IHG DIPLOMAT Of the Year Awards 2026

Ambassadors and High Commissioners from over 70 countries (and diplomats from over 95 countries) attended the DIPLOMAT magazine 2026 annual Awards Ceremony at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Monday 27 April. DIPLOMAT presented 10 awards to some of the most influential diplomats based in the UK. The 180-plus guests were treated to a reception and canapés prepared by the London Hilton on Park Lane’s chefs.

Now in its sixteenth edition, the awards ceremony honours the remarkable contributions of London's diplomatic community and the dedication they bring to improving the lives of their citizens. DIPLOMAT magazine identified 10 categories that recognise different levels of diplomacy, and winners were nominated by their peers. The evening welcomed the massed ranks of London’s diplomatic corps, at what has become a key date in the capital’s diplomatic calendar. BBC News Diplomatic Correspondent, James Landale, was the Master of Ceremonies, who performed with exceptional polish and wit.

High-profile winners on the night included the Ambassadors of Ireland and Argentina, as well as the High Commissioners for Zambia and the Maldives—the latter having recently been appointed as her country’s Foreign Minister, and she flew in especially for the event. Smaller countries were represented too: the Ambassadors of Cuba and Bosnia and Herzegovina also won awards. Head of the Mission of the Embassy of the State of Palestine Ambassador Husam S. Zomlot received the award for the Diplomat of the Year from the Middle East and North Africa accepted by his wife Suzan Zomlot. A new category this year was for Deputy Head of Mission of the Year, an award received by Marwan Francis from the Embassy of Lebanon. The award for Young Diplomat of the Year went to the First Secretary at the Bahrain Embassy, Hajer Ameen.

Co-owners of Diplomat magazine Gervase Milbourn and Venetia van Kuffeler with Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador of Honduras Ivan Romero-Martinez (centre)

CEO of International Diplomatic Supplies Patrick Doyle, Mrs Suzan Zomlot (Palestine), Marwan Yaghi (Palestine), Noeleen Alexopoulou (IDS) and Edward Evans (IDS)

Rupert Wesson and Hugo Strachwitz of Debrett’s with editor of Diplomat magazine, Venetia van Kuffeler

Gervase Milbourn with Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps Alistair Harrison CMG CVO

Abigail Stapleton (Cleveland Clinic London), Ilham A Mohamed (Cleveland Clinic London), Peter Richards (IHG), Mrs Chawona G. Bisika (Malawi) and High Commissioner of Malawi Dr Thomas Bisika

Co-owners of Diplomat magazine Gervase Milbourn and Venetia van Kuffeler with Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador of Honduras Ivan Romero-Martinez (centre)

CEO of International Diplomatic Supplies Patrick Doyle, Mrs Suzan Zomlot (Palestine), Marwan Yaghi (Palestine), Noeleen Alexopoulou (IDS) and Edward Evans (IDS)

Rupert Wesson and Hugo Strachwitz of Debrett’s with editor of Diplomat magazine, Venetia van Kuffeler

Gervase Milbourn with Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps Alistair Harrison CMG CVO

Abigail Stapleton (Cleveland Clinic London), Ilham A Mohamed (Cleveland Clinic London), Peter Richards (IHG), Mrs Chawona G. Bisika (Malawi) and High Commissioner of Malawi Dr Thomas Bisika

The popular accolade of the evening, Outstanding Contribution to Diplomacy in London, went to Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation, Arsenio Dominguez, who has been thrust into the spotlight since February 2026 amid the geopolitical tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

Stephen Ball, Chair of Diplomat magazine's charity partner the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust, also addressed the assembled guests. He explained that the Trust, established in 2018, supports young leaders aged 18–35 across 56 Commonwealth countries, providing flexible funding, training, and networking opportunities to youth-led social impact initiatives. His Majesty King Charles III serves as its Patron.

Sponsors for the evening were International Hospitals Group, Forax diplomatic fuel cards, Cleveland Clinic London, Debrett’s, Farrer & Co., Knight Frank, and the London Hilton on Park Lane. International Diplomatic Supplies provided the champagne and wine, and Royal Warranted court jewelers Cleave & Company produced the unique awards for the winners. Award-winning organic food, drink, homeware, hampers and gift retailer, Daylesford, provided gift bags for the guests to take away.

With over 180 diplomatic missions, a posting in London remains one of the highlights of any diplomat’s career. DIPLOMAT’s Editor, Venetia de Blocq van Kuffeler, said: “As the global centre for diplomacy, London has become more important than ever. This is an award ceremony for diplomats, with winners chosen by diplomats. This evening is about hard work and technique. It’s about people and professionalism.”

2026 DIPLOMAT
OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS:

2026 Diplomat of the Year from Africa
High Commissioner of Zambia
Her Excellency Ms Macenje Mazoka

2026 Diplomat of the Year from Europe
Ambassador of Ireland
His Excellency Mr Martin Fraser

2026 Diplomat of the Year from the Middle East & North Africa
Head of Mission of the Embassy
of the State of Palestine
Ambassador Mr Husan S Zomlot

2026 Diplomat of the Year from Eurasia & the Western Balkans
Ambassador of Bosnia & Herzegovina
His Excellency Mr Osman Topčagić

2026 Diplomat of the Year from Asia & Oceania
High Commissioner of the Maldives
Her Excellency Dr Iruthisham Adam

2026 Diplomat of the Year from North America & the Caribbean
Ambassador of Cuba
Her Excellency Mrs Ismara Mercedes Vargas Walter

2026 Diplomat of the Year from Central & South America
Ambassador of Argentina
Her Excellency Ms Mariana Edith Plaza

2026 Deputy Head of Mission
of the Year
Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Lebanon
Mr Marwan Francis

2026 Young Diplomat of the Year
First Secretary, Embassy of Bahrain
Ms Hajer Ameen

2026 Outstanding Contribution to Diplomacy in London
Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization
Mr Arsenio Dominguez

Mary McKenna, Ambassador’s spouse Deirdre Fraser, Rebecca Chapman and Sarah Callanan all from the Irish Embassy

Diplomatic Correspondent for BBC News, James Landale was Master of Ceremonies for the event

Editor of Diplomat magazine Venetia van Kuffeler with Chair of the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust, Stephen Ball. The Trust is Diplomat magazine’s charity partner for the year

Mary McKenna, Ambassador’s spouse Deirdre Fraser, Rebecca Chapman and Sarah Callanan all from the Irish Embassy

Forax fuel cards were one of the major sponsors for the evening

Diplomatic Correspondent for BBC News, James Landale was Master of Ceremonies for the event

Editor of Diplomat magazine Venetia van Kuffeler with Chair of the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust, Stephen Ball. The Trust is Diplomat magazine’s charity partner for the year

ABOUT THE SPONSORS:

International Hospitals Group (IHG) is one of the leading healthcare services companies. Since 1972, IHG has successfully completed over 485+ healthcare projects in 58 countries for private and public sector clients including 28 national governments and the United Nations. In 2023, IHG introduced new mental health services and facilities for its clients delivering British standards globally.

Forax diplomatic tax-free fuel cards. Europe’s leading specialist in tax-free solutions for diplomatic missions, the UK's only fuel card with immediate net pricing, approved by HMRC and FCDO. Exclusive for diplomats: no fees, no hassle, just seamless fuel management that honours your privileges.

Cleveland Clinic London is part of the globally recognised Cleveland Clinic healthcare system, consistently ranked among the world’s leading hospitals. With locations in Belgravia, Moorgate and the Harley Street Health District, it provides specialist care focused on clinical excellence, patient safety and outstanding outcomes. Patients benefit from access to a global network of physicians and specialists, delivering high-quality, integrated care supported by advanced technology.

Debrett’s have been publishing books on The Peerage and etiquette for over 250 years. They also have a highly regarded coaching and training business for diplomatic, corporate and private clients across the globe.

Farrer & Co is a London law firm with an international outlook. Offering legal advice since 1701, Farrer & Co has a specialist practice focused on acting for states, missions and diplomats, led by Jehad Mustafa, barrister, partner and Head of Sovereign Advisory. Farrer & Co also hosts a seminar series for the diplomatic community in London.

Knight Frank are the diplomatic community’s partners in property, housing diplomats in London and further afield, and their specialist global diplomatic consultancy works with foreign ministries and their property portfolios worldwide.

London Hilton on Park Lane Debuting in 1963, the London Hilton on Park Lane was the first Hilton to open in the UK. From Hyde Park to Mayfair and Park Lane, the hotel’s guest rooms and suites offer iconic London views. Overlooking Hyde Park and close to Buckingham Palace, the newly renovated property has a host of dining options, and decades of experience serving London’s diplomatic community. The diplomatic team at the hotel includes Georgina Evagora, who has over 15 years’ experience supporting delegations, and Marcia Pullen, who has seven years’ experience—together offering a wealth of expertise in this area.

Daylesford, the award-winning organic food, drink, homeware, hampers and gift retailer, who supplied gift bags for all the winners and guests.

International Diplomatic Supplies With over 25 years of experience with customers in 80 countries, IDS is the world’s only dedicated diplomatic supply company. IDS has been a Carbon Neutral group since January 2022.

Cleave & Co Royal Warranted court jewelers Cleave & Company design and create some of the world’s most exceptional bespoke jewellery, Objet D’Art, pens, insignia, orders, decorations and medals by appointment. Cleave counts Heads of State, palace offices, governments, civil and military institutions from more than 40 countries among its clients, alongside some of the most discerning individuals in the world.