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Diplomatic activity in Islamabad reaches new highs as we approach the year's end. From Global Ambassador Awards to 16 days of activism, there's much to unpack.

But when so much's happening within just one capital, imagine what's going on in major capitals around the world. Diplomats from the US, China, Ukraine, Europe, Central Asia, and the Gulf seem to be working overtime to produce meet policy goals by the end of this year.

Here’s your weekly roundup of the week’s most important stories, news, and articles from The Diplomatic Insight.

Global Ambassador Awards ​By Diplomatic Insight Group The 7th Global Ambassador Awards in Islamabad are complete. Organized by Diplomatic Insight Group, the 7th edition of the group's flagship initiative recognizes exceptional contributions of: foreign envoys heads of international organizations private sector businesses leading figures from the public sector cultural icons in fostering Pakistan’s bilateral and multilateral ties. So, who received the awards this year? We've got 17 recipients across categories including diplomatic excellence, international development, overseas Pakistanis, and cultural diplomacy. Here's everyone who received this year's Global Ambassador Awards. Get Context: What are the DIG Global Ambassador Awards?​

DiploTV x SILKROAD 4.0 In this episode of the Diplo TV and SILKROAD 4.0 Interview Series, we spotlight Stacey Nduta, an innovator, ecosystem strategist, and Managing Director at Modus Chora Studio. Stacey reflects on Africa’s growing contribution to SILKROAD 4.0’s global mission, from fostering trust within high-level networks to elevating regional voices in international dialogues on technology, diplomacy, and sustainable innovation. ​

Diplomatic Insight Group at CAREC 2025 Central Asia International Business Council (CAIBC) and Global Business Alliance (DIG member entity) have signed an MoU to strengthen economic ties between Central Asia and South Asia. This partnership aims to promote sustainable trade, investment, and business collaboration, aligning with the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) framework's vision for regional connectivity and shared prosperity. ___________ More on CAREC 2025: ​Why CAREC Matters​ ​CAREC Business Forum Opens with Focus on Transport Corridors, Business Matchmaking​

​Iran’s Turn Toward China and BRI Under US Sanctions​ “When the US sanctions were re-imposed in 2018, Iran’s GDP fell sharply… To tackle this situation, Iran adopted the “sanctions resistance model” writes Ahmad Hassan. The main pillar of this model? Deepening engagement with China through BRI and bilateral mechanisms.

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​Environmental Imperialism: The New Structure of Global Power​ “In Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya, indigenous and rural communities are being uprooted from their lands under Western-funded conservation agendas to establish wildlife reserves or carbon credit trees that are intended for Western tourism markets... Climate policy creates a new excuse for ancient patterns of territorial domination,” writes Faiza Siddique.

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​The Geopolitical Stakes of Pakistan’s Balancing Act in the Middle East Crisis​ “...top Saudi officials have publicly linked any recognition of Israel to a realistic path to a two-state solution. This matches Pakistan’s own red line… If Saudi Arabia normalizes, Pakistan could frame any potential policy change as contingent on Palestinian gains, thus remaining true to its principles.” writes Hamdan Ahmed.

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​Recalibrating Regional Partnerships: Strategic Outcomes of C5+1 Leaders’ Summit 2025​ “Diplomatically, the summit served two functions. First, it signaled a U.S. intention to be a reliable commercial and political partner in the region. Second, it provided capitals in Central Asia with leverage to broaden their external options, increasing their negotiating space with other major powers.” writes Aroosa Salahuddin

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Pakistan-Focus

• ​Diplomats & Business Community Honored in 7th Global Ambassador Awards​

The Global Ambassador Awards has become a milestone in Islamabad's diplomatic calender, with diplomats and dignitaries looking forward to an encouraging gathering.

• ​Women Ambassadors in Pakistan Come Together for 16 Days of Activism​

Female ambassadors in Islamabad came together to launch the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, calling for urgent action to confront digital violence, one of the fastest-growing threats facing women and girls today.

• ​Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder Steals Spotlight at Dubai Airshow​

Who doesn't love a thrilling show in the sky. Pakistan's JF-17 made the spectators' day with its resounding performance.

• ​Sculpture by Amin Gulgee Becomes Pakistan’s First Entry in Oxford Islamic Center​

A win for cultural diplomacy. Pakistan's first artistic contribution to the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies is a contemporary sculpture by renowned artist Amin Gulgee.

• ​Pakistan, Australia to Move Forward With Modernized Investment Treaty​

Both countries concluded a crucial round of negotiations to modernize the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).

• ​Indonesian President Prabowo’s Pakistan Visit Back on Track​

After earlier delays, Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto is now expected to visit Pakistan in the second week of December, according to sources at Pakistan’s Foreign Office.

• ​Brussels Dialogue Sees Pakistan, EU Press Kabul to Act on Militants​

Pakistan and the European Union (EU) have called on Afghanistan’s de facto rulers to take concrete steps to eliminate terrorism from Afghan territory, highlighting the importance of cooperation for regional stability.

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