International Centre for Protocol and Diplomacy Received GAB Award for Outstanding Contributions to Community Development

Presented at the 27th annual GAB Awards ceremony at the Hilton London Kensington recently, this recognition celebrates ICPD’s unwavering commitment to transforming the protocol profession into a catalyst for global development, empowerment, and ethical governance.

Championing Global Leadership Through Protocol and Diplomacy ICPD is dedicated to advancing global leadership in protocol and diplomacy. Its mission is to integrate these disciplines into practical tools for sustainable progress. To date, ICPD has empowered professionals across more than 45 countries, equipping them with skills that strengthen community development, promote good governance, and enhance international collaboration.

The Centre’s initiatives align closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 Agenda, emphasizing ethical leadership and supporting communities worldwide in building resilient systems for economic and social advancement.

Transformative Impact in the UK and Worldwide ICPD’s influence on community development spans both the UK and the global stage. ICPD has pioneered internship and placement programmes in partnership with UK universities, offering young people hands-on diplomatic training that enhances their professional readiness. These programmes cultivate cultural awareness, ethical leadership, and global citizenship, strengthening the fabric of local communities and preparing the next generation of leaders.

Global Impact Through GEEP Internationally, ICPD’s flagship Global Education Executive Programme (GEEP) has collaborated with hundreds of participants and organisations, including government departments. More than 500 professionals have benefited from GEEP’s strategic leadership training, which emphasizes performance enhancement and outcome-driven approaches. Graduates have gone on to implement community-focused projects that address local challenges while fostering cross-border cooperation.

AfriProtocol Initiative: Advancing Soft Power and Good Governance in Africa

A cornerstone of ICPD’s international work is the AfriProtocol Initiative, which promotes protocol practices across Africa to harness the continent’s soft power, strengthen governance, and unlock business opportunities. The initiative has attracted hundreds of professionals, high-level government officials, and representatives from various African nations.

Through workshops, advisory services, and capacity-building programmes, AfriProtocol supports both public and private sectors in adopting ethical standards. ICPD has also advised hundreds of British companies expanding into African markets, strengthening economic ties, creating jobs, stimulating trade, and contributing to sustainable development across emerging economies.

Leadership and Vision

Patricia Kenneth-Divine, Founder and Director General of ICPD, has been instrumental in shaping these achievements. Her prior experience as an International Trade and Investment Adviser at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (now Department for Business and Trade) has informed ICPD’s strategic approach, emphasizing partnerships across the UK, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

“Our work at ICPD is about more than protocol, it’s about empowering people to create positive change in their communities and beyond,” said Kenneth-Divine. “This GAB Award is a testament to the collective efforts of our team and partners in building a more connected and ethical world.”

The GAB Awards: Celebrating African Excellence

Established by The Trumpet Newspaper in 1999, the GAB Awards honour individuals and organizations that promote a positive image of Africa and Africans globally. This year’s ceremony, attended by distinguished guests including the Mayor of the London Borough of Southwark, Councillor Sunny Lambe, highlighted stories of innovation, leadership, and hope.

ICPD was one of seven recipients of the GAB Excellence Award, joining a distinguished list of past honorees that includes global icons such as Nelson Mandela and Kofi Annan.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Global Impact

This GAB Award reinforces ICPD’s role as a bridge between cultures and continents, using protocol and diplomacy to advance community development. Looking forward, ICPD plans to expand its programmes, deepen collaborations on the UN SDGs, and increase training opportunities for underrepresented groups. By continuing to empower professionals and promote global ethics, ICPD remains at the forefront of creating lasting positive impact across the UK, Africa, and beyond.

Receiving the award on behalf of ICPD, Mba Chinwe Georgina, Special Adviser for International Engagements and the Placement Programme, highlighted the significance of the recognition and its encouragement for ICPD to continue its vital work in communities worldwide.