Structural Alliances In The Webs Of Diplomacy.
Exclusive Interview with Mais Afrika, by Cecília Iturralde, economic counselor at the South African Embassy in Brasília.
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Our magazine is pleased to present a captivating interview, where we embark on the remarkable journey of Cecília Iturralde, economic counselor at the South African Embassy in Brasília.
With this eighteenth Great Interview, we mark the end of the year 2023, offering a unique vision of the diplomatic universe and the multifaceted personality of Cecília Iturralde, as we explore the paths that led her to diplomacy.
In it, we unveil not only its history, but also the initiatives, challenges and opportunities that shape economic relations between Brazil and South Africa.
This enriching conversation reveals not only how Cecília's experiences shaped ties between the two countries, but also how her point of view on global cooperation, including the unified approach to economic challenges and sustainable development, was integrated into the core of her actions. daily.
Prepare yourself for this unique perspective on diplomacy and, to immerse yourself, in an in-depth dialogue, led by an excellent economic advisor and a notable thinker, whose work promotes a solid and sustainable partnership between Brazil and South Africa.
Join us in this fascinating conversation and discover the unexpected that lies ahead…
The interview
The Path to Diplomacy
The interview began with a warm welcome to Ms. Cecília Iturralde, followed by an exploration of her intriguing journey.
Born in Bolivia, Cecília's path unfolded through diverse global experiences. After completing her university education, she ventured into the world of diplomacy, working at the Bolivian embassy in London.
Her journey continued through various roles, including independent consultancy, where she facilitated investments and study visits, exploring the complexities of various sectors.
“I worked at an investment promotion agency called Separable, receiving training from Miga, the multilateral investment guarantee agency that is part of the World Bank,” he said.
Cecília's crucial moment occurred during a visit by a South African delegation to Bolivia. The late Mr. Essop Pahad, at the time Minister of the Presidency, recognized her potential and encouraged her to join the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This moment marked the beginning of her diplomatic journey.
“It was the late Mr. Essop Pahad who told me: Cecilia you belong to South Africa in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And that’s basically how it all started.”
He explained it to us during the interview.
The Importance of Languages
Something that was clear from the start was Cecília's remarkable linguistic skills which span Spanish, French, English, Afrikaans and... Purtonhol... Cecília highlighted the crucial role of languages in diplomacy, sharing experiences of interpreting for high-profile figures such as Presidents Thabo Mbeki and Hugo Chávez.
“I also received a lot of training from the interpreters at the European Parliament in Strasbourg and from several universities in South Africa, the University of Pretoria and the University of the North West.”
“This training was essential for my diplomatic career,” she said.
“Upon joining the Department, I was also tasked with teaching Spanish to ambassadors selected for missions abroad.”
“Languages have played a fundamental role in my life and allowed me to better understand people and their idiosyncrasies”, he continued.
His language proficiency extended beyond mere communication, becoming a bridge to understanding and connecting with diverse cultures on a deeper level.
Career Balance
Cecília has had a multifaceted career, from working in the private sector, providing economic advice and receiving diplomatic training, but for her, this innate ability to multitask is a characteristic of women, something very important due to the need for constant adaptation and learning. in the dynamic field of diplomacy.
“Women are born with a talent called multitasking.”
“We are naturally mothers, drivers, psychologists, breadwinners; we are everything.”
“When we arrive at the workplace, we are told we have to do more with less.”
“So we learn to be creative thinkers to accomplish more with fewer resources,” she explained.
She recognized the challenges of spanning diverse portfolios in her current role as an economic advisor in Brasilia, but found strong rewards in witnessing tangible results and meeting inspiring people.
The Brazil-South Africa Collaboration
As Honorary Consul of South Africa in Bolivia, Cecília gained a unique perspective, which shed light on the deep cultural ties between Brazil and Africa, rooted in historical connections.
“The connection between Brazil and the African continent dates back to colonial history, when many Africans were brought as slaves to Brazil.”
“Culturally, there is a deep connection, especially in Bahia, which has a high concentration of Afro-Brazilians,” he stated.
From the point of view of trade and economics, he highlighted the fact that:
“In economic terms, Brazil and South Africa share similar climatic conditions and soil types, standing out as powers in agriculture and mining”.
And he clarified that there is a potential for collaboration, especially in agriculture, renewable energy and the Platinum Group Metals industry, but also in food security for the growing population.
It also clarified that Both countries have an interest in nature conservation and the protection of wildlife. Therefore, the similarities and common interests between Brazil and South Africa are promising for strengthening economic relations.
Polyglotism in Diplomacy
Cecília's experiences as an interpreter and language trainer are extremely important for effective communication in diplomatic contexts. Cecília highlighted the need for good communication and clarified that constant preparation, adaptability and public speaking skills are fundamental to transmitting messages accurately in high-profile situations.
“Serving as an interpreter for presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma was an incredible and challenging experience.”
“I had to ensure messages were delivered accurately while maintaining the speaker’s intent and tone.”
“Both leaders had unique communication styles,” she explained.
According to Cecília, being a translator is not simply translating words; It’s about understanding the cultural context, nuances and subtext of messages. Furthermore, she explained that the translator must be invisible, so that the focus remains on the speaker and not the interpreter.
The Role of Diplomacy
The conversation moved to Cecília's involvement in projects such as the Blue Economy Initiative and Leadership Training in Singapore. Cecília highlighted the importance of education in addressing issues such as water scarcity and pollution problems.
He highlighted South Africa's initiatives in conflict resolution workshops and collaboration with Norway, with a particular focus on empowering women and youth. He also noted that instant communication allows for a quick response to global events, facilitating coordination between countries. However, it's important to balance technology with a personal approach.
“Technology has drastically changed the way we communicate and conduct diplomacy.”
“Social networks, video conferences, emails and other digital tools have become essential for connecting diplomats and leaders around the world,” he explained.
It focused on the very important aspect of diplomacy being an effective tool about building relationships and understanding cultural nuances and, although technology is a valuable tool, it cannot completely replace human interaction.
“The diplomacy of the future will involve a balanced integration between technological advances and traditional approaches”, he concludes.
And he also recalled that the issue of cybersecurity must also be increasingly considered, as dependence on technology also brings risks.
An advice
Drawing on her vast experience, Cecília highlighted the importance of needing versatile individuals in diplomacy and concluded the interview by giving advice for aspiring diplomats.
“The world is constantly evolving, and diplomacy is a dynamic field.”
“My advice would be to embrace change and be willing to constantly learn.”
“Being able to communicate effectively and build solid and lasting relationships is also fundamental in diplomacy”, he concluded.
He also placed a very important emphasis on the importance of using languages, being curious, always being well informed about global issues and having versatile qualities. He stressed the importance of perseverance, work ethic and interpersonal skills in the diplomatic arena.
Conclusion
At the end of the interview, we thank Ms. Cecília Iturralde for sharing her valuable perspectives and praise her journey, wishing her continued success in her future diplomatic endeavors.
This interview provides a unique glimpse into the intricate world of diplomacy, where language, cultural understanding and collaboration form the cornerstones of international relations. Cecília Iturralde's journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring diplomats, demonstrating the transformative power of dedication, adaptability and passion for global affairs.
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Picture: © 2023 Francisco Lopes-Santos
