A group of young Guyanese women aspiring to careers in leadership, public service and international affairs received a unique introduction to the world of diplomacy this week as part of activities marking the International Day for Women in Diplomacy.
The twelve participants, aged between 17 and 30, met with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General Carla Barnett and senior officials at the CARICOM Secretariat on Tuesday, where they gained insights into diplomatic work, regional integration and opportunities available to young professionals within the Caribbean.
The visit formed part of the “Diplomat for a Day” initiative, a programme coordinated by The Imperial House in Guyana that allows young women to shadow ambassadors, high commissioners and other diplomatic representatives in an effort to encourage greater female participation in diplomacy and international relations.
Drawn from secondary schools, the University of Guyana and public sector agencies, the participants engaged in discussions with senior CARICOM officials on the role women continue to play in shaping regional and international policy.
During the engagement, the Secretary-General and members of her team shared personal experiences from their professional careers and discussed the challenges and opportunities women encounter in diplomatic and leadership roles.
The programme also provided participants with a deeper understanding of the work of the regional body. CARICOM’s Programme Manager for Youth Development, Michele Small-Bartley, outlined initiatives designed to empower young people across the region, including the CARICOM Young Professionals Programme, which seeks to develop future leaders within the Community.
The young women also participated in a session on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), led by Director of the CARICOM Single Market, Gladys Young. The discussion focused on the importance of regional integration and the opportunities available to Caribbean citizens through the free movement of skills, services and labour within member states.
In addition to the interactive sessions, the participants toured the CARICOM Secretariat and received an overview of the institution’s role in advancing regional cooperation and development.
Accompanying the group were Belize’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Her Excellency Gale Miller-Garnett, and Executive Director of The Imperial House, Wasim Khan.
This year’s initiative was supported by the High Commission of Belize, the High Commission of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the Embassy of Suriname, the Embassy of Mexico and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).
The programme coincided with the observance of International Day for Women in Diplomacy on June 24, a United Nations-recognised observance established in 2022 through a resolution co-sponsored by Guyana.
The annual observance seeks to highlight the contributions of women in diplomacy and foreign affairs while promoting greater gender balance within diplomatic services and international institutions.
For the young participants, the experience offered more than a lesson in diplomacy. It provided a rare opportunity to engage directly with regional leaders and gain a clearer understanding of the pathways available to women seeking to influence policy, governance and international cooperation in Guyana and across the Caribbean.
