2ND WORLD MEETING OF CIVIL DIPLOMATS: MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE 2026

The Mediterranean Brings Nations Together Through Humanitarian Civil Diplomacy

By participating in the World Meeting of Civil Diplomats, alongside people from so many cultures, nations and walks of life, I become greater, not out of vanity, but through a shared sense of purpose. Each person seems to make the world a little wider.

In September 2026, the Mediterranean became the setting for the 2nd World Meeting of Civil Diplomats Jethro International.

Aboard an MSC cruise ship, Humanitarian Civil Diplomats from different countries shared experiences, strengthened professional connections and celebrated their commitment to Humanitarian Civil Diplomacy.

Over eight days and seven nights, the cruise visited some of Europe’s most remarkable destinations. Departing from Civitavecchia, near Rome, the itinerary included Mykonos, Kusadasi, Marmaris and Naples, as well as a visit to Pompeii.

Opening Ceremony and Meeting of Humanitarian Civil Diplomats

The presence of representatives from different nations marked the opening of the 2nd World Meeting of Civil Diplomats. Participants from diverse cultures, professional backgrounds and personal journeys came together to celebrate the spirit of Civil Diplomacy.

The ceremony brought together representatives of Germany, Belgium, Brazil, Burundi, Cameroon, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, the United States, France, the Netherlands, Mozambique, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Switzerland.

Beyond the presentation of nations, the ceremony highlighted one of the meeting’s guiding principles: Civil Diplomacy as a means of bringing people, cultures and nations closer together.

International leaders attending the gathering included Janine Rangel, Global Director of Jethro International; Adenir Santos, Global Expansion Director; and Colonel José Geraldo, National Director of Jethro International in Portugal.

Gerson Freire, Civil Diplomat and Business Consultant specialising in the internationalisation of companies, served as the event’s Concierge and Interpreter. He welcomed the Civil Diplomats during the opening ceremony.

Sonia Crisóstomo, writer, public speaker and Portugal Manager of the World Happiness Foundation, led the presentation of the participating nations and their representatives.

Gabriel Jr., founder of Grupo Sucesso in Mozambique, philanthropist and author, delivered a brief reflection on the importance of dialogue and cooperation. His contribution reinforced the central message of respect for and recognition of cultural diversity.

Representing the United Arab Emirates, Weverton Araújo, Jethro International Expansion Director in Dubai, presented his work and highlighted the organisation’s activities in the emirate.

During his presentation, he invited participants to Jethro International’s next gathering in Dubai, scheduled for 21 October 2026, at 3.30 pm, at the Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.

Civil Diplomats Catarina Muianga, Christian Zuber and Mary Pagano also introduced themselves, sharing their professional backgrounds, areas of expertise and some of the humanitarian projects they support.

Throughout the opening ceremony and the cruise, Rikardo Oliveira, Civil Diplomat and People Connector, conducted interviews and encouraged connections between participants. His work created opportunities to share personal stories, professional experiences and humanitarian initiatives.

Jethro International’s Onboard Team

The following professionals formed the Jethro International onboard team:

• Gerson Freire – Concierge and Interpreter
• Diego Balt – Director of Jethro Travel
• Fernanda Kania – Events Coordinator
• Franciele Andrade – Administrative Support

Meeting the President of Civil Diplomat Jethro International

One of the most anticipated moments for the Civil Diplomats was the opportunity to meet Renato Freire, President and Founder of Civil Diplomat Jethro International Organisation, in person.

During the gathering, participants gained further insights into the organisation’s guidelines, vision and future perspectives for Humanitarian Civil Diplomacy.

Director Adenir Santos and the GCI Global Dialogue Forum on Food Security and Trade Routes

The Food Security and Trade Routes Forum, an initiative led by Business International Director Adenir Santos through GCI Global Dialogue, formed part of the official programme of the 2nd World Meeting of Civil Diplomats.

The discussions addressed major contemporary challenges, focusing on food security and its relationship with international trade, logistics, development and cooperation between countries.

Distinguished participants included Minister Augusto Nardes, of Brazil’s Federal Court of Accounts; José Pereira Júnior, Executive Director of the Global Connect Institute; and Francisco Saint Clair de Sousa Neto, lawyer and Professor of Law.

GCI Global Dialogue aims to connect businesses, suppliers and global opportunities, strengthening international relationships and developing pathways for import and export operations.

The forum also addressed governance and legal certainty as essential elements in establishing more stable, transparent and efficient trade routes.

Business Roundtable with Director Márcia Damasceno

The Business Roundtable, led by Director Márcia Damasceno, provided an opportunity for Civil Diplomats to exchange knowledge, professional experiences, projects and contacts.

The session encouraged new connections and helped participants identify potential partnerships, including opportunities to develop and strengthen humanitarian initiatives.

Literary Odes, Live Art and Book Launches

The 2nd World Meeting of Civil Diplomats also celebrated literature and the arts. Authors, writers and cultural professionals came together to present their works, exchange experiences and recognise the value of diverse creative voices.

A particularly memorable moment featured artist Ramaya Vallias, who delivered a live artistic performance and painting session.

Colonel José Geraldo, Director of Civil Diplomat Jethro International Organisation in Portugal, reflected on the role of literature and culture in connecting people and nations.

“Perhaps this is the essence of culture: it is not merely about preserving what we have inherited from those who came before us. It is also about discovering, through art, that what distinguishes us can be just as important as what brings us together.

As the Roman Cicero wrote, ‘If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.’ (…) And as this ship travels from one shore to another, perhaps we can carry with us this simple conviction: cultures exist not only to tell us who we are, but also to enable us to recognise others.”

Books Presented During the Meeting

The literary programme included the following publications and authors:

• Mulheres na Diplomacia – Co-authors Belkiss Pereira, Luciana Piretti and Silésia Caixeta, featuring contributions from 25 women.

• A Metafísica: A Ciência do Invisível – Dale Brant

• Plano de Ação Executável – Liz Araújo

• O Poder Infinito do Não – Descubra a Força da Sua Voz para Mudar a Realidade – Marcelina Jaime Furtado

• Seja o Seu Próprio Milagre – Susy Shikoda

• Anxiety Reimagined – Refocusing the Mind – Fernanda Prado

• Menopausa Feliz – Dr Neusa Brisolla

• Relacionamentos: a Verdade Nua e Crua – Desvendando Laços do Coração – Anderson Carlos de Oliveira and Antônia Nerivalda Brito de Oliveira

• Bloqueio e Vícios Emocionais – Anderson Carlos de Oliveira

• Semente do Poema – Paulino Duarte de Araújo

• Adote um Mentor – George Niemeyer

• Olhos de Águia – Helena Aguiar

Diego Balt also presented the concept behind the Almanaque da Diplomacia (Diplomacy Almanac), a publication dedicated to Civil Diplomats and their humanitarian projects.

With its launch scheduled for November 2026, the publication was open to contributions from those interested in sharing their professional journeys and giving greater visibility to their humanitarian initiatives.

Martin Luther King Jr. Award: Humanitarian Tribute to Micheline Barandereka

The Martin Luther King Jr. Award recognises leaders whose achievements and actions reflect humanitarian values and a commitment to positive social transformation.

Micheline Barandereka, a Civil Diplomat from Burundi, received the award in recognition of her leadership and dedication to humanitarian work.

After ten years of service with the United Nations, she returned to her home country to support vulnerable communities.

As Founder and Executive Director of the Shekinah Centre, based in Mukaza, she develops projects focused on education, healthcare, nutrition, access to clean drinking water and the economic empowerment of rural families.

Her work creates opportunities for children and families while contributing to social inclusion and the sustainable development of communities in Burundi.

Micheline established the Shekinah Centre to promote social inclusion, dignity and equality. As she explains:

“By enabling people to act together, Shekinah Centre fosters social inclusion and equality.”

Solemn Ceremony: Decoration of Civil Diplomats and Appointment of Expansion Directors

Jethro International’s Expansion Directors represent the organisation within their respective areas of responsibility. Their work contributes to the advancement of Civil Diplomacy, the development of international connections and the implementation of projects across the organisation’s global network.

During the 2nd World Meeting of Civil Diplomats, the following appointments were celebrated:

Appointment of Expansion Directors

• Alexandra Almeida – Expansion Director for Latin America
• Belkiss Pereira – Expansion Director for International Relations
• Francisco Saint Clair de Sousa Neto – Legal Expansion Director, Brazil
• Karla Leal – Expansion Director for International Relations
• Luciana Piretti – Expansion Director for Communication and Human Development
• Mary Pagano – International Director of Sustainability
• Sônia Crisóstomo – Expansion Director for Corporate Social Governance

The ceremony also recognised Humanitarian Civil Diplomats, with decorations presented by their respective directors.

Decorated by Global Expansion Director Adenir Santos

• Thiago Sampaio – ID 8913
• Elaine Martins – ID 9197
• Joel Pereira – ID 9198
• Diego Silva – ID 9206
• Ivyna Ferreira – ID 9207
• Enaile Sampaio – ID 9211
• Daniele Feitosa – ID 9212
• Milene Rodrigues – ID 9213
• Rafael Melo – ID 8932
• Cássio Santos – ID 8565
• Leandro Henrique dos Santos – ID 9224

Decorated by Expansion Director for Corporate Social Governance Sonia Crisóstomo

• Magrid Teske – ID 9205

Decorated by Jethro Travel Expansion Director Diego Balt

• Edson Sousa – ID 8962
• Lorena Gaspar – ID 9210

Decorated by Global Director Janine Rangel

• Roseita Royce – ID 8873

Decorated by Expansion Director for Communication and Human Development Luciana Piretti

• Evandro Guimarães – ID 8614
• Danielle Guimarães – ID 9193
• Soraia Alcoforado – ID 8708
• Rita Cadore – ID 8847

Decorated by Expansion Director Anderson Oliveira

• Thiago Saldanha – ID 8517
• Mayara Lima – ID 8549
• Jorge Paulino – ID 8915

Decorated by European Expansion Director Rui Miguel Coelho

• Ana Maria Mafra – ID 9215
• Paulo Vicente – ID 4363
• Christian Zuber – ID 7926
• Nazaré Jorge – ID 4802
• Mariana Chongolola – ID 8770
• Rogério Xavier – ID 9009
• Alice Umulisa – ID 8486
• Yesim Kocak – ID 8505
• António Motinho – ID 8759
• Catarina Muianga – ID 8668
• Sidmar Rogerio Schmidt – ID 8556
• Roland Kebila – ID 8355

Closing Ceremony: 25 Years of Jethro International

The 2nd World Meeting of Civil Diplomats took place during a particularly meaningful year for Jethro International, as the organisation celebrated 25 years of a journey shaped by people, leaders, projects and connections across the world.

As a symbol of this collective commitment, the Civil Diplomats were invited to sign a commemorative board, reaffirming their dedication to the principles of Civil Diplomacy and their involvement in the organisation’s future activities.

Colonel José Geraldo delivered the closing remarks and formally concluded a programme marked by cultural exchange, humanitarian projects, cooperation and new international connections.

The Mediterranean journey offered a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships, exchange experiences and celebrate the achievements of Humanitarian Civil Diplomacy around the world.

Together, we sailed with a humanitarian purpose, and what we began here will reach far beyond the horizon.

Photography: Camila Médici.