The Diplomacy Center Foundation has established the Excellence in Diplomacy Award to honor an individual or group with distinguished service in support of American diplomacy. The Award is epitomized by the motto “Service, Leadership, and Legacy,” which recognizes the recipient’s service to country, leadership in advancing American diplomacy, and lasting legacy for future generations. The Award will be presented at the Foundation’s annual award dinner held at the National Museum of American Diplomacy.
The 2019 Excellence in Diplomacy Award was presented to the Honorable James A. Baker, III, 61st US Secretary of State on November 5, 2020, during a special event commemorating the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Secretary Baker’s public service and political career remain unparalleled as the only person to serve as US secretary of state, secretary of the treasury, and twice as White House chief of staff for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. Through skillful diplomacy, Secretary Baker helped to steer revolutionary developments in Europe during his tenure as US secretary of state. At the State Department, Secretary Baker traveled to 90 foreign countries as the United States confronted the unprecedented challenges and opportunities of the post-Cold War era. His efforts helped lead to the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, the reunification of Germany, and the creation of a unified and democratic Europe.
His achievements helped to overcome the tensions of the Cold War and establish a brighter future in Europe that is more peaceful, prosperous, and democratic. The benefits of his diplomatic efforts will be felt for generations and he serves as an inspiration for all current and future diplomats.