In Diplomats Without Borders, we engage with Dr. Rebecca Tavares, a prominent advocate for global diplomacy and social justice, who serves as Vice Chair of DWB and President and CEO of the Brazil Foundation. With a distinguished career that spans over a decade at the United Nations and extensive experience in international philanthropy, Dr. Tavares is a pivotal force in advancing gender equity and sustainable development. Her insights into multilateral diplomacy are informed by her work across diverse regions, making her an invaluable voice in addressing the complex challenges of our interconnected world. In this interview, we delve into her perspectives on fostering collaboration and the transformative role of Diplomats Without Borders in promoting global cooperation.
Founding of Diplomats Without Borders
As one of the founding members of DWB, Dr. Tavares participated in the organization's establishment in Bellagio in June 2022. The founding group consisted of seasoned professionals who had worked together in various capacities over the years, united by their shared vision for a new approach to global diplomacy.
DWB's Unique Contributions
Dr. Rebecca Tavares emphasizes two distinctive features that set Diplomats Without Borders (DWB) apart from other organizations in the field. First, DWB maintains a solid commitment to neutrality, boasting a diverse international membership representing various regions and ideologies. This impartiality allows the organization to approach global issues without bias. Secondly, unlike many similar organizations that charge for their expertise, DWB stands out by offering its services pro bono. This approach underscores DWB's genuine dedication to promoting peace, security, and development on a global scale, free from financial motivations.
Peacekeeper Training and International Cooperation
Dr. Tavares's experience with UN Women in peacekeeper training has significantly influenced her perspective on international cooperation. She found that military institutions showed genuine concern for preventing sexual and gender-based violence among peacekeepers by implementing comprehensive training programs and disciplinary measures.
Global Application of Regional Experiences
Drawing from her extensive experience in Latin America and South Asia, Rebecca Tavares highlights several crucial aspects of international diplomacy and development work. She emphasizes the importance of assisting governments in comprehending and implementing international norms and standards, particularly human rights and social justice. This often involves working with nations that have previously agreed to these standards but may need more compliance due to government changes or knowledge gaps. Dr. Tavares stresses the delicate balance between cultural sensitivity and adherence to global human rights and social justice principles. She underscores the need for a nuanced approach that respects each country's unique cultural context and history while promoting alignment with international norms. This process involves carefully integrating international systems and standards with national norms, acknowledging the complexity and distinctiveness of each culture, country, and religion.
Through her roles in both the Brazil Foundation and DWB, Dr. Tavares continues to champion social justice, democracy, and international cooperation, making significant contributions to global diplomacy and conflict resolution. Her dedication to fostering collaboration across borders and cultures gives hope for a more peaceful and harmonious world.
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