International Day of Diplomats observed on 24th October, 2020

The International Day of Diplomats is observed annually on 24th October, 2020. It is observed to highlight contributions made by diplomats in shaping the world and in making the planet a better place.

i.The International Day of Diplomats was First proposed by Indian Poet-Diplomat Abhay K. 

ii.It was first observed in Brasilia on October 24, 2017.

Highlights:

i.The day aims to bridge the gap in perception and reality of diplomat’s lives among the general public. 

ii.Diplomats around the world posted videos, text explaining the experience of working as diplomats in different Geographies, diverse cultures, and languages in social media using the hashtags #InternationalDiplomatsDay and #ServingPeopleGlobally.

Celebrations in the Past:

The Celebrations in 2017 saw participation from diplomats of Bangladesh, France, Ghana, Israel, Italy, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey. 

i.The Second International Day (2018) was celebrated in Brasilia and other capitals. 

ii.The Third edition (2019) celebrated in Antananarivo, Madagascar by Ambassadors of the United States, European Union, African Union, India, South Korea, Algeria, Turkey, Russia, Egypt and diplomats of Vatican, Switzerland.  

National Day of Diplomats:

Each Country observes National Day of Diplomats on their own dates.  

i.India observes October 9 as Indian Foreign Service Day. 

ii.The day is being observed since 2011 to commemorate the day Indian Cabinet created the Foreign Service (October 9, 1946). 

Ministry of External Affairs:
Union Minister – S. Jaishankar
Minister of State (MoS) – V. Muraleedharan
Foreign Secretary – Harsh Vardhan Shringla