On March 15, 2023, the Canadian High Commission in Pakistan held its first-ever “Ambassador for a Day” event in honour of International Women’s Day. Nida Khan, a young Pakistani woman, had the opportunity to witness the daily duties of a Canadian diplomat thanks to the occasion.
Nida Khan, a bright and aspirational student from Chitral, hopes to one day represent Pakistan as a diplomat. Nida is a fierce supporter of women’s equality and inclusion, particularly in sports, and she is eager to learn more about the function of diplomacy in resolving these pressing problems.
The Canadian High Commissioner noted, “We are confident that Nida will bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the table, and we look forward to a fruitful and engaging day with her.”
Nida Khan visited with Canadian diplomats, interacted with international aid organisations, and took part in other events throughout the event, giving her a remarkable inside look at how a diplomatic mission functions. She also participated in several meetings with the High Commissioner, where she got the chance to ask detailed questions and get to know the people driving change in Pakistan.
The High Commissioner of Canada to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Her Excellency Leslie Scanlon, expressed her excitement and said, “We are thrilled to launch the Ambassador for a Day event and to provide a unique opportunity for a young woman to experience the world of diplomacy first-hand.”
The occasion supports Canada’s feminist foreign policy, which advocates for women’s empowerment and gender equality. In a press release, the Canadian High Commission stated that it hoped to use this project to encourage young women and girls in Pakistan to follow their ambitions and make a difference.