THE YEAR IN REVIEW & NEW YEAR WISHES OF WHHOM
The year 2023 has been challenging in many ways. The civil unrest, poverty, and economic instability in many parts of the world did not give humanity the chance to see the luminous face of the world. My point of view does not in any way aim to make an evaluation of the given situations but only to foresee the positive outlook, which is brought forward by the Wives and Husbands of Heads of Mission (WHHOM).
The vision of the said circle inspires many to grasp that the world can be a place where peace and prosperity can be embraced amongst people. The diversity of aspirations is visible within the circle of the WHHOM. In many ways they reflect the identity of their respective countries. What is more important is that the togetherness of the members complementing each other brings forth the beauty of a relationship. This must be the ultimate message for the year 2024. The role of WHHOM should never be underestimated. And I say this based on my personal experience as I have interacted with them during multiple events.
Greece: Sarah-Jane Konstantopoulos
In 2023, the world has faced and continues to face many challenges that affect us all. However, we must never forget that life remains a beautiful adventure. My wish for 2024 is for peace in the heart of each person, greater dialogue and understanding. My resolution is to keep building bridges of dialogue and exchange. The WHHOM is the perfect embodiment of that ideal. We hope together to be able to deliver on a wonderful project of exchange and opening. We have men and women from all nations represented in the Kingdom, brought together through the work of our spouses. We build bonds and work towards common goals. One of those projects will be released as a surprise in 2024. My personal goal for 2024 is to learn Arabic… One advice for DQ community: be kind and compassionate and believe in the butterfly effect of that positivity!
Angola: Paulina Cardoso
2023 was a year that could have become a bridge to the beginning of a global economic recovery and hope for fraternity between people. However, this turned out to be a year of uncertainty about the future of humanity. For 2024, I wish peace, friendship, collaboration, harmony and compassion between people. My advice for the DQ community for this new year is to find more opportunities and events to come together to learn and get to know each other. As for myself, I will continue to improve my knowledge of Arabic and Saudi culture.
Bulgaria: Tatiana Popova
2023 was an eventful year. I discovered the beautiful country of KSA. We have one wonderful planet, we need to take care of it. I wish everyone peace, mutual understanding, mutual assistance and prosperity in 2024. My advice, let’s treat others the way we would like to be treated. WHHOM is multinational, I want to study the history and culture of KSA and our countries all together. Knowing about others always brings people closer.
Cameroon: Maryam Hermine Tidjani
2023 was a year of achievements. I hope that in 2024 there will be better conditions for organizing more party venues. I would be happy to further contribute to the friendly environment of the DQ and WHHOM communities. In this, I wish each of us to remember that while we celebrate every achievement, we must not forget that this is a diplomatic field and we must be respectful and diplomatic in all aspects of our lives. As for myself, I would like to expand my knowledge computer science.
Czech Republic: Lucie Kafková
2023 was a very challenging year with a lot of twists. I hope that 2024 will bring us more peaceful times, allowing us to explore more about Saudi Arabia and meet new people. I would like to learn more about the women empowerment and about the world that surrounds us. This will lead to another year at DQ community filled with joyous memories.
Japan: Reiko Iwai
While a lot of changes and transformations took place in 2023, I felt the importance of taking care of our health. It is my sincere hope that in 2024 wars will end so that children can play outside without feeling of fear. I hope the DQ community continues to thrive and spoil us with even more events and cultural exchanges that we all enjoy. My main goal for 2024 will be to maintain a balanced diet and physical activity, which will strengthen my bones.
Jordan: Haya al Hessni
2023 was a special year, full of achievements and wonderful moments. In 2024, I resolve to prioritize my well-being, work toward my goals, and spread kindness wherever I go. I will challenge myself to adopt a healthier lifestyle. As a new member of DQ community, my enthusiasm can bring a fresh perspective to the diplomatic mission. I am open to learn, contribute positively, and work collaboratively with my fellow colleagues to help the DQ community achieve its goals.
Kazakhstan: Botagoz Arynova
2023 was a thrilling year, albeit with its challenges. I hope 2024 will bring us prosperity and many reasons to celebrate life. My main goal for 2024 is to stay more committed to my creative hobbies and continue exploring Saudi Arabia. I hope our DQ community will continue to inspire us and serve as a cultural bridge between Saudi Arabia and our communities. I wish Peace to our troubled world.
Kyrgyzstan: Nazgulia Maripova
I wish 2024 to bring peace, success and prosperity throughout the world! According to Eastern wisdom, the dragon symbolizes harmony, creation and stability. Let’s hope and try our best to make this a reality. This year I aim to achieve several goals, such as learning Arabic and improve some other skills. My overall wish for each of us is to enrich and enhance our distinctive qualities such as humanity, justice, wisdom and dignity.
Lebanon: Mirna Kabbara
2023 was a year of milestones, challenges, and meaningful connections. In 2024, my goal is to embrace self-learning and continuous improvement. I aim to cultivate a growth mindset and seek opportunities for mentorship, while looking forward to working on my overall well-being. I hope that this year will bring peace and prosperity to the world. Finally, I wish that together with the DQ community we work on activities that bring our perspectives closer by building cultural bridges.
Malaysia: Zuhaila Abd Latif
2023 was a very busy year with many important events requiring my participation. Thankfully, I did overcome all challenges. In 2024, one of my resolutions is to continue being physically active and to follow a healthy lifestyle. I will make sure I remain courageous in improving my communication skills, including learning much more Arabic speaking and conversation. I wish the DQ community to always stay positive and to enjoy every activity or event we participate in.
Morocco: Khamlichi Boutaina
The year 2023 was marked by a series of intense events and unexpected twists. For 2024, my goal is to continue to evolve and learn, to seize new opportunities, while spreading positivity and kindness. I want to focus on my personal development, get involved in volunteering to give back to my community and encourage the DQ community to embrace change and remain open to new opportunities.
Mozambique: Celma Cassam
2023 was a busy year with many challenges. My first and most important wish for 2024 is: an end to all the wars we are experiencing – let there be understanding and peace. I wish prosperity to my country – Mozambique. My personal goal for 2024 is to continue learning Arabic. I wish the DQ community to continue to thrive and make every day better. I feel like it gets even better every year that passes.
State of Palestine: Najwa Alagha
2023 was challenging and difficult. In 2024, I wish everyone to have good health, happiness, peace, and prosperity. My resolution is to continue to provide support to those who need it. I will be courageous to grow and learn in the field of technology, specifically the artificial intelligence. Taking advantage of the uniqueness of the DQ community, I would encourage us to organize even more events that would allow to explore the diversity of all the cultures of the world.
Thailand: Anthika Boontham
In 2023, I gained new experiences and made many new friends through various activities. In 2024, I wish for world peace and encourage volunteering wherever you are at this point in life. My personal goal will be to travel around Saudi Arabia and explore its culture and traditions; it would be a great achievement for me if I learn the basics of Arabic. In the DQ community, we need to promote cross-cultural activities, particularly by promoting Saudi-Thai tourism opportunities.
Tunisia: Anissa Fourati
2023 was a year of strengthened bilateral ties between Saudi Arabia and Tunisia. My wish for 2024 is to further enhance the cultural exchange and mutual understanding between our nations and forge robust connections with my counterparts in the WHHOM. I will be resolute in expanding my understanding of regional dynamics. As for the DQ community, I would suggest continuing to prioritize open communication, mutual respect, and collaborative problem solving.
Vietnam: Van Nguyen
2023 was not the most active year to remember. I guess it takes time to get back to normal from the COVID time… In 2024, I am looking forward to an active year of WHHOM, and I hope every member will take part to make this happen. I also envision to make new friends and strengthen friendship with my fellow WHHOM members.
Zambia: Noorah Mulima
2023 was an amazing and prosperous year for me and my family. In 2024, I want to start as an entrepreneur and take my career to the next level. To achieve this, I need to be more productive and result-oriented. Thus, I would like to expand my knowledge in marketing, as this is the foundation of a successful entrepreneurship. Within the DQ community, we need to be more hard working and consistent in our goals and vision for the future.
