In the first of its kind in independent Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will recognise foreign citizens and entities that “contribute to the advancement of Ukraine in the world and its positive image” with a prestigious new award.
There will soon be a new army of Honorary Ambassadors roaming the planet as Ukraine gets ready to recognise individuals and organisations that have significantly helped promote its interests.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba announced the awards back in March. The deadline to receive nominations is Dec. 31.
“The Honorary Ambassador of Ukraine (award) will be the highest honour in the field of public diplomacy in Ukraine,“
he said when announcing the awards. “I believe that everyone who receives it will be proud that [they] have made such a difference in Ukraine.”
Several categories for recognition
Ukrainian and foreign citizens and organisations may be nominated.
Nominations may be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by email at [email protected] by Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Ukrainian embassies and consulates abroad, organisations of foreign Ukrainians, and any public organisation with expertise in international relations.
Up to three nominations may be made by any single nominator for any one award.
Nominations for Honorary Ambassador of Ukraine fall under the following categories:
- A Matter of Life
- Culinary diplomacy
- Cultural diplomacy
- Digital diplomacy
- Economic diplomacy
- Expert diplomacy
- Scientific and Educational diplomacy
- Sports diplomacy
- People’s Honorary Ambassador of Ukraine
Rewarding Ukraine’s top public ambassadors
The selection criteria highlight the kind of candidates the government is looking for in its first batch of Honorary Ambassadors.
According to the MFA criteria, activities of future Honorary Ambassadors to Ukraine should have taken place in 2021 and include:
- Having a tangible effect on promoting a positive image of Ukraine abroad;
- Causing widespread positive publicity about Ukraine abroad;
- Causing significant changes in attitudes towards Ukraine;
- Promoting the protection of the rights and interests of individuals and legal entities of Ukraine abroad – especially its sovereignty and territorial integrity;
- Promoting the protection of national interests of Ukraine, building partnerships with other countries, developing sustainable economic ties, and/or attracting significant international investment;
- Significantly helping to build the capacity of Ukraine in the field of public diplomacy;
- Being systematic and consistent.
“We will reward, and this will mark and motivate people who are most active promote and protect the interests of Ukraine in the world, without belonging to the system of public agencies of Ukraine or other countries", Kuleba said when announcing the awards.
“In this way, we will reward really special people whose warm hearts and persistent efforts help to popularise Ukraine and everything Ukrainian.”
