Europe

New Year’s Eve reception in Berlin

A sublime meeting for diplomats organized by the famous Waldorf Astoria Berlin

March 20th, 2020
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New Year’s Eve is an important event for the vast majority of the world. The significance of the celebration stems from its meaning: with the beginning of a new year, new possibilities are given to create, accomplish, and acquire something new. The approach is no different when it comes to cultural diplomacy. New relationships can be created between distant or neighboring cultures in the world, existing ones can be improved or tightened.

In the beginning of 2020, a unique opportunity was given to the embassies in Berlin. The world-famous Waldorf Astoria Berlin hotel decided to organize a reception for the ambassadors to Germany and other high-ranking officers on the 22nd of January. This was the first time in the hotel’s history. The marvelous hotel located right next to the Zoologischer Garten provided a stunning environment for the event.

A total of 250 high-ranking representatives attended the event from which 60 were ambassadors. Philippine Ambassador, H.E. Madam Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Austrian embassy councilor for trade matters, Dr. Heinz Walter, Luxembourger Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Jean Graff, Kuwaiti Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Najeeb Al-Bader, Botswanan Ambassador, H.E. Madam Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, Spanish Ambassador, H.E. Ricardo Martínez, Ambassador of Liechtenstein, H.E. Isabel Frommelt-Gottschald, and Ambassador of El Salvador, H.E. Florencia Vilanova de von Oehsen were all present at the reception.

The highlight of the evening was the performance of the Diplomatic Choir Berlin, under the direction of Barbara Leifer. What is special about the choir is that diplomats from all over the world who are stationed in Germany sing together. The operas “La traviata”, “America” from the West Side Story and Leonard Cohen's “Hallelujah” were heard. A tasty buffet afterwards and numerous drink stands left nothing to be desired.

In conclusion, the event had been a wonderful opportunity for all the invited diplomats for networking in a somewhat informal manner, and to experience an exceptional mixture of cultures through listening to the staging of the Diplomatic Choir Berlin.

References

News from Berlin