I am Emmanuel Okurut, from Uganda, currently based in Beijing, China at the Uganda Embassy of the Republic of Uganda as an Immigration Attache. Over the past year, I have dedicated myself to fostering stronger diplomatic ties, promoting good governance, and building bridges between African and Asian communities.
In my capacity as a committed advocate for international cooperation, I have worked tirelessly to bring people together through cultural exchange programs, policy discussions, and networking platforms aimed at strengthening Afro-Asian relations By organizing community engagements and intercultural forums, I have created opportunities for both African and Asian citizens to connect, share ideas, and collaborate on common goals.
In Beijing, I have actively engaged with African diaspora groups, embassies, student organizations, and local Chinese institutions to encourage mutual understanding and cooperation. I’ve played a key role in creating safe and inclusive spaces for African voices to be heard in discussions around diplomacy, governance, and development by encouraging their participation in forums that have come up.
My work also includes mentoring young leaders, participating in academic panels, and advising on policy initiatives that promote transparency, integrity, and good governance. I believe diplomacy is not just about government-to-government relations, but about people-to-people connections—and I have consistently championed that belief through action.
Through all of this, I’ve remained grounded in my identity as a Ugandan and committed to representing the values of unity, hard work, and service. It is an honor to be nominated for the Africa Asia Awards 2025, and I am proud to continue this journey of connection, leadership, and impact.