maines, Blackheath Ward
• HE Daniel Taub, Embassy of Israel

The Initiative Award was supported by Chateau de la Ligne, Kenya Airways, St James Theatre, Gastronomica, World Vision Photography, All Health Studio, Denbies Wine Estate and the Grange Hotel. Guests were treated to live cello wine reception, 3-course meal, raffle fundraising, and performance by Eurovision artist Imaani.