The International Diplomats Association (DMW Diplomats International), based in Central Switzerland, organized the “DMW International Annual Summit 2023” global diplomacy summit in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The International Diplomats Association, headquartered in Switzerland and affiliated with the European Commission and the United Nations, conducted the summit in collaboration with the Girne American University’s Spectrum Congress Center in the TRNC. During the summit, DMW Vice President Halil Sert emphasized the importance of humanitarian values, stating, “The condition for humanitarian values to be a balancing factor is still the most universal, sacred, and effective remedy that can be utilized.”
The DMW, established in 2000 under the leadership of European diplomats, including European Commission Vice President Günter Verheugen, focuses on preparing new member states for the European Union in the context of the EU’s expansion process. Additionally, it continues to build diplomatic bridges between countries, protect human rights, and enhance global trade.
The summit saw the participation of DMW representatives and members worldwide, along with ambassadors, diplomats, parliament members, academics, politicians, and businesspeople. DMW Kıbrıs (Cyprus) President and Member of the Parliament Serhat Akpınar highlighted the significance of human rights as the cornerstone of our common humanity, emphasizing that protecting and promoting these rights is a shared responsibility.
DMW President Prof. Dr. Günther Meinel’s message underscored the importance of maintaining international peace and security, referencing the United Nations’ peacekeeping mission. The summit featured presentations and panels throughout the day, led by academics and experts from various countries, discussing the theme “The world needs more humanity.” The discussions focused on fostering awareness of humanitarian values globally.
During the closing session, DMW Vice President Halil Sert, DMW Cyprus President Serhat Akpınar, DMW Turkey Audit Board President Işıner Güngör, and DMW Board Member Hans Henning Reinecke provided general evaluations. Sert emphasized the role of diplomats in serving humanity, recalling the initial expressions of the United Nations Treaty aimed at rescuing future generations from the disaster of war.
Işıner Güngör, President of the DMW Turkey Audit Board and International Relations Chief of the Hundredth Year Journalists Association, addressed the humanitarian tragedies resulting from wars worldwide, emphasizing the need for effective diplomacy to resolve these issues. The summit concluded with the presentation of plaques to participants, followed by a group photo and a musical performance by the renowned German singer Miriam Geiger. Subsequently, a gala dinner hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the TRNC took place in Nicosia, where plaques were presented to Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu by Vice President Sert.