Diplomacy & Human Rights Gala 2025
Discover an impactful high-level gathering of ambassadors and global leaders celebrating diplomacy, freedom, and human dignity, held in Washington D.C. at the Army Navy Country Club on November 18th
ABOUT THE EVENT
Diplomacy & Human Rights Gala 2025
The US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights hosted its highly anticipated 2025 Diplomacy & Human Rights Gala on November 18, 2025, at the historic Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia. The black-tie charity event brought together ambassadors, government officials, business executives, and global human rights leaders for an evening dedicated to diplomacy, service, and humanitarian leadership. Held under the theme “A Tribute to Duty, Freedom & International Diplomacy,” the Gala reaffirmed its reputation as one of Washington’s most distinguished diplomatic gatherings. The program featured keynote remarks by H.E. Gediminas Varvuolis, Ambassador of Lithuania, and H.E. Mohamed Abdalla Idris, Ambassador of Sudan, who emphasized the importance of international cooperation, human dignity, and unity amid global challenges. The event also welcomed the Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea, the Ambassador of Serbia, and Ambassador of Guinea, along with diplomatic corps representatives from the Embassies of the Kingdom of Thailand, Croatia, North Macedonia, the Gabonese Republic, and officials from the U.S. federal government.
The evening opened with an elegant pre-dinner reception co-sponsored by the Principality of Cappadocia, where ambassadors and distinguished guests engaged in meaningful diplomatic exchanges and strengthened international partnerships. As attendees transitioned into the dining room, the formal program commenced with welcoming remarks from Dr. Isabelle Vladoiu, Founder of USIDHR, and Mr. Manuel Oancia, President of USIDHR, who greeted the assembled diplomatic corps and highlighted the significance of the evening in advancing global understanding and cooperation. Their messages were followed by keynote addresses from the Ambassadors of Lithuania and Sudan, each reflecting on diplomacy’s vital role in addressing shared global challenges and advancing peace.
As dinner concluded, the Gala moved into the evening’s awards presentations, honoring individuals whose achievements embody global citizenship, humanitarian service, and dedication to human dignity. The USIDHR 2025 Legacy Award was presented to four extraordinary leaders whose lifelong contributions have impacted the lives of more than 5,000 individuals each. H.G. Duchess Dr. Nancy Atmospera-Walch was recognized for her pioneering work in global health and disability inclusion; Jan Du Plain for her decades of leadership in public diplomacy and international cultural engagement; Cristina Herea for protecting vulnerable women and children in Romania and advancing national reforms to fight domestic violence; and Vadim Saratovtsev for his transformative innovations supporting cancer survivors through quantum cognition and compassionate technology. Their achievements reflected the profound influence of humanitarian leadership in shaping a more just and peaceful world.
USIDHR GALA IN ACTION
Awardees
The USIDHR 2025 Prestige of Nations Award—bestowed upon individuals whose unwavering commitment has advanced diplomacy, human rights, and global progress—was a defining highlight of the evening. Presented by President Manuel Oancia, this distinguished honor recognized four exceptional leaders whose contributions have strengthened communities and inspired international cooperation: George Nedelcu of LGL, Bob Beringer of EOR, Judith Dubose of JAD Associates, and H.G. Duke Gerhart Walch of the Principality of Capadoccia. Their dedication and impact embody the spirit of the award and the mission of USIDHR.
Another meaningful moment in the evening was the presentation of the Crystal Tower Award 2025 by Crown University to Dr. Isabelle Vladoiu and USIDHR President Manuel Oancia. Bestowed only once each year, this prestigious honor recognizes exceptional leadership, global influence, and an unwavering commitment to diplomacy and human dignity. Previously awarded to noted university founders, global faith leaders, and Grammy-winning artists, the 2025 Crystal Tower was dedicated exclusively to Dr. Vladoiu and President Oancia. Presented in person by Dr. Mynor A. Vargas and Mrs. Blanca Vargas, the award served as a heartfelt tribute to their enduring impact and service to humanity.
A highlight of the Gala was the keynote address delivered by Dr. Isabelle Vladoiu, whose remarks offered an uplifting reflection on USIDHR’s global accomplishments over the past year. She celebrated the organization’s humanitarian programs, international certification trainings, and its expanding impact across 136 countries. Speaking to the heart of the evening’s theme, Dr. Vladoiu shared, “Diplomacy begins with people—with the simple but powerful belief that every human being deserves dignity, opportunity, and peace. When nations come together not just to negotiate policies but to uplift humanity, we create the kind of world where freedom thrives and hope becomes possible. This Gala is more than a celebration—it is a testament to what we can achieve when compassion guides leadership.”
Her message encapsulated USIDHR’s mission and established the Gala as a symbolic “year in review,” celebrating milestones such as the organization’s global expansion in human rights training, the growth of Edu for Every Child, and the strengthening of Let Her Lead and other humanitarian initiatives.
All proceeds from the Gala will directly support USIDHR’s global humanitarian programs, enabling the organization to continue advancing education, human rights, and dignity worldwide.
