Diplomatic Watch Magazine’s Women in Diplomacy Forum at the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Diplomacy extends far beyond treaties and official negotiations. At its heart, diplomacy is about building understanding, strengthening friendships, and celebrating the shared values that unite humanity.

That spirit was beautifully reflected during the Second Annual Women in Diplomacy Forum, organized by Diplomatic Watch Magazine in partnership with the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Washington, D.C. The elegant gathering commemorated the United Nations  International Day of Women in Diplomacy while also celebrating a decade of the magazine’s dedication to promoting international friendship, cultural diplomacy, and dialogue among nations.

Guests entering the embassy were greeted by a striking photographic gallery showcasing Jordan’s Royal Family alongside nearly every modern President of the United States. The display served as a reminder of the enduring partnership between Jordan and the United States and the important role diplomacy continues to play in fostering peace and cooperation.

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The forum was graciously hosted by Pamela Gotevbe, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Diplomatic Watch Magazine, whose warm welcome set the tone for an inspiring celebration attended by diplomats, ambassadors, business leaders, educators, and members of Washington’s international community.

Although the Ambassador of Jordan was unable to attend, the Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Diana Al-Hadid, welcomed guests on behalf of His Majesty King Abdullah II and the Government of Jordan, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to international cooperation and  women’s leadership.

Inside the reception hall, elegant portraits of His Majesty King Abdullah II and Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah overlooked the gathering. Their presence revealed Jordan’s recognition of the important role women play in education, diplomacy, public service, business, and national development. The portraits also symbolized one of the forum’s central messages—that strong societies are built through partnership, mutual respect, and the complementary strengths of both women and men.

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Women Changing the World

The forum’s featured panel brought together accomplished international leaders whose careers demonstrate the extraordinary impact that one individual can have on society.

Panelists included:

• Sabrina Abdu, Founder of RVP Consultants and global advocate for education and children’s rights.
• Dr. Judy Kuriansky, internationally recognized clinical psychologist, author, and United Nations representative for the International Association of Applied Psychology.
• Dr. Nining Sri Astuti, spouse of the Ambassador of Indonesia and an advocate for education, diplomacy, and community development.
• Shaz Akram, distinguished entrepreneur, who served as moderator.

Among the forum’s most inspiring presentations was the story shared by the spouse of the Ambassador of Indonesia, Dr. Nining Sri Astuti, whose career as an economist helped launch one of the world’s most successful microfinance initiatives. Beginning with loans designed to empower women entrepreneurs, the program ultimately expanded to benefit both women and men, creating opportunities for millions while strengthening families, communities, and local economies across Indonesia.

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Dr. Judy Kuriansky offered another important perspective, emphasizing that national success should not be measured solely through economic growth. Drawing upon decades of work with the United Nations, she highlighted the growing international recognition of wellness, mental health, and happiness as meaningful indicators of a nation’s progress. Her remarks underscored that prosperity is measured not only by wealth, but by the health, resilience, and quality of life experienced by its citizens.

Throughout the discussion, Moderator Shaz Akram guided an engaging conversation exploring leadership, resilience, diplomacy, and the increasingly influential role women play across government, healthcare, education, business, and civil society.

One message resonated throughout the forum: the vision and determination of one woman can inspire positive change that reaches millions of lives.

Cultural Diplomacy Through Music

Following the panel discussion, guests gathered for a reception featuring traditional Jordanian desserts, international cuisine, and opportunities for meaningful conversations among diplomats and guests representing many nations.

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The celebration then transitioned into an inspiring program of cultural diplomacy through music.

Among the featured performers was Jan Havránek, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Czech Republic, accomplished singer-songwriter, and founder of the Songs for Havel concert series, whose artistic work reflects the enduring connection between diplomacy and culture.

Joining him was Jessica Gu, the award-winning Chinese-American soprano and winner of the 2026 Nebraska District Laffont Metropolitan Opera Competition, whose soaring voice represents the next generation of emerging international artists.

Acclaimed baritone Lysle Follette IV, whose distinguished career includes performances at Carnegie Hall, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and numerous diplomatic venues, captivated the audience with his rich vocal artistry.

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Internationally acclaimed dramatic soprano Kristin Sampson, praised by The New York Times for her “bright, sizable and expressive voice,” brought world-class operatic excellence to the forum.

The program also featured celebrated jazz vocalist, Cultural Ambassador, and Beaux Arts Collective Founder and Creative Director Yvette G. Spears, whose performances continue to build bridges between communities through the universal language of jazz.

Together, these remarkable artists demonstrated one of diplomacy’s greatest strengths—that music transcends borders, languages,  politics, and cultures. Through artistic expression and shared cultural experiences, people discover common values, foster lasting friendships, and strengthen international understanding.

Celebrating International Leadership

The forum concluded with the presentation of Diplomatic Watch Magazine Awards, recognizing distinguished ambassadors and international leaders whose service has strengthened diplomacy and international cooperation. Among those honored was the Ambassador of Costa Rica, H.E. Catalina Crespo Sancho, recognized for her exemplary leadership and dedication to advancing global partnerships.

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The event also marked an important milestone for Diplomatic Watch Magazine itself. Over the past decade, the publication has become an influential platform connecting the diplomatic corps with leaders in business, education, philanthropy, culture, and  international affairs.

Adding to this remarkable year, the publisher, Victor Gotevbe, recently received international recognition by earning Second Prize for Best Foreign Journalist’s Coverage of Uzbekistan at the prestigious 20th Oltin Qalam (Golden Pen) International Awards—a significant honor recognizing excellence in international journalism.

As Diplomatic Watch Magazine enters its second decade, the celebration served as an aide-mémoire that diplomacy flourishes not only in conference rooms and official negotiations, but also through cultural exchange, education, dialogue, and the relationships built between people.

International Relations

Ultimately, the forum celebrated more than  women’s leadership. It celebrated the enduring values of compassion, partnership, service, and international friendship—qualities that continue to build stronger communities and a more peaceful world.

In celebrating women, diplomacy celebrates the very best of humanity.