Ghana Embassy in Vienna Awarded Diplomatic Mission of the Year 2024
Ambassador Johnson Elected Chair of IEA Board of Governors
September 25, 2024
The “Diplomatic Honours” Event
The “Diplomatic Honours” event, designed to recognize the work of Ghana’s diplomatic missions around the world, highlighted the contributions of missions that have gone beyond their mandates. The Ghana Embassy in Vienna was particularly praised for its successful handling of the challenges brought about by the pandemic and for its efforts in fostering stronger bilateral relations between Ghana and Austria. One significant outcome of the embassy’s work under Ambassador Johnson’s leadership has been the Austrian government’s decision to establish its first embassy in Accra, scheduled to open in September 2024. This decision is seen as a testament to the growing strength of Ghana-Austria relations, which Ambassador Johnson and his team have worked diligently to cultivate.
Ambassador Philbert Johnson’s Speech
In his acceptance speech, Ambassador Johnson expressed his gratitude for the recognition and acknowledged the efforts of his staff in making the embassy’s success possible. He reflected on the difficulties of setting up the mission during the pandemic but emphasized the team’s resilience and dedication.
He thanked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, and the ministry’s management for acknowledging the embassy’s efforts. He also extended his gratitude to his staff for their hard work and professionalism, stating, “To all my staff who have worked tirelessly, professionally, and beyond the bounds of duty to earn us this honour, I am eternally grateful.”
Ambassador Johnson concluded by recognizing the importance of the event in highlighting the critical role that diplomatic missions play in safeguarding the well-being of Ghanaians abroad and advancing Ghana’s national interests.
Since his appointment in 2020, Ambassador Philbert Abaka Johnson has played a significant role in both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. As Ghana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Offices and other international organizations in Vienna, Ambassador Johnson has chaired several key international bodies, further solidifying Ghana’s standing in the international community.
Ambassador Johnson’s leadership positions include chairing the 54th Session of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), the standing open-ended intergovernmental working group on improving the governance and financial situation of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (FINGOV), and Subsidiary Body III of the Tenth Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). He has also served as the Chair of the Vienna-based African Group and the First Vice Chair of FINGOV.
In addition to these roles, Ambassador Johnson is currently serving as Co-Chair for the preparations of the 2024 Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Science, Technology, and Applications, as well as the Technical Cooperation Programme. His work in these high-level international roles reflects his deep commitment to advancing both global and Ghanaian interests through diplomacy.
Other notable positions held by Ambassador Johnson include:
- Vice President of the Preparatory Commission of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) in 2022
- Vice President of the 66th and 65th General Conferences of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 2022 and 2021, respectively
The Role of the Ghana Embassy in Vienna
The Ghana Embassy in Vienna plays a pivotal role in representing Ghana’s interests in Austria and neighboring countries, as well as serving as the Permanent Mission to the United Nations and international organizations based in Vienna, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Since its establishment, the embassy has worked diligently to promote Ghana’s interests, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, and cultural exchange. The embassy’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the provision of consular services and critical support to Ghanaians living in Austria, have been particularly noteworthy.
The embassy’s success in building strong Ghana-Austria relations is reflected in the Austrian government’s decision to open its first embassy in Accra, a milestone development that underscores the deepening ties between the two countries.
Conclusion
The recognition of the Ghana Embassy in Vienna as the Diplomatic Mission of the Year for 2024 is a well-deserved acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication of Ambassador Philbert Abaka Johnson and his team. Their efforts in establishing the mission, navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and strengthening bilateral relations with Austria have earned them this prestigious recognition.
As the embassy continues to represent Ghana’s interests in Austria and the wider international community, it will remain a vital institution in advancing the country’s global presence and supporting the well-being of Ghanaians abroad.
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