The six finalists in the ‘Diplomat for a Day’ initiative pose for a photograph with acting Head of Mission from UN Women, Isiuwa Iyahen; Canada’s High Commissioner to Barbados, Brenda Wills; Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade’s Director General, Donna Forde; and acting High Commissioner for the UK, Charley Williams. (T. Barker/BGIS)
Six finalists in the ‘Diplomat for a Day’ (DFAD) initiative were today given advice on practising inclusivity, equality, and active listening as well as on advocating for the rights of others.
The advice has come from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade’s Director General, Donna Forde; High Commissioner for Canada, Brenda Wills; the acting High Commissioner for the United Kingdom, Charley Williams; and acting Head of Mission from UN Women, Isiuwa Iyahen.
During a breakfast briefing at the Canadian High Commission, Bishop’s Court Hill, St. Michael, the six DFAD finalists were informed that the engagement was part of the activities to mark International Women’s Day 2025, which is celebrated annually on March 8. The theme this year is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”.
The DFAD finalists were encouraged by the four officials to take advantage of the opportunities afforded them through the initiative and to learn and absorb as much as possible from those with whom they engage.
They were also told to have open and frank discussions on issues that affect the youth, with an emphasis on highlighting how their contributions as young people can assist in creating a better, sustainable, and prosperous future for all.
The four officials also extended best wishes to the participants in their future endeavours.
The ‘Diplomat for a Day’ was born out of the successes of the 2023 ‘LeadHER for a Day’ programme, followed by the first iteration of the DFAD programme in 2024, in which the High Commissions of Canada and the United Kingdom were partners, and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The initiative offers Barbadian citizens between ages 16 and 24 the opportunity to be a small group of aspiring diplomats who participate in a series of learning activities designed to equip participants with a basic understanding of foreign policy and diplomacy, governance and democracy, and advocacy and communications.
Eighteen participants were part of this year’s initiative. The six finalists for the DFAD 2025 initiative are Destiny Haynes, Thea Herbert, Naomi Jones, Rashana Jones, Kehzion Murray-Hepburn, and Judah Weekes.
The finalists also benefited from an engagement session with senior staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and an International Trade: Engagement With World Trade Organization Ambassadors Matthew Wilson (Barbados), Nadia Theodore (Canada), and Simon Manley (United Kingdom).
There was also an opportunity to meet with Minister Kerrie Symmonds; Speaker of the House of Barbados, Arthur Holder; and Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada, Greg Fergus at Parliament.
Author: Sheena Forde-Craigg
Source: https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/blog/dfad-participants-advised-to-practise-inclusivity-equality/
