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Diplomacy today, it seems, has a great deal to do with economics and negotiating a trade or an investment, but the simple, pragmatic and basic concept of supply and demand has become complicated due to the complex creatures that human beings have evolved into.
We only have human rights because human beings do wrong. Greed and jealousy like philanthropy and solidarity are among other traits that define human nature.
The art of diplomacy expresses itself within this melting pot of what it means to be human. Being able to adapt to new environments and accepting and understanding the peculiarities of different countries and cultures is a valuable characteristic of foreign representatives. They have the courage to relocate to new and exotic lands, some brave enough to take their families along on an adventure as they experience new customs and share their traditions with their host nation in the belief of creating a human connection.
Impeccable behaviour, a quick wit and a charming sense of humour will certainly help to advance a diplomatic career; it is also the kind of savvy that keeps the diplomat immune from being declared persona non grata.
As facilitators and implementers of international relations, diplomats are ideally placed to recognize opportunities or challenges and provide solutions. Being linked to the correct networks and making effective use of available resources can have an exponential impact on the diplomatic mandate and people to people relations.
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The Venue and Voice of the world's major donor countries
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 In an exclusive interview the Diplomatic Society Global Editor Mr. Srimal Fernando engages Mr Erik Solheim (pictured), the current President of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). He is also the United Nations (UN) Environment Programme’s special envoy for environment, conflict and disaster. The Paris based OECD, the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) in which Mr.Solheim presides the forum as Chair to discuss issues surrounding aid, development and poverty reduction in developing countries a "venue and voice" of the world's major donor countries. Norway has a universal reputation as a peacemaker. The Peace Process in Sri Lanka was a clear example where Norway brokered a Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) between the conflicting parties on 22 February 2002. Mr. Solheim was the main negotiator in the peace process in Sri Lanka from 2000 to 2005. He also contributed to peace processes in Sudan, Nepal, Myanmar and Burundi.
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British High Commissioner to South Africa and other South Africans awarded Her Majesty The Queen New Year 2016 Honours
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 Her Majesty The Queen has approved the following awards for South Africa based recipients in her New Year 2016 honours list:
• Appointment as a Dame Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (DCMG) to Judith Macgregor, “British High Commissioner to South Africa for services to British Diplomacy”
• Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) to Jackie BARCLAY. “British Honorary Consul, Port Elizabeth. For services to British nationals in the Eastern Cape, South Africa”
• Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) to Margaret Mary GOLDING. “Consultant in Autism. For services to special needs education and autism”
• British Empire Medal (BEM) to Bronwen JONES. “Founder and Director, Children of Fire. For services to young survivors of burn injuries in Africa”
Dame Judith Macgregor receives her award in recognition of her services to British Diplomacy. Dame Judith has served as Ambassador to Slovakia, Mexico and currently South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. Dame Judith is one of the UK's most senior British diplomats and a top ranking female Ambassador. Over a 40 year career at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office she has served as Ambassador to Slovakia, Mexico and currently South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho.
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Bo’nna – From my point of view
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 The opening of the photographic exhibition “Bo’nna – from my point of view” was held at the Arts and Craft Centre in Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria.
The exposition is the result of an exceptional collaboration between the Embassy of Italy and the Municipality of Tshwane, in partnership with the NGO Oxfam Italia, the Italian Institute of Culture, UN Volunteers and Open Window Institute.
Twenty eight learners of the Rivoningo Primary School of Soshanguve - between the age of 8 and 10 - had the opportunity to be introduced to photography and to view and describe their everyday life with “different lenses”. Digital cameras were provided by the Italian Embassy and UN Volunteers, while a workshop was organized in October by students of the Open Window Institute.
The opening of the exhibition – composed by 56 images, two for each child – was followed by a prize-giving ceremony, with the participation on representatives of the Italian Embassy, the Municipality of Tshwane and of all the partners and sponsors involved. More expositions will be organized at Rivoningo Primary School and at Open Window Institute.
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'Bring a child to work' project promotes South Africa's diversity
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 Over the past years, the South African Embassy has pursued educational and cultural projects as they are of vital importance in promoting South Africa’s culture and diversity abroad. In this respect, The Embassy initiated a school project called “bring a child to work”. The project serves as a career guide, providing motivation for students to better identify themselves with careers in the public sector or related fields. Othisi School had the opportunity to visit the South African Embassy premises and learn more on how an Embassy functions on a daily basis. Ambassador Marthinus C.J. Van Schalkwyk and the Embassy’s diplomats welcomed the students, provided a brief background about South Africa and answered questions asked by students.
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