Seeking out trade or investment opportunities, promoting tourism, or coordinating people to people exchanges are daily duties performed by diplomats. Complementing this critical function The Diplomatic Society pro-actively connects Governments, Business and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) with an inter-dependent information resource as well as a communication forum that incorporates the print and digital platforms.
Founded and based in Pretoria, The Diplomatic Society is located in the capital city that arguably hosts one of the highest concentrations of diplomatic representations in the world today. This proximity to over 140 foreign missions and international organization in the administrative capital has allowed our media platform to develop advisory and consultancy services unique to diplomacy.
Enhancing and increasing bi-lateral trade through Economic and Commercial diplomacy is a fundamental task of trade and commercial attaches. They draw up and negotiate agreements, sign Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) and establish frameworks.
Connecting business, interacting with and setting up of business chambers, organising and leading trade delegations, arranging one on one meetings , seminars and conferences are key capabilities that foreign missions need to perform.
Promoting travel and tourism has also become a focal point. By tapping into the natural beauty, art, culture, sport, food, conferencing and other tourism offerings diplomats are keen to promote their countries. It is often believed that this face to face experience often leads to new opportunities and business activity.
In light of the above diplomats often require specialized products and services to carry out their mandates. These can range from venues, accommodation, transport, stationary, expert and professional consultancies, security and others, this apart from their daily basics necessities of food shelter and clothing.
The paradigm shift in global socio-political and economic landscape has created new ground for innovative and dynamic cooperation, fresh and vibrant partnerships are being formed in the aftermath of the financial crisis. Technological and communication advancements have taken diplomacy to new digital heights.
Military and Police attaches have to include these advancements in their coordination and exchanges in defence and peacekeeping.
Cultural and Political attaches have to be up to date with the latest information ensuring that they are linked to the correct media outlets, think tanks and research institute and other credible sources.
Spouses and family make up the rest of the diplomatic community and engages face to face with the peculiarities of the host country while sharing their own cultures and tradition 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.
Since 1997, the Diplomatic Society publication Foreign Exchange has published 20 volumes and 204 issues of its tabloid newsletter. It’s, on and off, online presence began in the year 2000, and has had a constant and growing digital footprint since 2011. Our weekly online newsletter, which currently number 169, is distributed to 6500 registered users globally.
Diplomatic Travel a full service travel agency and Diplotique an online retail outlet are new platforms being introduced to promote tourism and trade.