Grassroot Diplomat Talks Grassroot Diplomat

You have no control over where you are born, but many are persecuted over their nationality. Being mindful that we could have been born ANYWHERE should be the first thing that diplomats need to be trained about. Not everyone is in a fortunate or privileged position to be born in safe and favourable places.

Stereotypes and misconceptions run deep about diplomats and their work in diplomacy, but where do these perceptions come from? Even in the year 2020, things haven’t changed much in terms of how people view diplomats. Diplomacy is a career that is seen to be reserved for the elite and is washed with so many stereotypes, it’s difficult for ordinary people to even know what diplomats actually do.

Many people get politicians and diplomats confused because they all work for the government. But politicians are elected and diplomats are not....but diplomats are given a very big title but serve politicians. How does this work? Who is the boss? Who is accountable to whom? What are the similarities and differences? What do diplomats do that is glaringly different from politicians abroad?

Modern day diplomacy is being crushed by ignorance and hate speeches with many, many examples of how people are made to feel like second class citizens. What does that mean and where is this happening?

Countries are misrepresented through perpetual negative stereotypes and the media controls perceptions. How can governments take more control on their self-image and what impact will more proactive branding strategy have on the people?

French is a predominant language used in diplomatic discourse. Words such as charge d'affaires and Ambassador are normal titles but difficult to pronounce by those who are not familiar with such languages. How do you ensure that you use diplomatic languages correctly and is French still dominant, or quickly being taken over other official languages used at the United Nations and other multilateral agencies?