The race to become the next UN secretary-general is intensifying as candidates vie for support from influential governments and Security Council members. With shifting alliances, new contenders and speculation over President Donald Trump’s preferences, the competition is beginning to take shape ahead of the end of António Guterres’ term in 2026.
Meridian International Center’s 58th annual Ball transformed its historic Washington campus into a celebration of Americana, bringing together some 700 diplomats, lawmakers, philanthropists and business leaders for an evening of old-world elegance, diplomatic tradition and fundraising.
From a celebration of Leif Erikson’s Norse legacy and Italian contributions to American science to the arrival of France’s new ambassador and a showcase of young Bulgarian musicians, Washington’s diplomatic community highlights the enduring power of cultural exchange, international collaboration and shared heritage in the month of October.
America Abroad Media celebrated its 13th annual awards dinner in Washington, honoring Saudi filmmaker Fatima AlBanawi, historian Niall Ferguson, UAE technology company G42 and the Bee:wild initiative, and Netflix’s hit series The Diplomat for their contributions to storytelling, culture, innovation and international understanding.
VINMUSA Vineyard Estate, a $22 million project is bringing Rwanda’s first fine-wine vineyards to the foothills of its famed mountain gorilla habitat. Combining high-altitude winemaking, luxury hospitality and community development, the estate aims to put Rwanda on the map as an emerging wine destination.
As Meridian prepares for its 15th annual summit, CEO Bohigian shares his vision for open diplomacy, bringing together government officials and non-government leaders to shape America’s influence abroad.
New Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy warns that the Arab world risks being sidelined amid global instability, declining respect for international law and escalating regional conflicts. He urges Arab nations to take charge of their own future and rethink their approach to diplomacy.
Washington’s diplomatic events are in full swing this Fall. Botswana and Saudi Arabia celebrated their national days. Smithsonian Associates partnered with the Embassy of Spain to recognize Spain’s contribution to American independence 250 years on. Friend of the diplomatic community Bruce Wollman was the guest of honor at the National MS Society’s annual gala.
Tajikistan marked 35 years of independence on Sept. 9 with an evening reception at the Hilton Garden Inn in Washington. Tajik Ambassador Zavqi Zavqizoda welcomed fellow diplomats, statesmen, US officials and members of the Tajik community.
The Western Balkans—a region that was the scene of fierce ethnic bloodshed in the 1990s after the breakup of Yugoslavia—now
Fifty years after the assassination of Orlando Letelier in Washington, Latin America is experiencing a marked political shift to the right. From Chile and Colombia to Ecuador, Paraguay and Costa Rica, a new generation of conservative leaders is reshaping the region—and the diplomats representing it in Washington.
Washington’s diplomatic community gathered for a series of notable events in the past month. The Institute for Education hosted its annual summer social at Congressional Country Club, with a book talk by Kiyomi Buker; the Embassy of Monaco celebrated Princess Grace with a special dedication at the Smithsonian Gardens; Meridian International Center welcomed 14 new ambassadors to town; and the Embassy of Switzerland hosted its annual Soirée Suisse.
Nordic diplomacy took a culinary turn in Washington as chefs from Finland, Iceland, Norway, Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Greenland competed in the Great Nordic Cook-Off, showcasing regional ingredients, traditions and creativity. The Faroe Islands took home the top prize with a menu praised for its storytelling and presentation.
South Africa’s new ambassador to the United States, Roelf Meyer, is drawing on decades of political experience to repair strained relations between Washington and Pretoria. His priorities include strengthening trade and investment, addressing disputes over land expropriation and Black Economic Empowerment, and keeping dialogue open on global conflicts.
Luxembourg’s Nicole Bintner-Bakshian was the featured speaker at The Washington Diplomat’s latest Ambassador Insider Series event, held July 15. More than 120 people packed the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Dupont Circle to hear veteran journalist Adrienne Ross interview her at the Diplomat’s signature event.
US-Moroccan relations — from economic, defense and cultural ties, to Washington’s diplomatic backing of Morocco on key regional issues — were central topics at the Embassy’s Throne Day celebration on July 30.
