The Diplomatic Network

National Day: Sweden, 2023
2023-06-06

National Day: Kingdom of Denmark, 2023
2023-06-05

National Day: Republic of Italy, 2023
2023-06-02

National Day: Samoa, 2023
2023-06-01

National Day: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, 2023
2023-05-25

National Day: Republic of Argentina, 2023
2023-05-25

National Day: Democratic Republic of TimorLeste, 2023
2023-05-20

National Day: Kingdom of Norway, 2023
2023-05-17

National Day: State of Israel, 2023
2023-05-14

National Day: Republic of Poland, 2023
2023-05-03

National Day: Republic of South Africa, 2023
2023-04-27 | Manzilpark Stadium, Matlosana, North West Province, South Africa
South Africa’s national day, also known as Freedom Day, is a public holiday celebrated annually on April 27th.
It commemorates the country’s first democratic elections, which were held on this day in 1994, marking the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era of freedom, democracy, and human rights.
For decades, South Africa was a divided nation with a history of racial segregation and discrimination known as apartheid. The system was designed to keep white people in power and suppress the rights of non-white people.
However, a decades-long struggle against the apartheid government culminated in its dismantling and the establishment of a democratic system that gave all South Africans equal rights.
On April 27, 1994, millions of South Africans of all races and backgrounds went to the polls to vote in the country’s first democratic elections. This marked the end of decades of struggle, sacrifice, and courage by countless people who fought for a free, just, and democratic society.
Today, Freedom Day presents an opportunity for South Africans to reflect on their hard-fought democracy and, above all, their constitution, which is considered one of the most progressive and inclusive constitutions in the world.
This year’s Freedom Day will be observed under the theme of “Consolidating & Safeguarding Democratic Gains”.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver a keynote address on Thursday at 11h00 SAT. The programme for the day will feature cultural performances, a South African Air Force flypast and other ceremonial and celebratory elements.
The Freedom Day celebrations programme will be broadcast on all major news channels and on all presidency and government digital platforms.
Here is a message from South Africa’s High Commission for 2023’s celebration:

National Day: Kingdom of the Netherlands, 2023
2023-04-27

National Day: United Kingdom, 2023
2023-04-21

National Day: Republic of Zimbabwe, 2023
2023-04-18

National Day: People's Republic of Bangladesh, 2023
2023-03-26

National Day: Hellenic Republic (Greece), 2023
2023-03-25

National Day: Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 2023
2023-03-23
Pakistan’s national day, called Pakistan Day, is set to kick off on Wednesday.
Pakistan Day marks the adoption of the Lahore Resolution in 1940, which called for the creation of an independent Muslim state in South Asia.
In Pakistan, the main celebration reaches a crescendo in the form of a military parade held in the capital city of Islamabad – normally attended by the president.
On this day, special prayers are offered in mosques and other places of worship for the prosperity and well-being of the country.
Another notable event is the changing of the guard at the mausoleums of Muhammad Iqbal, who is commonly known as Allama Iqbal, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who is also known as Quaid-e-Azam, meaning ‘Great Leader’.
Iqbal was a poet and philosopher, as well as a prominent political figure. He was a staunch advocate of the rights of the Muslim minority in India and is considered one of the founding fathers of Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Jinnah was instrumental in the founding of Pakistan after he unified the Muslim League, which was a political party in India. Jinnah’s leadership of the Muslim League and his tireless efforts to negotiate with the British government and other political leaders of India eventually led to the creation of Pakistan on August 14, 1947.
In celebration of Pakistan Day, here is a poem by Iqbal about helping the Other and understanding their struggles.

Sympathy
Perched on the branch of a tree
Was a nightingale sad and lonely
“The night has drawn near”, He was thinking
“I passed the day in flying around and feeding
How can I reach up to the nest
Darkness has enveloped everything”?
Hearing the nightingale wailing thus
A glow-worm lurking nearby spoke thus
“With my heart and soul ready to help I am
Though only an insignificant insect I am
Never mind if the night is dark
I shall shed light if the way is dark
God has bestowed a torch on me
He has given a shining lamp to me
The good in the world only those are
Ready to be useful to others who are

National Day: Republic of Ireland, 2023
2023-03-17

National Day: Holy See, 2023
2023-03-13

National Day: State of Kuwait, 2023
2023-02-25

National Day: State of Japan, 2023
2023-02-23

National Day: Brunei Darussalam, 2023
2023-02-23

National Day: Aotearoa (New Zealand), 2023
2023-02-06

National Day: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, 2023
2023-02-04

National Day: Republic of India, 2023
2023-01-26

National Day: Commonwealth of Australia, 2023
2023-01-26

National Day: Republic of the Union of Myanmar, 2023
2023-01-04

National Day: Republic of Cuba, 2023
2023-01-01
