Message from the Carlos P. Romulo Foundation for Peace and Development on the Occasion of the Awarding of the Ambassador Carlos P. Romulo Award for Excellence in Diplomatic Relations

Good afternoon.

If ever there was an Ambassador who has gone above and beyond his call of duty, it’s Ambassador Fries. In addition to his tireless efforts to enhance trade relations between Sweden and the Philippines, which have already been outlined, I would like to call attention to the excellent work he has done in the area of gender equality. He not only sheds light on Sweden’s Gender Equality; he is dedicated to strengthening it in the Philippines.

“Don’t tell me how to dress” Donttellmehowtodress is a movement against gender-based violence founded by UN Women Asia and the Pacific Goodwill Ambassador, Cindy Sirinya Bishop. When it launched in the Philippines, Ambassador Fries spoke in support of survivors of gender-based violence at Ateneo, Enderun College, BDO, Naga, and Dumaguete City.

Ambassador Harald Fries is a friend and a true diplomat who has perceived the commonalities between Swedish and Filipino culture and has sought to deepen the relationship. It is my great pleasure to present him today with the Carlos P. Romulo Award for Outstanding Ambassador.