Loading ...National U.S. – Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) recognizes Tunisia’s Hanène Tajouri Bessassi as 2024 “Ambassador of the Year”
100 VIPs, Including Upwards of 20 Sitting Ambassadors, Fete Tunisia’s First Female Ambassador to the USA
“You and your fellow Tunisians are a continued inspiration for your innovation and creativity, highlighted not only by your work here in DC, but also by the strength of the U.S.-Tunisia economic relationship.Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has helped to bring a measure of stability and predictability to the Tunisia – U.S. partnership at a time of great change across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region,” noted David Hamod, President & CEO of NUSACC. “Her indefatigable efforts have helped to keep the Tunisia – U.S. relationship on an even keel.” –Under Secretary of State Jose Fernandez
Tajouri Bessassi stated, “I am deeply honored to be named the 2024 Ambassador of the Year by NUSACC. This accolade reflects the longstanding partnership between our two nations and peoples. Together, we will continue to strengthen the bonds between our nations and work toward a brighter and more prosperous future for all.”
Tajouri Bessassi is not the first Tunisian to be selected as Ambassador of the Year, and she is not the first female to be named Ambassador of the Year. But she is the first Tunisian female to receive this coveted award because she has blazed a trail as her country’s first woman ambassador to the United States.
Spirit of the Award Ceremony
The award ceremony and luncheon, held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Washington DC, included a carefully curated “Top 100” list of leaders from business, government, academia, media, and non-governmental organizations.
The high-level event attracted upwards of 20 sitting ambassadors from the Middle East and Africa. Numerous U.S. Government officials were in attendance, including U.S. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Hon. Jose Fernandez, Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment.
“When I visited Tunisia as Assistant Secretary,” Fernandez said, “I was struck by the prominent role of Tunisian women in the public and private sectors. The Ambassador is yet another example of powerful Tunisian women . . . . Madam Ambassador, you and your fellow Tunisians are a continued inspiration for your innovation and creativity, highlighted not only by your work here in DC but also by the strength of the U.S.-Tunisia economic relationship.”
Hon. Joey Hood, the U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia, sent a congratulatory letter from Tunis. He said, “I could not have wished for a more gifted diplomatic partner. Ambassador Tajouri Besassi is diplomatic in the best sense of the word: Not just polite and welcoming, but also incisively intelligent, aware of all the nuances in Tunisian and American politics and society, and unfailingly optimistic, a badly needed asset in today’s world.”
Hood concluded, “Together, we have placed our bilateral relations on a more sustainable path, rectified false media narratives, and resolved visa obstacles for students and business travelers . . . . Being able to count on Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi as my diplomatic partner in Washington has been a singular privilege of my work over the past three years.”
Nine generous sponsors supported the award ceremony, including two Lead Sponsors: BlueFive Capital and the American Chamber of Commerce in Tunisia (AmCham Tunisia). Additional sponsors included: Boeing, Citibank, and entities with a focus on education, training, and capacity-building: Avila University, ASM Educational Center, and PowerSchool. Rounding out the list of sponsors were Euronet Worldwide, a Kansas-based provider of global electronic payment services, and La Marsa Mediterranean Cuisine, a rapidly-growing chain of 15 Middle Eastern restaurants in Michigan and Florida.
The event was also supported by more than a dozen individual donors – collectively referring to themselves (tongue-in-cheek) as the “HanèneFan Club” – who contributed generously to the awards luncheon.
Business, government, and academic leaders flew in from around the United States to participate in the award ceremony. Some of these included: Dr. Mongi Bawendi, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, the first person of Tunisian descent to win a Nobel Prize (Chemistry, 2023); Major General Greg Porter, Adjutant General in charge of the Wyoming National Guard; and Abiodun Koya, a Nigerian-born classical singer, poet, and humanitarian who serenaded Tajouri Bessassi with a soulful rendition of Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria.”
Remarks of Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi
Tajouri Bessassi was introduced by Ambassador (ret.) Greta Holtz, President & CEO of Amideast.
Holtz characterized Tajouri Bessassi as “humble, effective, and gracious,” while also “knowing how to achieve concrete and measurable goals that deepen our bilateral relationship and benefit our two nations.” She noted that the Tunisian Ambassador has “deepened our ties and expanded academic and research opportunities between Tunisia and the U.S. under our bilateral agreement to strengthen cooperation in the fields of science, technology, and education.”
In her acceptance speech, Tajouri Bessassi noted, “Diplomacy is not a solitary endeavor. The success that I have experienced is the result of hard work, commitment, and the collective efforts of many people who believe in me and my country. As I look around this room, I am touched by the warm testimonies shared and the partnerships created between Tunisia and the United States, dating back two hundred twenty-seven years.”
She continued, “We, the peoples of Tunisia and the United States, are proud of the progress that we have made toward women’s freedom and empowerment. And as today’s gathering suggests, we continue to work toward even greater equality and opportunities for women in our respective societies.”
On a personal note, Tajouri Bessassi said that her childhood dream was to become a physician. Instead, she became a diplomat. She noted, “I believe that medicine and diplomacy both serve the larger purpose of promoting health and stability – whether through healing individuals or fostering peaceful relations between nations. Both professions highlight the importance of working together and taking into account diverse perspectives to navigate complex challenges.”
“My late father was an Arabic language teacher,” she continued, “and what a remarkable coincidence it is to receive this NUSACC Ambassador of the Year award on the very same day that we celebrate International Arabic Language Day. My father, God rest his soul, would be so pleased that these two events came together on the same day, highlighting culture, partnerships, inclusivity, and the richness and elegance of the Arabic language.”
On the occasion of International Arabic Language Day, Tajouri Bessassi wore a gold-embossed outfit adorned by Koufia, the renowned Tunisian artist and designer. The outfit was replete with Arabic calligraphy honoring Mahmoud Darwish, the renowned Arab poet, commemorating one of his most famous works, “And we have life in imagination.” Darwish, a voice of resistance, is a symbol of hope across the Arab world.
“As I suggested at the outset,” Tajouri Bessassi noted, “This award is not just a consideration of my efforts as a diplomat. It is also testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of all those who have stood by me throughout this incredible journey. Your unwavering support – including your unique knowledge and experiences – has contributed to our shared successes.” She concluded, “This is a collective achievement, a reflection of our enduring partnership, and a symbol of what a difference we can make when we work together, InShaAllah.”
Testimonial Remarks
Testimonial remarks provide a reflection of the breadth and depth of a diplomat’s relationships – with foreign governments, state & local governments, business communities, civil society, and academia.
Hon. Betty McCollum, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives (D-MN), serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Friends of Tunisia Caucus. She noted, “Working with you over the last three years has been a career highlight, and I’m so proud of the work that we have done to honor the decades of friendship and cooperation between Tunisia and the United States. Thanks to your tireless efforts, we were able to host several successful events on Capitol Hill, educate Members of Congress and their staff on the issues facing Tunisia, and spotlight the diplomatic successes between our two countries.”
She continued, “Throughout my years in public service, I have worked with many Ambassadors from around the world, and I can tell you that you are outstanding. As Tunisia’s first female Ambassador to the United States, your success in this role will serve as an inspiration for the next generation of diplomats . . . . I am thankful for the ways we have been able to work together, but most of all, I am thankful to have forged a personal friendship with you that I know will last a lifetime.”
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The State Partnership Program of the U.S. National Guard has been successfully building relations for more than 30 years. Today, it includes 105 partnerships with 115 nations, including the partnership between the national guards of Tunisia and the State of Wyoming.
In recognition of this highly successful bilateral partnership, the head of the Wyoming National Guard – Major General Greg Porter – flew to Washington DC to participate in the Ambassador of the Year ceremony. He shared stories about Tajouri Bessassi’s time in Wyoming, where she has advanced the Tunisia – Wyoming relationship.
Porter said, “Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi is a genuinely good human being. An expert diplomat and empathetic leader for her country, the ambassador has played an instrumental role in creating partnerships between Tunisia and Wyoming. The people of Wyoming are blessed to call her a friend.”
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Jim Burkee, President of Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri, led a delegation of academics and business leaders to Tunisia earlier this year. In his testimonial, he cited a quote often attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt: “A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” He noted, “Ambassador Hanène– for the sake of her people, of her country – has chosen to live much of her professional life in hot water . . . . The water doesn’t get hotter than here in Washington DC, and it is here that Ambassador Hanène’s exceptional strength and leadership have shone brightly.”
He continued, “Ambassador Hanèneserves as just the latest example to the next generation of strong, independent young Tunisian women. But strength is nothing without heart. And it is here, in her heart for her people, that I have seen the ambassador stand apart from all others. Her strong, genuine spirit helps to explain why she has so rapidly and successfully integrated herself into Washington DC society: She has provided others with a window into the beauty and potential of the Tunisian people.”
Burkee concluded, “Ambassador Hanène, yours has not been a life pursuing riches or fame. Rather, it has been one of sacrifice. And your country, and your people, are better because of your life of service. This is a blessing, for which we say Hamdoullah.”
* * *
Jan Du Plain, a well-known Washington socialite and events manager, has worked with Tajouri Bessassi in a variety of capacities. She noted, “Every now and then, a bright light appears on the Washington scene – a light that shines above all the others. These extraordinary individuals, whom I call ‘light bearers,’ illuminate our lives, inspire us, and change the world with their presence. Her Excellency Hanèneis one such person.”
Du Plain continued, “Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of watching Ambassador Hanènepour her heart, mind, body, and soul into her role. Tunisia is so fortunate to have such a devoted and inspiring leader sharing her light with the world as ambassador.”
As the unofficial chair of the “HanèneFan Club,” Du Plain concluded, “We recognize Her Excellency as a true light bearer for her country, her family, and for all of us fortunate enough to call her a friend. Shine on, my friend!”
* * *
Sometimes, diplomats are called upon to support humanitarian causes. Ms. Ameni Baghdadi, a Tunisian student, reached out to Tajouri Bessassi earlier this year for help. At the time, Baghdadi and her family were in Haiti, which was descending into chaos.
“In the midst of this crisis,” Baghdadi said, “I decided to reach out to Madame Hanènevia Facebook late at night. I wasn’t sure if she would reply but, to my surprise, she responded immediately. From that moment on, everything changed.”
Baghdadi noted that Tajouri Bessassi stepped up “without hesitation, handling the situation with an incredible sense of urgency and responsibility. Despite the chaotic and worsening situation in Haiti, she remained focused and determined.”
She continued, “But what truly sets Madame Hanèneapart is not just her professionalism, but her compassion and moral support. She was more than an ambassador — she was a source of reassurance, comfort, and strength. Thanks to her, we were able to leave Haiti under the best possible conditions.”
She concluded, “Her kindness and dedication made us feel that all of Tunisia was with us during those difficult moments. Her unwavering support and commitment gave us the strength to hold on when things seemed impossible. I am forever grateful to her.”
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The Secretary of State of Washington DC, Hon. Kimberly Bassett, noted, “Ambassador Hanène, your dedication to fostering strong, collaborative relationships has not only strengthened our diplomatic ties, but has also enriched our city’s world view.”
She continued, “Your journey as a diplomat, mother, and champion for women in all professions is inspiring. You have shown the world that diplomacy is not only about negotiations and agreements, but also about modeling the values of equity, inclusion, and resilience. Your work has empowered so many to believe in their potential and to reach for their dreams.”
Bassett went on to say, “In the spirit of this celebration, I am reminded of Ella Fitzgerald’s classic, ‘A Night in Tunisia.’ Just as that timeless piece has left an indelible mark on the world of jazz, your contributions have left a lasting impact on the world stage. Much like the beautiful notes of Fitzgerald’s song, when we think about you, what comes to mind is harmony, strength, grace, and light.”
She concluded, “Today we celebrate you, Ambassador Hanène, for your exemplary service, your dedication, and your joyful approach to diplomacy and cultural exchange. Your work has made a profound difference, and we are grateful for your leadership, vision and style.”
The Last Word
The last word goes to H.E. HanèneTajouri Bessassi, who characterized the Ambassador of the Year celebration as “a highlight of my professional career. I was honored to be surrounded by so many friends and colleagues, a reflection of the remarkable, longstanding partnership between Tunisia and the United States. Thank you, NUSACC, for giving me the opportunity to be part of this extraordinary event.”
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